LIAM NAPIER Last updated 22:33 09/10/2011
RWC 2011 - All Blacks vs Argentina QF4: Argentina v New Zealand
Match Scorecard
New Zealand33
Tries: Kieran Read (1), Brad Thorn (1)
Conversions: Aaron Cruden (1)
Penalty goals: Piri Weepu (7)
Argentina10
Tries: Julio Farias Cabello (1)
Conversions: Felipe Contepomi (1)
Penalty goals: Marcello Bosch (1)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand may be into the semifinals but they could be down to their third-choice pivot after Colin Slade suffered a groin complaint at Eden Park, the same injury that robbed Dan Carter of any further participation in this tournament.
That was the primary talking point a crowd of 57,912 will ponder post-match.
Anxious memories of that shocking night in Cardiff four-years ago will have crept into the consciousness of some, as the All Blacks struggled to shake off the Pumas, who were never expected to get close, until the closing stages.
This was not the complete performance second centurion Mils Muliaina would have wanted as he entered the record books alongside underpowered captain Richie McCaw, clearly plagued by his ongoing foot problem.
Veteran fullback Muliaina, replaced by Isaia Toeava after 50-minutes, was almost brought to tears during the national anthem.
Slade kick-started a shaky beginning by dropping a regulation pass which forced Conrad Smith to scramble back and save a try.
It summed up Slade's short and erratic evening.
He was unable to ease the nerves left by Carter's void and cement his place as the first-choice playmaker. He was replaced by Manawatu's Aaron Cruden, who linked confidently in his unexpected cameo.
Missing evasive fullback Israel Dagg and powerful utility Richard Kahui, the All Blacks were ragged, disjointed and nervous for large periods.
They looked like a team that had made constant backline changes throughout pool play.
Cohesion was absent, highlighted by their inability to finish chances, other than No.8 Kieran Read and lock Brad Thorn's late scores.
Graham Henry's men weren't able to dictate terms and implement their high-tempo game, a worrying sign ahead of the semifinal against Robbie Deans' Australia.
World No 7 Argentina, keen to engage in the close-quarter combat, put the customary squeeze on at the breakdown.
Their illegal slowing tactics went unpunished by Welsh referee Nigel Owens too long before halfback Nicolas Vergallo was yellow carded with 20-minutes to play.
However, for much of the contest the All Blacks failed to adapt and allowed themselves to be frustrated with the infringing.
To their credit, the Pumas' abrasive and committed defence was tough to crack.
It denied Read as he was pushed out in the corner. Two Cory Jane breaks went unconverted in the first quarter and McCaw placed the ball on an Argentinean boot, rather than at the base of the post, in the second-half.
Luckily, man-of-the-match halfback Piri Weepu stepped up to save the day with seven coolly struck penalties.
He took much of the directional duties with Slade prone and Cruden new to the systems.
Without his assured guidance the All Blacks were in strife. He is now more crucial than ever to the hopes of ending 24-years of angst.
The tenacious Pumas made the most telling statement of the first spell when No 8 Leonardo Senatore stepped Read and broke McCaw's covering tackle, possibly confirming the influential pair's lack of fitness.
That movement finished with blindside flanker Julio Farias Cabello busting through wing Sonny Bill Williams for the surprising opening try. Felipe Contepomi gave his side a shock 7-6 lead after 31-minutes, but Weepu put the hosts back in-front, 12-7, at halftime.
McCaw came off as precaution with eight minutes to play when the game was safe. He had plenty to think about on the bench, with the Wallabies now intent to crack the 17-year Eden Park fortress.
Result:
New Zealand 33 (Kieran Read, Brad Thorn tries; Piri Weepu 7 pen, Aaron Cruden con) Argentina 10 (Julio Farias Cabello try; Felipe Contepomi con, Marcelo Bosch pen). HT: 12-7
Showing posts with label McCaw. Show all posts
Showing posts with label McCaw. Show all posts
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
McCaw hails clinical All Blacks
Former All Blacks captain Jock Hobbs presented Richie McCaw with a special cap to mark his 100th appearance
AUCKLAND, 24 Sept. - New Zealand captain Richie McCaw hailed his team's performance after the All Blacks swept to a 37-17 victory over France at Eden Park on Saturday.
