All Blacks, on the brink of greatness
By TOBY ROBSON in Christchurch - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 09/08/2010
Photosport
CUP OF JOY: The All Blacks have the Bledisloe Cup for company yet again as they celebrate their 13th successive test win amid increasing evidence that the team is building something special.
Exhausted but not quite fulfilled, and with Johannesburg looming, the All Blacks' face an acid test, having switched to southpaw to slug Australia into submission.
The outward satisfaction of All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his players after Saturday's 20-10 win at AMI Stadium was only in part because the All Blacks had stretched their Bledisloe Cup domination to seven years.
It was also because they had proven their ability to change tactics, soak up pressure and still win with wriggle room against a desperate opponent.
They are the ingredients that were missing in Cardiff three years ago, but which have risen from the ashes under skipper Richie McCaw.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans wondered out loud yesterday if his side had met "one of the great" All Blacks sides.
There is growing evidence to support such a view and if McCaw's side can seal the Tri-Nations in front of 94,000 South Africans at Soccer City in a fortnight, it will be indisputable.
New Zealand rugby fans started the year looking for evidence of progress after being humbled by the Springboks last season.
They got a rugby revolution. And now they are getting conclusive proof that Henry and McCaw are building something special.
"There have been some very good All Blacks teams and I wouldn't want to belittle sides that I've been with in the past," Henry said. "But this side's very tight as people and the leaders are maturing. Richie had his 50th game as captain last night – that's a huge number of games and he's playing out of his skin."
Add Conrad Smith, Dan Carter, Brad Thorn, Keven Mealamu and Mils Muliaina and the leadership group has 408 test caps between them.
"They have matured together and become very close as people," Henry said. "When you get close as people you fight for each other and that's what they did last night."
Wayne Smith has taken the defensive reins this season and a wall of co-ordinated and committed tacklers was at the heart of the 13th straight test win.
But Carter and McCaw continued to be the central cogs. Outside the increasingly confident play of Piri Weepu, Carter was the conductor at first-five in contrast to the struggling Matt Giteau. Carter scaled back his side's attacking tempo to avoid Deans' well-laid defensive trap for the All Blacks' running game in the second spell.
"They defended a lot flatter because of the way we played last week. They only had one guy parked out in the back field, so that gave us the opportunity to kick more for territory," Carter said.
"We'll get a lot of self-belief out of this game. It's good to know we can win these tight encounters."
McCaw has been everywhere this season, relishing the freedom of not having to sacrifice his limbs in search of a turnover at every ruck.
He has led his side to new heights and his deputies have followed. Muliaina is in the midst of possibly his best season in black and wing Joe Rokocoko had his best test of the year in Christchurch.
They are among the six players in the squad who were in the side that lifted the Bledisloe from Australia in 2003.
Their challenge now is whether there is anything left in the tank.
Henry admitted seven tests in nine weeks had taken its toll. The players have little time to recover, meeting in Sydney on Friday and flying to the republic a day later in the buildup to the Springboks and a chance to test Deans' hunch.
Friday, August 13, 2010
All Blacks beat Wallabies to retain Bledisloe Cup
All Blacks beat Wallabies to retain Bledisloe Cup
By MARC HINTON in Christchurch - Stuff
Last updated 21:34 07/08/2010
Rejoice New Zealand. You should, for these All Blacks of yours are getting closer and closer to a rugby peak that is going to have the rest of the world needing to enter nosebleed territory to catch them.
This was a real test match. A competitive one. But in Christchurch tonight the All Blacks found a new way to do an old thing – that was to secure a ninth straight victory over the Wallabies and retain the prized Bledisloe Cup for the seventh consecutive year.
Their 20-10 victory, two tries to one, was not quite enough to put the Tri-Nations in the bag – but it is as good as theirs with the New Zealanders now on 19 out of a possible 20 points and only a cataclysmic series of events could allow the Wallabies to catch them.
It won't happen. And so a 10th Tri-Nations title will also be secured as these All Blacks lay down their marker to the rest of the rugby world.
Having won their first three Tri-Nations matches on the back of their exhilarating attacking game, it was refreshing in a way tonight to see them ride home on the back of their magnificent defensive steed. It made a change, and it's reassuring to know this side can win like artisans as well as artistes.
Where razzle-dazzle has won them their tests through this year's programme, tonight it was grit and grunt and sheer determination.
The Wallabies had more than enough ball in the second half to finally shake that black monkey off their back. But they weren't good enough. Or the All Balcks were too good on defence. Late in the second half the All Blacks had made nearly twice as many tackles as their rivals. But they kept making them, right to the end, and their vice-like grip on the blokes from across the ditch continues.
In some ways, as much as the Wallabies improved in seven days, this will be equally galling. Last week they were never in it. This one they had every chance.
In front of a capacity crowd of 39,000 at AMI Stadium, a fast-paced and free-flowing opening quarter was notable for a continuation of the All Blacks' ball-in-hand policy - not only gloriously entertaining but stunningly effective under the new laws now in play.
With the New Zealanders refusing, for the most part, to kick away possession, they conjured two magical tries inside the first 15 minutes, to rejuvenated fullback Mils Muliaina and classy centre Conrad Smith.
They were stunning scores, and summed up perfectly the strikepower of these All Blacks as they play with those mighty twin traits of pace and precision. They know as they work through the phases that they can wear defensive lines down, eventually finding holes to probe, if they're patient and accurate enough.
