However, despite the disappointing end to the year, the clear growth in the side was hard to ignore, with strong efforts all around the park and a stunning defensive effort being justly rewarded in the final ballot of votes from The Rugby Fans audience this year.

Check out the full DIY player ratings below.

Reader player ratings from loss over Ireland

1. James SlipperAverage score: 5.49Most common rating: 6 (40.2%)

2. Brandon Paenga-AmosaAverage score: 5.86Most common rating: 6 (43.4%)

3. Taniela TupouAverage score: 6.12Most common rating: 6 (36.9%)

4. Nick FrostAverage score: 6.89Most common rating: 7 (49.1%)

5. Jeremy WilliamsAverage score: 6.55Most common rating: 7 (39.3%)

6. Rob ValetiniAverage score: 7.84Most common rating: 8 (44.3%)

7. Fraser McReightAverage score: 8.50Most common rating: 9 (50%)

8. Harry Wilson (c)Average score: 7.31Most common rating: 8 (38.5%)

9. Jake GordonAverage score: 5.68Most common rating: 6 (43%)

10. Noah LolesioAverage score: 6.16Most common rating: 7 (33.8%)

11. Max JorgensenAverage score: 6.01Most common rating: 6 (43.2%)

12. Len IkitauAverage score: 6.35Most common rating: 6 (41.7%)

13. Joseph-Aukuso SuaaliiAverage score: 5.61Most common rating: 6 (39.2%)

14. Andrew KellawayAverage score: 6.43Most common rating: 7 (27.7%)

15. Tom WrightAverage score: 6.27Most common rating: 6 (34.6%)

Reserves

16. Billy Pollard (Sub on in 56th minute)Average score: 5.36Most common rating: 5 (45.7%)

17. Isaac Kailea (Sub on in 49th minute)Average score: 5.74Most common rating: 6 (39.2%)

18. Allan Alaalatoa (Sub on in 45th minute)Average score: 5.88Most common rating: 6 (43.4%)

19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Sub on in 59th minute)Average score: 5.68Most common rating: 6 (43.7%)

20. Langi Gleeson (Sub on in 73rd minute)Average score: 5.08Most common rating: 5 (54.3%)

21. Tate McDermott (Sub on in 60th minute)Average score: 5.33Most common rating: 5 (44.6%)

22. Tane Edmed (Sub on in 73rd minute, sub off in 76th minute)Average score: 4.06Most common rating: 5 (51.8%)

23. Harry Potter (Sub on in 78th minute)Average score: 4.33Most common rating: 5 (52.1%)