Tries from number 8 Adam Thomson and wing Cory Jane put the All Blacks in control before full back Israel Dagg struck either side of half-time.
The French hit back through Maxime Mermoz and Francois Trinh-Duc but the Kiwis confirmed their superiority with a fifth try from Sonny Bill Williams.
McCaw - who was awarded a special cap to mark his 100th international appearance - said: "We realised we had to take a step up this week.
"We had to absorb a fair bit early on and I was proud of the way the boys did that. When we got the opportunity we put the points on the board.
"The boys held their cool and when we had a chance we took it. I'm very happy with the way things went."
Thrilling burst
Fly half Morgan Parra saw a drop kick crash off an upright after three minutes as France pinned the All Blacks back in the early stages.
But New Zealand weathered the storm and went ahead in the ninth minute when Thomson got on the end of a move inspired by a Ma'a Nonu burst and sidestep to touch down at the corner. Fly half Dan Carter missed the conversion.
Jane extended the lead after 17 minutes when he took a superb pass from Piri Weepu to scythe through the French rearguard for try No.2. This time Carter made no mistake with his kick.
Les Bleus were in disarray four minutes later when Dagg took Carter's pass in acres of space and crossed under the posts to make it 17-0. Carter again added the extras.
New Zealand replaced Jane with Williams after 34 minutes.
Stunning drop goal
France got on the scoresheet with a penalty from Dimitri Yachvili as half-time approached.
Dagg scored his second try within a minute of the restart after a sweeping move. Carter landed his third conversion of the evening to put the All Blacks 26-3 in front.
The fly half made it four kicks from five attempts when he sent over a long-range penalty.
France hit back when centre Mermoz intercepted a Carter pass to race home. Yachvili's conversion took his side's points tally into double figures.
But Carter banged another stunning drop goal through the posts to take him to 109 points for the tournament.
Replacement Trinh-Duc scored a second try for the French in the 75th minute only to see Williams race through to dive over at the other end almost immediately.
AUCKLAND, 24 Sept. - New Zealand captain Richie McCaw hailed his team's performance after the All Blacks swept to a 37-17 victory over France at Eden Park on Saturday.
Tries from number 8 Adam Thomson and wing Cory Jane put the All Blacks in control before full back Israel Dagg struck either side of half-time.
The French hit back through Maxime Mermoz and Francois Trinh-Duc but the Kiwis confirmed their superiority with a fifth try from Sonny Bill Williams.
McCaw - who was awarded a special cap to mark his 100th international appearance - said: "We realised we had to take a step up this week.
"We had to absorb a fair bit early on and I was proud of the way the boys did that. When we got the opportunity we put the points on the board.
"The boys held their cool and when we had a chance we took it. I'm very happy with the way things went."
Thrilling burst
Fly half Morgan Parra saw a drop kick crash off an upright after three minutes as France pinned the All Blacks back in the early stages.
But New Zealand weathered the storm and went ahead in the ninth minute when Thomson got on the end of a move inspired by a Ma'a Nonu burst and sidestep to touch down at the corner. Fly half Dan Carter missed the conversion.
Jane extended the lead after 17 minutes when he took a superb pass from Piri Weepu to scythe through the French rearguard for try No.2. This time Carter made no mistake with his kick.
Les Bleus were in disarray four minutes later when Dagg took Carter's pass in acres of space and crossed under the posts to make it 17-0. Carter again added the extras.
New Zealand replaced Jane with Williams after 34 minutes.
Stunning drop goal
France got on the scoresheet with a penalty from Dimitri Yachvili as half-time approached.
Dagg scored his second try within a minute of the restart after a sweeping move. Carter landed his third conversion of the evening to put the All Blacks 26-3 in front.