Muliaina's sixth-minute touchdown, his 29th test try, continued a rich vein of form since his belated return to the arena this year after thumb and calf injuries. And Smith's measured strike eight minutes later demonstrated palpably what a wonderfully efficient footballer this fellow is. Sonny Bill Williams may be looming menacingly in the background, but right now the All Blacks are splendidly served by their midfield men.
Smith actually featured in Muliaina's try when his initial carry got the go-forward and then Keven Mealamu – another in splendid form – and Joe Rokocoko played their parts perfectly to put the fullback over with not much room for error down the blindside.
It was similar stuff when Smith was eventually put over wide on the left. This time it was Dan Carter who created the initial breach, and when he was able to pop the ball off the deck, Piri Weepu's sharp clearance enabled Nonu to put his old mate over against an outmatched Wallabies defence.
But there was a difference this week. The Wallabies showed a bit more resilience and crucially kept the All Blacks within reach. When Carter made a rare error on the carry soon after Muliaina's opening score, the Australians pounced, David Pocock and Nathan Sharpe good enough to put Kurtley Beale away on a 65m run to the line.
Yes, this was better stuff from the Aussies. Their application in the key area of ball retention was streets ahead of Melbourne and when they did find themselves under the cosh late in the first half, they were able to prevent any further damage being inflicted when it looked imminent. At 10-17, they were well in it at the break.
But they couldn't find a way through in the second half, so once again they came up short against the All Blacks they're so desperate to defeat. Carter's penalty was the only score in the spell, and the Wallabies will be gutted by that.
But to the vistors the spoils. And the kudos. The All Black forwards were great on defence, the loose trio tackling themselves to a standstill, indefatigable Brad Thorn bashing away as he does and Mealamu continuing his magnificent form. The backs struck twice in some style early on, but thereafter largely struggled to find a way through. They were not helped, though, by a serious lack of possession for most of the second spell.
Who cares? They won a great arm-wrestle, and that, folks, is well worth celebrating.
NEW ZEALAND 20 (Mils Muliaina, Conrad Smith tries; Dan Carter two penalties, two conversions).
AUSTRALIA 10 (Kurtley Beale try; Matt Giteau penalty, conversion).
Halftime 17-10.
By MARC HINTON in Christchurch - Stuff
Last updated 21:34 07/08/2010
Rejoice New Zealand. You should, for these All Blacks of yours are getting closer and closer to a rugby peak that is going to have the rest of the world needing to enter nosebleed territory to catch them.
This was a real test match. A competitive one. But in Christchurch tonight the All Blacks found a new way to do an old thing – that was to secure a ninth straight victory over the Wallabies and retain the prized Bledisloe Cup for the seventh consecutive year.
Their 20-10 victory, two tries to one, was not quite enough to put the Tri-Nations in the bag – but it is as good as theirs with the New Zealanders now on 19 out of a possible 20 points and only a cataclysmic series of events could allow the Wallabies to catch them.
It won't happen. And so a 10th Tri-Nations title will also be secured as these All Blacks lay down their marker to the rest of the rugby world.
Having won their first three Tri-Nations matches on the back of their exhilarating attacking game, it was refreshing in a way tonight to see them ride home on the back of their magnificent defensive steed. It made a change, and it's reassuring to know this side can win like artisans as well as artistes.
Where razzle-dazzle has won them their tests through this year's programme, tonight it was grit and grunt and sheer determination.
The Wallabies had more than enough ball in the second half to finally shake that black monkey off their back. But they weren't good enough. Or the All Balcks were too good on defence. Late in the second half the All Blacks had made nearly twice as many tackles as their rivals. But they kept making them, right to the end, and their vice-like grip on the blokes from across the ditch continues.
In some ways, as much as the Wallabies improved in seven days, this will be equally galling. Last week they were never in it. This one they had every chance.
In front of a capacity crowd of 39,000 at AMI Stadium, a fast-paced and free-flowing opening quarter was notable for a continuation of the All Blacks' ball-in-hand policy - not only gloriously entertaining but stunningly effective under the new laws now in play.
With the New Zealanders refusing, for the most part, to kick away possession, they conjured two magical tries inside the first 15 minutes, to rejuvenated fullback Mils Muliaina and classy centre Conrad Smith.
They were stunning scores, and summed up perfectly the strikepower of these All Blacks as they play with those mighty twin traits of pace and precision. They know as they work through the phases that they can wear defensive lines down, eventually finding holes to probe, if they're patient and accurate enough.
Muliaina's sixth-minute touchdown, his 29th test try, continued a rich vein of form since his belated return to the arena this year after thumb and calf injuries. And Smith's measured strike eight minutes later demonstrated palpably what a wonderfully efficient footballer this fellow is. Sonny Bill Williams may be looming menacingly in the background, but right now the All Blacks are splendidly served by their midfield men.
Smith actually featured in Muliaina's try when his initial carry got the go-forward and then Keven Mealamu – another in splendid form – and Joe Rokocoko played their parts perfectly to put the fullback over with not much room for error down the blindside.
It was similar stuff when Smith was eventually put over wide on the left. This time it was Dan Carter who created the initial breach, and when he was able to pop the ball off the deck, Piri Weepu's sharp clearance enabled Nonu to put his old mate over against an outmatched Wallabies defence.
But there was a difference this week. The Wallabies showed a bit more resilience and crucially kept the All Blacks within reach. When Carter made a rare error on the carry soon after Muliaina's opening score, the Australians pounced, David Pocock and Nathan Sharpe good enough to put Kurtley Beale away on a 65m run to the line.
