New Zealand are bidding to become the first team to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups on Saturday, but who have been the architects of their success? At times the All Blacks' progress has seemed serene, yet there was a wake up call of sorts in the last four against South Africa. Julian Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder hogged many of the headlines on the way to the final, but the speedy wingers have not done it all on their own. Martyn Thomas rates each member of the squad's performance over the last five weeks...

BEAUDEN BARRETT: Has been kept out of the starting XV by a resurgent Dan Carter but has done everything asked of him, showing his versatility to cover wing off the bench. Scored 16 points on his only start, against Namibia, and scored the decisive try within minutes of coming on against South Africa. Mark: B

SAM CANE: Earmarked as the long-term replacement for Richie McCaw, Cane captained the All Blacks in their win over Namibia but has largely been restricted to the role of replacement. Has done so admirably though, and scored in the opening Pool C victory over Argentina. C plus

DAN CARTER: The 33-year-old has improved as the tournament has progressed, proving his ability to manage a game has not diminished with age in the semifinal win over the Springboks. Rolled back the years with a behind-the-back pass to set up Julian Savea in the last eight stroll against France. A plus

DANE COLES: Regarded as the world's best hooker and has done his best to justify that tag over the last five weeks. His no-nonsense approach to the game was highlighted as he dismissed England's £3million training base as "just another building". A

© Steve Bardens - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

WYATT CROCKETT: Will miss the final having suffered a slight setback in his recovery from the injury he picked up against France. Crockett offered cover at both loose- and tighthead. C

CHARLIE FAUMUINA: Began the World Cup behind Owen Franks, but was unable to nail down a starting spot after injury to Tony Woodcock saw Franks switch to loosehead. His dynamism off the bench contributed to the All Blacks' success, though. C

MALAKAI FEKITOA: Has found opportunities limited but took his chances when they came, scoring against both Namibia and Georgia. C

BEN FRANKS: Another who has found game time limited, restricted to a solitary start against Namibia and replacement appearances against Tonga and South Africa. C

OWEN FRANKS: Has shown his versatility, switching from the No.3 to No.1 shirt following injury to Tony Woodcock. Dropped for the pool match against Georgia, Franks has taken that message on board and was a key presence in defence against South Africa. B minus

JEROME KAINO: Has started every game en route to the final, working impressively alongside Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. Overstepped the mark slightly against the Springboks though and his yellow card could have cost the All Blacks. B

TAWERA KERR-BARLOW: Has challenged TJ Perenara for the role of back-up scrum-half and scored two tries in the rout of France. C plus

LIAM MESSAM: Restricted to one appearance off the bench against Tonga, at lock, in a game that had long been won. C

© Mike Egerton/PA Wire

RICHIE McCAW: Despite nearing his 35th birthday, McCaw has been as influential as ever, staying -- almost -- on the right side of the officials and helping steer his side towards the final. Has an opportunity to cement his status as one of the greats of the game. A

KEVEN MEALAMU: Form of Dane Coles has relegated him to role of replacement, but he has done little wrong in his five appearances. C plus

NEHE MILNER-SKUDDER: Has proved to be the All Blacks' bolter at the World Cup, playing five games and scoring as many tries. Julian Savea may have notched more but Milner-Skudder's powerful running has wreaked havoc. A plus

JOE MOODY: A late call-up following Tony Woodcock's injury and has seized his opportunity with both hands. Endured something of a reality check against South Africa, but will start the final. B minus

WAISAKE NAHOLO: The form of Nehe Milner-Skudder and Julian Savea has contributed to his lack of opportunities. Naholo has scored one try in two starts, a blistering effort in the second minute against Georgia that hinted at what might have been had it not been for injury. C plus

MA'A NONU: Another of the experienced heads that have helped ease New Zealand's progress. Did not enjoy his best game against South Africa but showed his class when it mattered, setting up Beauden Barrett for his side's second try with a wonderfully weighted pass. B minus

TJ PERENARA: Was expected to challenge Aaron Smith but instead has been usurped in the scrum-half pecking order by Tawera Kerr-Barlow. D

KIERAN READ: The third member of the All Blacks' brilliant back row, the No.8 has stolen more lineouts than any other player in the tournament. Read was at his best against South Africa, disrupting the Springbok set piece and not allowing them to set an attacking platform. A plus

BRODIE RETALLICK: Second on the list of lineout steals behind Kieran Read, the all-action lock has also becoming a ball-carrying threat for New Zealand. His partnership with Sam Whitelock is helping to redefine the role of a second-row. B plus

LUKE ROMANO: Provided second-row cover, did little wrong against Namibia and Tonga. C

© LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images

JULIAN SAVEA: Can set a new single tournament try-scoring record if he touches down for his ninth score against Australia on Saturday. Savea's performances have drawn comparisons with Jonah Lomu. A

AARON SMITH: The diminutive scrum-half has been quietly effective during the World Cup, keeping New Zealand moving forward with the minimum of fuss. B minus

BEN SMITH: Confirmed his status as the best fullback in the world on current form with a virtuoso performance against South Africa. His counter-attacking brilliance has garnered 453 metres from 24 carries so far. A plus

CONRAD SMITH: Another who has gone about his business quietly, but Smith has been an integral presence in both defence and attack. The centre has a 96 percent tackle success rate while making 127 metres with the ball in hand. B

COLIN SLADE: Just the one outing for the versatile back, that included a very brief stint in his preferred fly-half position. C

CODIE TAYLOR: One start, one try but not seen since the Namibia match. C

VICTOR VITO: His four appearances have come in four different positions, as Read's form has barred the route to the No.8 shirt. C

SAM WHITELOCK: Brodie Retallick's partner in crime has put in a monumental shift in defence over the last five weeks, making 40 tackles with a success rate of 91 percent. A

SONNY BILL WILLIAMS: Bar the pool games against Namibia and Georgia, Williams has been used as an impact replacement, using his pace and power to batter tiring defences. B

TONY WOODCOCK: Injury ultimately brought an end to his storied international career but he was not having things all his way before disaster struck. C

PAULIASI MANU: Called up as injury cover days before the final and not included in the 23-man squad for the showpiece game. N/A