The fly half made it four kicks from five attempts when he sent over a long-range penalty.
France hit back when centre Mermoz intercepted a Carter pass to race home. Yachvili's conversion took his side's points tally into double figures.
But Carter banged another stunning drop goal through the posts to take him to 109 points for the tournament.
Replacement Trinh-Duc scored a second try for the French in the 75th minute only to see Williams race through to dive over at the other end almost immediately.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup with Eden Park win
Highlights of the All Blacks v Wallabies Bledisloe Cup test match played at Eden Park, Auckland.
Last updated 00:01 07/08/2011
It was yet another superb performance from Graham Henry's men and it's difficult to know what else needs to be improved on before the World Cup, so good was the performance.
The All Blacks had more to lose in the game. A Wallabies defeat could be comfortably brushed off as this is still a young Australia side that's developing and they also have a number of key players to come back in time for the World Cup.
But for the All Blacks, a loss on home soil just over a month out from the start of the World Cup would have been disastrous and that positivity around the country about the team would have evaporated overnight.
But none of that is going to happen. This win put a significant line in the sand ahead of the World Cup and All Blacks fans really can dare to believe that the Webb Ellis Cup is coming back.
To beat the team ranked No2 in the world so convincingly was the best indication as to how good this team is in 2011.
The key to last night's victory was the All Blacks' defence and their ability to shut down the Wallabies' runners before they got going. This was done by standing flat and putting in massive hits to stop all of the ball runners' momentum.
David Pocock conceded a penalty in the fifth minute by going straight to ground at a ruck, a mistake that Dan Carter was able to convert into three points.
This was quickly followed by a Ma'a Nonu try, his 18th for the All Blacks, as he was somehow able to dive around three Australians to score from two metres out
As the half went on the Wallabies started getting into the game with Will Genia and Quade Cooper showing touches of their magic while Rocky Elsom was putting in an immense performance up front.
However, it was to be the All Blacks who'd score the next try with Keven Mealamu going in from all of 10cm for the try and with Carter's conversion making the score 17-0 the result already looked to be in the bag.
Two missed penalties by James O'Connor didn't help the Australian cause and they looked a crushed side as they trudged off at halftime.
Carter's drop kick in the 48th minute was very un-All Blacks like, but was no doubt something to put into practice ahead of the World Cup.
Digby Ioane's try in the 54th minute finally got Australia on the board, but hopes of a comeback disappeared straight from the restart with Sitiveni Sivivatu scoring after Conrad Smith made a long run.
It was to be try that really sealed the contest. But impressively the All Blacks' concentration didn't drop off over the rest of the half. They stuck to their task, followed the game plan and got the victory.
Only a consolation try to Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom blotted the finish but it was a done deal by then.
The result means the Bledisloe Cup has been retained by the All Blacks for another year.
That's one trophy won, how many more are to come?
New Zealand 30: (Ma'a Nonu, Keven Mealamu, Sitiveni Sivivatu tries; Dan Carter 3 con, 2 pen, dropped goal)
Australia 14: (Digby Ioane, Rocky Elsom tries; Quade Cooper 2 con).
Halftime: 17-0
- Stuff
Monday, March 28, 2011
New Zealand Players leading up to the World Cup
New Zealand
The question of Richie McCaw's back-up has gobbled up so much attention that last week's departure of Mils Muliaina for a month with a back injury went under the radar.
Although there is no suggestion that Muliaina won't be fully restored to take his place in the World Cup starting side, the lack of anxiety over his absence speak volumes about the Kiwis' plethora of outside backs.
And the continued growth of Robbie Fruean - who will already be giving Adam Ashley-Cooper nightmares - has further complicated a selection area that is stacking up to be the most hotly contested.
Expressed simply, the likes of Fruean, Isaia Toeava, Richard Kahui, Israel Dagg, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Cory Jane, Zac Guildford, Sitiveni Sivavatu, Hosea Gear and now Sean Maitland can't all fit into the squad.