Yes, this was better stuff from the Aussies. Their application in the key area of ball retention was streets ahead of Melbourne and when they did find themselves under the cosh late in the first half, they were able to prevent any further damage being inflicted when it looked imminent. At 10-17, they were well in it at the break.
But they couldn't find a way through in the second half, so once again they came up short against the All Blacks they're so desperate to defeat. Carter's penalty was the only score in the spell, and the Wallabies will be gutted by that.
But to the vistors the spoils. And the kudos. The All Black forwards were great on defence, the loose trio tackling themselves to a standstill, indefatigable Brad Thorn bashing away as he does and Mealamu continuing his magnificent form. The backs struck twice in some style early on, but thereafter largely struggled to find a way through. They were not helped, though, by a serious lack of possession for most of the second spell.
Who cares? They won a great arm-wrestle, and that, folks, is well worth celebrating.
NEW ZEALAND 20 (Mils Muliaina, Conrad Smith tries; Dan Carter two penalties, two conversions).
AUSTRALIA 10 (Kurtley Beale try; Matt Giteau penalty, conversion).
Halftime 17-10.
Monday, August 2, 2010
All Blacks rout Wallabies, remain perfect
By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - Stuff
The All Blacks put one hand on the Tri-Nations trophy and another on the Bledisloe Cup tonight.
And after backing up their double demolition of the Springboks by walloping the Wallabies 49-28 they warned the rest of the rugby world that they have the ability to finally get both hands on an even bigger piece of silverware next year.
Unless the rulemakers can find some way to inhibit them between now and the World Cup they have delivered the blueprint for the methods needed to win the Webb Ellis Cup.
It's up to others to try to catch up. That might take some doing. New Zealand's southern hemisphere neighbours certainly don't appear to be up to that challenge right now.
The Wallabies appealed as the most likely for this early phase of test rugby under the new law interpretations.
But they were cast aside with embarrassing ease, seven tries to three, at Etihad Stadium. Robbie Deans was left to contemplate his eighth consecutive loss to Graham Henry. Few will have hurt as much as this one as he prepares to head to his old hometown of Christchurch for the rematch next Saturday.
The Dingo looks to have a dog on his hands compared to the pedigree breed of All Blacks emerging with such pleasing timing.
Australia's early field position produced a try from a charge down yet they were unable to engineer little else against the muscular All Blacks defence.
A couple of sloppy tackles in the second half will irk the Kiwi coaching staff although the game was well and truly won by then.
But it is New Zealand's approach with the ball in hand that is so handsome.
They have returned entertainment to a game that was in dire need of it.
The beauty of the All Blacks' attacking philosophy is that involves absolutely everyone. It's not just the backs who are dangerous - the tight five are menacing every time they have the ball in hand as too. And they are popping up out wide as well as doing the hard yards up the middle.
Look no further than lock Brad Thorn and hooker Keven Mealamu for evidence of that allround approach. Both featured in the buildup to an early try that was completed by some sensational skills from wing Cory Jane and fullback Mils Muliaina.
Mealamu was in the thick of the action throughout to continue his superb test season.
And when Jane wasn't setting up tries he was scoring them as well, beating Drew Mitchell with embarrassing ease and then squeezing over in the corner to give the All Blacks a bonus point before half time.
The party never stopped and there was even the warming sight of wing Joe Rokocoko ending a year-long try drought to cap his record 64th test.
The All Blacks forwards game was huge last night, following up their dismantling of the Springboks' pack.
Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino were too powerful and skilful for their back row opposites.
The scrum was solid despite the shaky surface and the lineout continues to give heart.
Given that sort of stability the All Blacks have enough weapons in their backline to create havoc.
The hard-nosed attitude from the referees continued with South African Craig Joubert sin-binning All Blacks prop Owen Franks and Wallabies wing Drew Mitchell for shoulder charges in the first spell. A second yellow card to Mitchell three minutes into the second half set the scene opened the way for further annihilation with Australia reduced to 14 men.
Joubert was also heavy with his whistle around the breakdowns, determined to prevent slowing tactics from either side, a point that cost Mitchell his place.
But while Joubert was busy he was also consistent - that was the essential ingredient.
And given an even playing field by the men in charge, the All Blacks are showing there really is only one team in the game right now.
All Blacks 49 (Mils Muliaina 2, Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Corey Flynn tries; Carter 2 pen 3 con) Wallabies 28 (Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rocky Elsom tries; Matt Giteau 3 pen 2 con). HT: 32-14
The All Blacks put one hand on the Tri-Nations trophy and another on the Bledisloe Cup tonight.
And after backing up their double demolition of the Springboks by walloping the Wallabies 49-28 they warned the rest of the rugby world that they have the ability to finally get both hands on an even bigger piece of silverware next year.
Unless the rulemakers can find some way to inhibit them between now and the World Cup they have delivered the blueprint for the methods needed to win the Webb Ellis Cup.
It's up to others to try to catch up. That might take some doing. New Zealand's southern hemisphere neighbours certainly don't appear to be up to that challenge right now.
The Wallabies appealed as the most likely for this early phase of test rugby under the new law interpretations.
But they were cast aside with embarrassing ease, seven tries to three, at Etihad Stadium. Robbie Deans was left to contemplate his eighth consecutive loss to Graham Henry. Few will have hurt as much as this one as he prepares to head to his old hometown of Christchurch for the rematch next Saturday.
The Dingo looks to have a dog on his hands compared to the pedigree breed of All Blacks emerging with such pleasing timing.
Australia's early field position produced a try from a charge down yet they were unable to engineer little else against the muscular All Blacks defence.
A couple of sloppy tackles in the second half will irk the Kiwi coaching staff although the game was well and truly won by then.
But it is New Zealand's approach with the ball in hand that is so handsome.
They have returned entertainment to a game that was in dire need of it.
The beauty of the All Blacks' attacking philosophy is that involves absolutely everyone. It's not just the backs who are dangerous - the tight five are menacing every time they have the ball in hand as too. And they are popping up out wide as well as doing the hard yards up the middle.
Look no further than lock Brad Thorn and hooker Keven Mealamu for evidence of that allround approach. Both featured in the buildup to an early try that was completed by some sensational skills from wing Cory Jane and fullback Mils Muliaina.
Mealamu was in the thick of the action throughout to continue his superb test season.
And when Jane wasn't setting up tries he was scoring them as well, beating Drew Mitchell with embarrassing ease and then squeezing over in the corner to give the All Blacks a bonus point before half time.
The party never stopped and there was even the warming sight of wing Joe Rokocoko ending a year-long try drought to cap his record 64th test.
The All Blacks forwards game was huge last night, following up their dismantling of the Springboks' pack.
Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino were too powerful and skilful for their back row opposites.
The scrum was solid despite the shaky surface and the lineout continues to give heart.
Given that sort of stability the All Blacks have enough weapons in their backline to create havoc.
The hard-nosed attitude from the referees continued with South African Craig Joubert sin-binning All Blacks prop Owen Franks and Wallabies wing Drew Mitchell for shoulder charges in the first spell. A second yellow card to Mitchell three minutes into the second half set the scene opened the way for further annihilation with Australia reduced to 14 men.
Joubert was also heavy with his whistle around the breakdowns, determined to prevent slowing tactics from either side, a point that cost Mitchell his place.
But while Joubert was busy he was also consistent - that was the essential ingredient.
And given an even playing field by the men in charge, the All Blacks are showing there really is only one team in the game right now.
All Blacks 49 (Mils Muliaina 2, Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Corey Flynn tries; Carter 2 pen 3 con) Wallabies 28 (Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rocky Elsom tries; Matt Giteau 3 pen 2 con). HT: 32-14
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Savour the win while you can, Australia
Former All Black Taine Randell assesses the Wallabies' prospects in the Tri Nations.
Well done to Australia, but my prediction is that this will be the only Test they will win in the Tri Nations this year.
Nothing I saw from the Wallabies suggested to me they'd be anywhere near the All Blacks in their three Tests against them and they won't stand much of a chance when they go to South Africa for two Tests.
Everything was in the Wallabies' favour going into this game - including the Brisbane factor - while the Springboks were on a hiding to nothing. This game went the way it was expected to.
The Springboks look like an ageing side with a redundant playing style. The game has changed but they haven't changed with it. After two brutal hidings from the All Blacks, the Springboks were already in pain going into this Test.
The Wallabies held their own physically but I suspect they won't be able to do that against the All Blacks or in their two Tests in South Africa. The Springboks haven't got any points from three games, but the Tri Nations isn't quite New Zealand's yet because bonus points may come into it.
South Africa had the worst draw and they should be a different beast back at home. However, you do have to say the All Blacks are in the box seat, particularly with the maximum 10 points from their first two games.
The All Blacks coaches, who were in Brisbane, would have no doubt viewed it with interest before this weekend's Test against the Wallabies in Melbourne.
I'm pretty happy with where the All Blacks squad is at the moment. If you look at the teams that have been successful at World Cups, they all had experienced squads but also one or two young players coming through who put the real gloss on the side, taking them to the next level.
In 1987 Michael Jones sticks out from that experienced side, in 1991 it was Willie O for the Wallabies and fours years later, even though they didn't win it, the All Blacks were the best side and they had Jonah Lomu.
In 1999 it was Stephen Larkham, 2003 was perhaps an exception for England because Jonny Wilkinson came through the year before and in 2007 Bryan Habana was relatively new on the scene.
Much has been made of the fact that this All Blacks is one of the oldest that has played together.
So when we look ahead to the World Cup, it's good there is so much experience. But it's crucial they have a couple of younger players out there who'll provide the X-factor.
In that regard, we're looking at players such as Israel Dagg, Rene Ranger and Victor Vito. Everyone goes on about how good Richie McCaw, Brad Thorn and Dan Carter are but the younger players shouldn't be overlooked.
Well done to Australia, but my prediction is that this will be the only Test they will win in the Tri Nations this year.
Nothing I saw from the Wallabies suggested to me they'd be anywhere near the All Blacks in their three Tests against them and they won't stand much of a chance when they go to South Africa for two Tests.
Everything was in the Wallabies' favour going into this game - including the Brisbane factor - while the Springboks were on a hiding to nothing. This game went the way it was expected to.
The Springboks look like an ageing side with a redundant playing style. The game has changed but they haven't changed with it. After two brutal hidings from the All Blacks, the Springboks were already in pain going into this Test.
The Wallabies held their own physically but I suspect they won't be able to do that against the All Blacks or in their two Tests in South Africa. The Springboks haven't got any points from three games, but the Tri Nations isn't quite New Zealand's yet because bonus points may come into it.
South Africa had the worst draw and they should be a different beast back at home. However, you do have to say the All Blacks are in the box seat, particularly with the maximum 10 points from their first two games.