Of those Toeva and Gear most likely booked their places with strong end-of-season tours, but the rampaging form of Fruean - not even fear could take Ashley-Cooper from his grasp, although the Brumby oddly appears to be lacking some conditioning - has put the rest on notice.
Fruean's lack of versatility might count against him, although there is nothing to say that the All Blacks coaches won't see him as a centre who can cover wing. Certainly they have gone down that path with Kahui and the sight of Fruean terrorising Australian defences in concert with giant midfield mate Sonny Bill Williams must have them purring about his potential.
We suspect it's possible that, injuries permitting, the All Blacks might add Fruean, Dagg and Sivavatu to their travelling party with the unlucky Jane and Rokocoko to miss out. What a problem to have.
There must be delight too that Fruean, along with Dagg, Maitland and Guildford, are safely housed in the Canterbury environment.
Notwithstanding its reputation for developing potential all three are being given the opportunity of playing alongside Dan Carter.
The expectation of Carter's excellence has meant that his form has been something of the untold story so far this year. But there has more than just the fine goalkicking and game control. There is an explosiveness and acceleration this year that serious injuries in the past few years might have dulled.
Relishing the extra attention Williams is bringing - probably off the field as well - Carter has been quick to spot a half gap and put the foot down. He takes on the voracious Highlanders loose forwards on Saturday, but watch how he'll be trying to exploit the lack of familiarity in their 10-12 channel. He seems back to his very best.
The same cannot be said of Conrad Smith during the entertaining but error-riddled Hurricanes v Chiefs game, but the clever No.13 is one of those players who has built up a vast amount of much capital with the selectors in recent years.
Despite a few uncharacteristic errors on Saturday, Smith remains the best defensive back in New Zealand, in the most important position, and offers the perfect foil to the power that Williams or Ma'a Nonu bring at No.12.
The injuries: Ali Williams will miss a month with a hamstring injury and McCaw's recovery from his tricky metatarsal injury is taking longer than expected, which will be no surprise to fans of English football who have watched David Beckham and Wayne Rooney struggle with similar injuries and turn up to World Cups as shadows of their former selves.
The wildcard: Last week we mentioned one Highlander lock, Jarrad Hoeata, this week it's the turn of another, Josh Bekhuis. His tussle with Sam Whitelock on Saturday could be a cracker.
The question of Richie McCaw's back-up has gobbled up so much attention that last week's departure of Mils Muliaina for a month with a back injury went under the radar.
Although there is no suggestion that Muliaina won't be fully restored to take his place in the World Cup starting side, the lack of anxiety over his absence speak volumes about the Kiwis' plethora of outside backs.
And the continued growth of Robbie Fruean - who will already be giving Adam Ashley-Cooper nightmares - has further complicated a selection area that is stacking up to be the most hotly contested.
Expressed simply, the likes of Fruean, Isaia Toeava, Richard Kahui, Israel Dagg, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Cory Jane, Zac Guildford, Sitiveni Sivavatu, Hosea Gear and now Sean Maitland can't all fit into the squad.
Of those Toeva and Gear most likely booked their places with strong end-of-season tours, but the rampaging form of Fruean - not even fear could take Ashley-Cooper from his grasp, although the Brumby oddly appears to be lacking some conditioning - has put the rest on notice.
Fruean's lack of versatility might count against him, although there is nothing to say that the All Blacks coaches won't see him as a centre who can cover wing. Certainly they have gone down that path with Kahui and the sight of Fruean terrorising Australian defences in concert with giant midfield mate Sonny Bill Williams must have them purring about his potential.
We suspect it's possible that, injuries permitting, the All Blacks might add Fruean, Dagg and Sivavatu to their travelling party with the unlucky Jane and Rokocoko to miss out. What a problem to have.
There must be delight too that Fruean, along with Dagg, Maitland and Guildford, are safely housed in the Canterbury environment.
Notwithstanding its reputation for developing potential all three are being given the opportunity of playing alongside Dan Carter.