The All Blacks coaches, who were in Brisbane, would have no doubt viewed it with interest before this weekend's Test against the Wallabies in Melbourne.
I'm pretty happy with where the All Blacks squad is at the moment. If you look at the teams that have been successful at World Cups, they all had experienced squads but also one or two young players coming through who put the real gloss on the side, taking them to the next level.
In 1987 Michael Jones sticks out from that experienced side, in 1991 it was Willie O for the Wallabies and fours years later, even though they didn't win it, the All Blacks were the best side and they had Jonah Lomu.
In 1999 it was Stephen Larkham, 2003 was perhaps an exception for England because Jonny Wilkinson came through the year before and in 2007 Bryan Habana was relatively new on the scene.
Much has been made of the fact that this All Blacks is one of the oldest that has played together.
So when we look ahead to the World Cup, it's good there is so much experience. But it's crucial they have a couple of younger players out there who'll provide the X-factor.
In that regard, we're looking at players such as Israel Dagg, Rene Ranger and Victor Vito. Everyone goes on about how good Richie McCaw, Brad Thorn and Dan Carter are but the younger players shouldn't be overlooked.
Carter pretty on surface, All Black inside
By RICHARD HINDS - The Age
Last updated 07:52 30/07/2010
All Blacks and glamour boys are not terms that sit comfortably. Not like, say, All Blacks and ruthless demolition or All Blacks and World Cup heartbreak. But as Dan Carter chats amiably with reporters in the manner of the well-trained modern athlete - talk a great deal without giving away a whole lot - you quickly appreciate how he has mastered this stereotype-defying role.
There are, most significantly, the raw ingredients.
The dark, handsome features that have had Carter regularly included on lists of ''world's sexiest athletes''. And the 28-year-old is a genuine pretty boy, even if his appearance is enhanced somewhat in comparison with a recent visitor to the inquistors table, battered veteran Brad Thorn.
Then there is the stellar career. Carter needs just 16 points tomorrow night to move into second place on the list of all-time test points scorers (he has 1075 at 15.3 per-game in 71 tests) - something good judges say is testament to a reliable boot that gets plenty of opportunities in an often rampant team; but which is almost incidental compared with the precision and creativity of his play from five-eighth.
So total babe magnet and points-scoring machine in a team worshiped by a nation. Little wonder Carter is regularly marketed - most notably during an underwear campaign two years ago - as ''New Zealand's David Beckham''. However, Carter says he has not modelled his career on any other successful international athlete.
''I like to pride myself on having good balance,'' he says. ''Obviously, when I'm involved in other things -media sessions or commercial work - I make sure as soon as I'm on the training paddock it's out of my mind and I'm concentrating on the job at hand. But, yeah, it can make for a busy lifestyle.''
Anything the All Blacks achieve should be weighed against the huge expectation the team shoulders. So you ask Carter if he felt a tinge of jealousy watching the All Whites win public acclaim with their giant-wounding performances in South Africa, while nothing less than constant, convincing victory is good enough from the All Blacks.
''I was just, like most other Kiwis, very proud of our country,'' he says. ''Ranked 78th, or something like that, and to do well against the world champions [Italy], it's probably similar to one of the weaker rugby teams getting within 10 points of the All Blacks. They would get a lot of adulation for that.''
Carter's comparison is revealing. Getting to within 10 points of the All Blacks. Not beating them. In 71 Tests since his debut in June 2003, Carter has been in the losing team just eight times. The thought of defeat clearly does not enter his head - even in a hypothetical sense.
Carter acknowledges those crushing expectations are always there. Slowly growing as a team that plunged New Zealand into mourning after losing in the quarter-finals to France in 2007 works towards a home World Cup next year, when nothing but victory will be acceptable.
Such pressure, Carter says, is like the team socks. It comes with being an All Black. Yet if the All Blacks are most renowned for inflicting mental injury than suffering it, Carter does acknowledge the team's ''head coach'' - mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka - is a crucial part of the support staff.
''Especially with the new guys coming into the environment, it can be a huge step up from anything they've done before, in terms of the pressure.''
For Carter's mental health, a stint with Perpignan in France at the end of 2008 was important - even if the trip was ended prematurely after two months by a serious Achilles tendon injury. Important not just for his bank balance (his initial contract was reportedly €700,000 [$1.3m at the time]), but also because he was able to stroll unnoticed through the streets of European cities where rugby was ''no big deal'' and, less happily, take an enforced break from the game.
''It definitely freshened me up,'' he says. ''It [being an All-Black in New Zealand] can be pretty challenging at times, I'd had seven years of that … hopefully it will help this year and next year as well.''
Talking about Saturday night's opposition, Carter is non-controversial to the point of bald-faced flattery. The Wallabies will miss Quade Cooper but have ''fantastic'' coverage; Will Genia is ''extremely dangerous'', the Australians will be as eager to atone for past failures against the All Blacks as the Kiwis were this year against South Africa. And so on.
But there is a genuine enthusiasm in the way Carter talks about the more expansive game both teams are playing, and an obviously agile mind at play when he discusses tactical nuances of his role - particularly the split-second decision of whether to seek the safety of the touch line or to roll the dice on kick and chase.
''It's something you get a feel for in the game,'' he says. ''I work pretty closely with our forwards in terms of how they are feeling about after they've had a few [line-outs] just to see if they want to push it closer to the touch line or back our kick-chase.
''Kicking it long can be dangerous because the Wallabies are similar to us, they love to counter-attack and they are very dangerous.
''A lot of things rule each other out in this game, that's why it is going to make for a fantastic match, they like to use the ball similar to us.''
Similar, perhaps. But at the exalted level of the All-Blacks' glamour boy?
Last updated 07:52 30/07/2010
All Blacks and glamour boys are not terms that sit comfortably. Not like, say, All Blacks and ruthless demolition or All Blacks and World Cup heartbreak. But as Dan Carter chats amiably with reporters in the manner of the well-trained modern athlete - talk a great deal without giving away a whole lot - you quickly appreciate how he has mastered this stereotype-defying role.
There are, most significantly, the raw ingredients.
The dark, handsome features that have had Carter regularly included on lists of ''world's sexiest athletes''. And the 28-year-old is a genuine pretty boy, even if his appearance is enhanced somewhat in comparison with a recent visitor to the inquistors table, battered veteran Brad Thorn.
Then there is the stellar career. Carter needs just 16 points tomorrow night to move into second place on the list of all-time test points scorers (he has 1075 at 15.3 per-game in 71 tests) - something good judges say is testament to a reliable boot that gets plenty of opportunities in an often rampant team; but which is almost incidental compared with the precision and creativity of his play from five-eighth.
So total babe magnet and points-scoring machine in a team worshiped by a nation. Little wonder Carter is regularly marketed - most notably during an underwear campaign two years ago - as ''New Zealand's David Beckham''. However, Carter says he has not modelled his career on any other successful international athlete.
''I like to pride myself on having good balance,'' he says. ''Obviously, when I'm involved in other things -media sessions or commercial work - I make sure as soon as I'm on the training paddock it's out of my mind and I'm concentrating on the job at hand. But, yeah, it can make for a busy lifestyle.''
Anything the All Blacks achieve should be weighed against the huge expectation the team shoulders. So you ask Carter if he felt a tinge of jealousy watching the All Whites win public acclaim with their giant-wounding performances in South Africa, while nothing less than constant, convincing victory is good enough from the All Blacks.
''I was just, like most other Kiwis, very proud of our country,'' he says. ''Ranked 78th, or something like that, and to do well against the world champions [Italy], it's probably similar to one of the weaker rugby teams getting within 10 points of the All Blacks. They would get a lot of adulation for that.''
Carter's comparison is revealing. Getting to within 10 points of the All Blacks. Not beating them. In 71 Tests since his debut in June 2003, Carter has been in the losing team just eight times. The thought of defeat clearly does not enter his head - even in a hypothetical sense.
Carter acknowledges those crushing expectations are always there. Slowly growing as a team that plunged New Zealand into mourning after losing in the quarter-finals to France in 2007 works towards a home World Cup next year, when nothing but victory will be acceptable.
Such pressure, Carter says, is like the team socks. It comes with being an All Black. Yet if the All Blacks are most renowned for inflicting mental injury than suffering it, Carter does acknowledge the team's ''head coach'' - mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka - is a crucial part of the support staff.
''Especially with the new guys coming into the environment, it can be a huge step up from anything they've done before, in terms of the pressure.''
For Carter's mental health, a stint with Perpignan in France at the end of 2008 was important - even if the trip was ended prematurely after two months by a serious Achilles tendon injury. Important not just for his bank balance (his initial contract was reportedly €700,000 [$1.3m at the time]), but also because he was able to stroll unnoticed through the streets of European cities where rugby was ''no big deal'' and, less happily, take an enforced break from the game.
''It definitely freshened me up,'' he says. ''It [being an All-Black in New Zealand] can be pretty challenging at times, I'd had seven years of that … hopefully it will help this year and next year as well.''
Talking about Saturday night's opposition, Carter is non-controversial to the point of bald-faced flattery. The Wallabies will miss Quade Cooper but have ''fantastic'' coverage; Will Genia is ''extremely dangerous'', the Australians will be as eager to atone for past failures against the All Blacks as the Kiwis were this year against South Africa. And so on.
But there is a genuine enthusiasm in the way Carter talks about the more expansive game both teams are playing, and an obviously agile mind at play when he discusses tactical nuances of his role - particularly the split-second decision of whether to seek the safety of the touch line or to roll the dice on kick and chase.
''It's something you get a feel for in the game,'' he says. ''I work pretty closely with our forwards in terms of how they are feeling about after they've had a few [line-outs] just to see if they want to push it closer to the touch line or back our kick-chase.
''Kicking it long can be dangerous because the Wallabies are similar to us, they love to counter-attack and they are very dangerous.
''A lot of things rule each other out in this game, that's why it is going to make for a fantastic match, they like to use the ball similar to us.''
Similar, perhaps. But at the exalted level of the All-Blacks' glamour boy?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
All Blacks demolish Springboks again
All Blacks demolish Springboks again
By MARC HINTON - Stuff
Last updated 20:23 17/07/2010
Forget the great Party Central debate. The fun is to be had where the All Blacks are these days as Graham Henry's men play a brand of rugby that is as energising as it is entertaining.
For the second straight week the revitalised All Blacks have taken care of business against the world champion Springboks, on Saturday night securing their 11th test win on the trot with another outstanding display in Wellington, prevailing 31-17, four tries to two, in a near carbon copy from last week at Eden Park.
The Boks were much better this week, but it was telling that they were still second in this contest by some margin and once again could not prevent the New Zealanders running in four tries and taking the bonus point which puts them into a commanding spot on the Tri-Nations table.