The expectation of Carter's excellence has meant that his form has been something of the untold story so far this year. But there has more than just the fine goalkicking and game control. There is an explosiveness and acceleration this year that serious injuries in the past few years might have dulled.
Relishing the extra attention Williams is bringing - probably off the field as well - Carter has been quick to spot a half gap and put the foot down. He takes on the voracious Highlanders loose forwards on Saturday, but watch how he'll be trying to exploit the lack of familiarity in their 10-12 channel. He seems back to his very best.
The same cannot be said of Conrad Smith during the entertaining but error-riddled Hurricanes v Chiefs game, but the clever No.13 is one of those players who has built up a vast amount of much capital with the selectors in recent years.
Despite a few uncharacteristic errors on Saturday, Smith remains the best defensive back in New Zealand, in the most important position, and offers the perfect foil to the power that Williams or Ma'a Nonu bring at No.12.
The injuries: Ali Williams will miss a month with a hamstring injury and McCaw's recovery from his tricky metatarsal injury is taking longer than expected, which will be no surprise to fans of English football who have watched David Beckham and Wayne Rooney struggle with similar injuries and turn up to World Cups as shadows of their former selves.
The wildcard: Last week we mentioned one Highlander lock, Jarrad Hoeata, this week it's the turn of another, Josh Bekhuis. His tussle with Sam Whitelock on Saturday could be a cracker.
Monday, July 6, 2009
McCaw, Sivivatu back for Auckland Test
THE Wallabies are bracing for the return of injured All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and New Zealand's most dangerous speedster, Sitiveni Sivivatu, for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland on July 18.
While the Wallabies, who assemble in Sydney tomorrow for a training camp, are expected to make just one change with Wycliff Palu scheduled to regain his No.8 Test spot, they are anticipating the return of numerous notable All Blacks for the Tri Nations opener.
While McCaw missed the three recent Tests against France and Italy with a right knee injury, he explained yesterday that he was now primed for the Tri Nations, and his two-month absence would not be a liability.
"I've had a good couple of weeks of actual fitness stuff," McCaw said.
"As long as you know exactly what you have to do out on the field, after a couple of games you come right."
McCaw's return will have him against George Smith, who at Eden Park will become the fourth Australian player to reach the 100-Test milestone.
The All Blacks have also begun to ensure that one of their most penetrating attacking players, Sivivatu, is fit for the match, involving him in two club games at the weekend.
Sivivatu had not played since the Super 14 finals series where he dislocated his shoulder, but he was one of 10 All Blacks who appeared for their clubs on Saturday, doubled up in reserve and first grade. The All Blacks selectors take the view that if Sivivatu is fit, he will play, knowing that the Wallabies are wary of his attacking danger.
While Luke McAlister will be the Test five-eighth because Stephen Donald is unavailable, there is uncertainty who out of Jimmy Cowan and Brendon Leonard will be the New Zealand halfback. While Leonard is the more talented playmaker, Cowan is the better scrapper and is well attuned to what is required in tense Bledisloe Cup fixtures.
The Wallabies are anticipating that Cowan will be in the run-on team, knowing how much he loves antagonising Australians.
The Wallabies are also set to take to Auckland the bulk of the team that travelled there last August and failed to make an impact when thrashed 39-10.
There is a sense of deja vu about the Eden Park Test because the All Blacks are again under threat, because of poor form, and the Wallabies are supposedly on the rise.
It will become a true gauge of where the Wallabies are, and how much they have learnt in the interim because at least 12 Australian players who were in last year's starting XV are scheduled to run on again. The only change to the pack should be Richard Brown as the blindside breakaway for Phil Waugh, while Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell are expected to be the wingers.
LIKELY TEAMS
WALLABIES
Adam Ashley-Cooper; Lachie Turner, Stirling Mortlock (c), Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell; Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
ALL BLACKS
Mils Muliaina; Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko; Luke McAlister, Jimmy Cowan; Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (c), Jerome Kaino, Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
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