It was not quite the complete All Black performance that we saw at Eden Park, but it was nonetheless another impressive one from Richie McCaw and his men as they continued their ruthless attacking form, again defended very well and had the standout individuals on the park for the second straight week.
Led by a couple of hometown heroes in Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu and another showcase performance from No 8 Kieran Read, the All Blacks were superior in most aspects against a more urgent Springboks outfit. McCaw also had a mighty match on defence and at the tackle where he engineered a succession of key turnovers.
There was also a nice little cameo from Israel Dagg off the bench, including a dazzling try late in the match that sealed the deal, another fine display from Mils Muliaina at the back and a continuation of Cory Jane's precision play on the wing.
The Boks forwards were more competitive this week and it was good to see Schalk Burger, in particular, becoming more visible with a much better performance. They even got amongst the home lineout in the second spell and either side of halftime managed to get some promising flow on that put the New Zealanders under real pressure.
But the All Blacks were superb mentally, punishing the Boks with two tries for some early ill-discipline and then closing the game down when they had to. They took their chances superbly and their defence was again brilliant as the South Africans struggled to convert their pressure into points at key times.
On a horrible old night in the capital the All Blacks burst out of the blocks with some beautiful rugby to go 10-0 up within a dozen minutes. And once again the New Zealanders punished the South Africans for yet more poor discipline.
The culprit this time was Danie Rossouw - Bakkies Botha's replacement, would you believe -- who was handed a yellow card for a niggly little nudge on Richie McCaw while he was on the deck, an offence that didn't just cost his team three points (a kickable penalty was reversed) but a further 10 as the All Blacks punished the under-manned South Africans with two quick strikes.
They were exhilarating scores, too, launched from deep with pace and precision, which is a good sign as this All Black attacking game rumbles into some pretty formidable form.
Nonu's try was set up by a fabulous raid down the right touchline that saw Read, Jane and McCaw all show their skills, and when Nonu finally entered the fray across field the powerhouse No 12 could not be stopped as he drove over like the bulldozer he is.
Then soon after Weepu - having a fabulous game - set up a try for Mils Muliaina with a great break down the middle and then a perfectly weighted pass for the fullback to steam on to and finish a 75m strike.
The Springboks didn't exactly roll over and play dead though and once Rossouw returned from his 10 minutes of purgatory, the visitors actually had the better of the next half-hour or so, getting the margin back to six by the break - thanks to an atoning try from the big second-rower.
The Boks also had their chances through the third quarter, but a nice finish by Rene Ranger out wide on the left - for his first test try in his first start - took the All Blacks out to an 18-10 lead that was soon extended by a further three when Weepu banged over a tricky penalty into the breeze.
From there the Boks were teetering on the brink and, a quarter of an hour out, when Dagg entered the fray and dazzled a succession of Boks defenders down the right touchline this baby was over. It was a superb piece of skill and footwork by the talented Hawke's Bay speedster and left the visitors playing for pride only over the final quarter of an hour.
Weepu had led the haka with as much gusto and passion as I've see from anyone and then the chunky little halfback proceeded to unleash a blinder in his first test start in 18 months. Judging by this effort, his days as Mr Impact off the bench could be at an end.
It was notable afterwards to hear Graham Henry label him the "player of the match" and wax decidedly lyrical about his halfback's contribution.
Read too made a powerful start to this match, causing all sort of problems with his mix of power and skilful offloads, and for the second straight week he played his highly rated opposite, Pierre Spies, off the park.
McCaw's contributions cannot be taken for granted either. He is at the heart of everything that is good for these All Blacks and his tireless play undoubtedly inspires his team-mates to go the extra yard.
Ranger also got through a busy night in his first test as a starter, his hands letting him down on a couple of occasions, but the Northlander doing well to finish the one clear chance that came his way. All told a promising night for the rookie 23-year-old.
With the win, the All Blacks extended their record at the Wellington venue to 11 wins from 13 since 2000, and also continue a fabulous rebuild from the ruins of last year's Springboks sweep. They've now won 11 in a row and though these deeds will mean nothing come next year's World Cup, valuable confidence, cohesion and character is being assimilated.
Afterwards McCaw reflected on another pretty satisfying night's work.
"I'm really proud of the boys," he said. "It's always easy to put one performance out there but to back it up tonight I'm very happy. The Boks certainly came to play and it was pretty physical out there."
McCaw said the message at halftime had been about urgency and the need to re-establish it, and it was refreshing to see his side soak up the pressure and then continue to build their lead.
"Defence can be a difference we had to defend pretty hard there and turn over the ball a couple of times and getting down the other end and score is what you've got to do in these games.
"When you're playing against the best in the world that's where you test yourself. To have two wins and two pretty good performances, we're very happy."
Let the partying begin. There's certainly plenty to celebrate for anyone who calls this All Blacks side their own.
All Blacks 31 (Ma'a Nonu, Mils Muliaina, Rene Ranger, Israel Dagg tries; Daniel Carter 2 pen, con, Piri Weepu pen)
South Africa 17 (Danie Rossouw, Schalk Burger tries; Morne Steyn pen, 2 con).
Halftime: 13-7.
By MARC HINTON - Stuff
Last updated 20:23 17/07/2010
Forget the great Party Central debate. The fun is to be had where the All Blacks are these days as Graham Henry's men play a brand of rugby that is as energising as it is entertaining.
For the second straight week the revitalised All Blacks have taken care of business against the world champion Springboks, on Saturday night securing their 11th test win on the trot with another outstanding display in Wellington, prevailing 31-17, four tries to two, in a near carbon copy from last week at Eden Park.
The Boks were much better this week, but it was telling that they were still second in this contest by some margin and once again could not prevent the New Zealanders running in four tries and taking the bonus point which puts them into a commanding spot on the Tri-Nations table.
It was not quite the complete All Black performance that we saw at Eden Park, but it was nonetheless another impressive one from Richie McCaw and his men as they continued their ruthless attacking form, again defended very well and had the standout individuals on the park for the second straight week.
Led by a couple of hometown heroes in Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu and another showcase performance from No 8 Kieran Read, the All Blacks were superior in most aspects against a more urgent Springboks outfit. McCaw also had a mighty match on defence and at the tackle where he engineered a succession of key turnovers.
There was also a nice little cameo from Israel Dagg off the bench, including a dazzling try late in the match that sealed the deal, another fine display from Mils Muliaina at the back and a continuation of Cory Jane's precision play on the wing.
The Boks forwards were more competitive this week and it was good to see Schalk Burger, in particular, becoming more visible with a much better performance. They even got amongst the home lineout in the second spell and either side of halftime managed to get some promising flow on that put the New Zealanders under real pressure.
But the All Blacks were superb mentally, punishing the Boks with two tries for some early ill-discipline and then closing the game down when they had to. They took their chances superbly and their defence was again brilliant as the South Africans struggled to convert their pressure into points at key times.
On a horrible old night in the capital the All Blacks burst out of the blocks with some beautiful rugby to go 10-0 up within a dozen minutes. And once again the New Zealanders punished the South Africans for yet more poor discipline.
The culprit this time was Danie Rossouw - Bakkies Botha's replacement, would you believe -- who was handed a yellow card for a niggly little nudge on Richie McCaw while he was on the deck, an offence that didn't just cost his team three points (a kickable penalty was reversed) but a further 10 as the All Blacks punished the under-manned South Africans with two quick strikes.
They were exhilarating scores, too, launched from deep with pace and precision, which is a good sign as this All Black attacking game rumbles into some pretty formidable form.
Nonu's try was set up by a fabulous raid down the right touchline that saw Read, Jane and McCaw all show their skills, and when Nonu finally entered the fray across field the powerhouse No 12 could not be stopped as he drove over like the bulldozer he is.
Then soon after Weepu - having a fabulous game - set up a try for Mils Muliaina with a great break down the middle and then a perfectly weighted pass for the fullback to steam on to and finish a 75m strike.
The Springboks didn't exactly roll over and play dead though and once Rossouw returned from his 10 minutes of purgatory, the visitors actually had the better of the next half-hour or so, getting the margin back to six by the break - thanks to an atoning try from the big second-rower.
The Boks also had their chances through the third quarter, but a nice finish by Rene Ranger out wide on the left - for his first test try in his first start - took the All Blacks out to an 18-10 lead that was soon extended by a further three when Weepu banged over a tricky penalty into the breeze.
From there the Boks were teetering on the brink and, a quarter of an hour out, when Dagg entered the fray and dazzled a succession of Boks defenders down the right touchline this baby was over. It was a superb piece of skill and footwork by the talented Hawke's Bay speedster and left the visitors playing for pride only over the final quarter of an hour.
Weepu had led the haka with as much gusto and passion as I've see from anyone and then the chunky little halfback proceeded to unleash a blinder in his first test start in 18 months. Judging by this effort, his days as Mr Impact off the bench could be at an end.
It was notable afterwards to hear Graham Henry label him the "player of the match" and wax decidedly lyrical about his halfback's contribution.
Read too made a powerful start to this match, causing all sort of problems with his mix of power and skilful offloads, and for the second straight week he played his highly rated opposite, Pierre Spies, off the park.
McCaw's contributions cannot be taken for granted either. He is at the heart of everything that is good for these All Blacks and his tireless play undoubtedly inspires his team-mates to go the extra yard.
Ranger also got through a busy night in his first test as a starter, his hands letting him down on a couple of occasions, but the Northlander doing well to finish the one clear chance that came his way. All told a promising night for the rookie 23-year-old.
With the win, the All Blacks extended their record at the Wellington venue to 11 wins from 13 since 2000, and also continue a fabulous rebuild from the ruins of last year's Springboks sweep. They've now won 11 in a row and though these deeds will mean nothing come next year's World Cup, valuable confidence, cohesion and character is being assimilated.
Afterwards McCaw reflected on another pretty satisfying night's work.
"I'm really proud of the boys," he said. "It's always easy to put one performance out there but to back it up tonight I'm very happy. The Boks certainly came to play and it was pretty physical out there."
McCaw said the message at halftime had been about urgency and the need to re-establish it, and it was refreshing to see his side soak up the pressure and then continue to build their lead.
"Defence can be a difference we had to defend pretty hard there and turn over the ball a couple of times and getting down the other end and score is what you've got to do in these games.
"When you're playing against the best in the world that's where you test yourself. To have two wins and two pretty good performances, we're very happy."
Let the partying begin. There's certainly plenty to celebrate for anyone who calls this All Blacks side their own.
All Blacks 31 (Ma'a Nonu, Mils Muliaina, Rene Ranger, Israel Dagg tries; Daniel Carter 2 pen, con, Piri Weepu pen)
South Africa 17 (Danie Rossouw, Schalk Burger tries; Morne Steyn pen, 2 con).
Halftime: 13-7.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)