Australia slumps to 10th successive loss to New Zealand
• Wayne Smith Rugby Union Editor
• From: The Australian
• September 11, 2010
New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw leaves Ben McCalman in his wake on his way to the tryline at ANZ Stadium Picture: Krystle Wright Source: The Sunday Telegraph
THERE was to be no last-minute miracles for the Australia this week as New Zealand yet again staged another remarkable come-from-behind fightback.
In so the All Blacks score their record-breaking 10th straight Bledisloe Cup victory over Australia at ANZ Stadium.
Both sides scored two tries apiece in a gripping and at times pulsating contest but it was the part-time goalkicker Piri Weepu, with five goals from as many attempts, who edged the All Blacks home 23-22 while Australia's prolific kicker Matt Giteau could manage only three goals from seven attempts.
That in the end made all the difference and a heart-breaker it was for the Wallabies who played well enough for long periods of this match to have finally broken their hoodoo against Richie McCaw's world number one ranked side.
Fittingly, in the Test in which he surpassed Sean Fitzpatrick as New Zealand's most capped skipper, McCaw was to score the try that signalled the start of his country's comeback.
Certainly the gap between these two great rivals is shrinking with every encounter and the Wallabies can look towards the October 30 showdown in Hong Kong with real hope of toppling the All Blacks but until they learn to defend sizeable leads, they will remain all too vulnerable against quality opposition.
Two weeks ago, they blew 14-0 and 21-7 leads against the Springboks. Last week they let slip a 31-6 advantage and had to rely on a long-range Kurtley Beale penalty to escape with w win in Bloemfontein, while tonight they were overhauled from 22-9 in front.
"We came here to win and that didn't happen so the boys are very disappointed," growled Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom.
"A couple of little errors put the pressure back on us and at the end of the day they finished the stronger."
Coach Robbie Deans agreed. "I feel we've made progress but against the benchmark we've come up short again," he said.
The Wallabies completely dominated field position throughout the first half but some uncharacteristically poor goalkicking by Giteau, who was astray with three relatively easy shots, restricted Australia to only a 14-6 lead at half-time.
As they did in the two Tests against South Africa on the highveld, the Wallabies began with a flourish and looked to have scored a try after only five minutes when recalled winger Lachlan Turner planted the ball over the All Blacks line in the left-hand corner.
But the television match official, Matt Goddard, correctly ruled that NZ defender Cory Jane had just managed to drag Turner's foot into touch before he scored.
Still, there were some payments for the Wallabies for their early adventure as referee Lawrence returned to award them one of three penalties he had called against the All Blacks in the build-up to Turner's sizzling sideline run.
Giteau landed the easy goal to cancel out a second minute Piri Weepu penalty goal but the All Blacks struck back almost immediately, with only an heroic one-on-one tackle by Beale on rampaging centre Ma'a Nonu denying them a try.
No sooner had that raid down the left-hand touchline been snuffed out than the All Blacks lit the fire under a new one. Winger Israel Dagg, hemmed in by the cover defence, cleverly banana-kicked infield, straight to Mils Muliaina who looked certain to score until cut down from behind by Turner.
In the mad scramble that followed James O'Connor conceded a penalty in front of his own posts but the Wallabies dodged a bullet to limit the damage to only another Weepu goal.
When the first try did arrive in the 15th minute, it could hardly have come from a least-likely source, a rampaging run off the back of a scrum-gone-wrong by number eight Ben McCalman.
All Black flanker Victor Vito made a dreadful read in defence to allow McCalman to burst into the clear before sending O'Connor on an untroubled 30m run to the line.
That signalled the start of a golden period of domination by the Wallabies, with Quade Cooper and Giteau kicking deftly for field position, but with Giteau having yet another horror night on what is becoming his nemesis ground _ he did after all, miss "that" kick in front to lose the England Test in June at ANZ Stadium _ the All Blacks were able to stay well within range.
The worry was that the All Blacks, who have outscored Australia in the second half in the last nine Tests, would launch the second half with a blitz but in fact it was the Wallabies who scored first through Adam Ashley-Cooper after a disjointed build-up was made good by a brilliant Will Genia pass to his powerhouse outside centre.
The New Zealanders scrambled across in coverf but from 15m, Ashley-Cooper was never going to be denied. Yet again, however, Giteau missed the conversion, every wasted point ultimately to prove so crucial.
When the All Blacks yet again offended deep inside their own half, Rocky Elsom pleaded with Lawrence to pull out the yellow card but he showed not the slightest sign of taking such extreme measures.
Still, when Beale stepped up as Giteau's goalkicking replacement and calmly slotted the penalty goal, the Wallabies looked in be in charge at 22-9.
But that was to be the highwater mark of the Australian scoring and, as has happened so regularly in the past, it was the All Blacks who finished by far the stronger _ although to be fair, they did have the advantage of three weeks rest while the Australians have played three Tests on the trot, and made the trip home from South Africa across eight time zones.
For 10 minutes the Wallabies defended heroically on their own line but ultimately something had to crack and an O'Connor dedfensive misread from a 5m scrum provided all the opening McCaw needed to stroll over for the 19th try of his career in the 66th minute.At 22-16 down, the All Blacks knew thety were right back in the contest and there was almost a sense of inevitability about the Kieran Read try that came on the back of another five minutes of pouding away at the Australian line.
Weepu's conversion nudged the All Blacks in front 23-22 and although the Wallabies had eight minutes at their disposal to work another Bloemfontein-like miracle, this time the fell short.
NEW ZEALAND 23 (Richard McCaw, Kieran Read tries Piri Weepu 2 cons 3 pens) AUSTRALIA 22 (Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O'Connor tries Matt Giteau 3, Kurtley Beale pens) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Mark Lawrence (RSA). Crowd: 70,288.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
All Blacks beat Wallabies to retain Bledisloe Cup
All Blacks beat Wallabies to retain Bledisloe Cup
from Latest News-All Black resigns by Haka 2011
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.
from Latest News-All Black resigns by Haka 2011
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.
Statistics don't lie - ABs first, daylight second
By GRANT FOX - Sunday Star Times
Last updated 05:00 05/09/2010
OPINION: They say you can twist statistics to paint whatever picture you want.
When it comes to the Tri Nations, I'm not so sure Pieter de Villiers and Robbie Deans will agree.
Since the All Blacks secured this year's Tri Nations title a fortnight ago with that memorable victory in Soweto, I've been quietly analysing some stats around the annual triangular tournament.
What I've found should impress even the hardest marker among All Blacks' fans.
The graphic within the Ruck and Maul column on this page makes the point pretty starkly.
In a nutshell – when it comes to Tri Nations' stats – it is the All Blacks and then daylight. And by some way too.
We have now won the Tri Nations championship 10 of the 15 times it has now been played. Or, to put it another way, we win it, on average, two out of every three seasons.
Of the 67 Tri Nations' matches the All Blacks have played, they've won 47. That's a 70% winning record. With all due respect to our Springbok (40%) and Wallaby (38%) opposition, their records don't look too flash alongside the men in black.
Maybe some knowledgeable reader can correct me, but I don't know of any other annual high-level international triangular tournament where one country has been so dominant.
Maybe the Australian cricketers could lay claim to a similar winning record in the now defunct three-team, limited overs series they would host each summer. But those matches were all played in Australia, not on a home-and-away basis.
What's even more remarkable about New Zealand's Tri Nations record is that, for most of those 15 years, Australia and South Africa have been among the top three teams in world rugby.
That makes the All Blacks' feats even more meritorious.
The away record is even more mind-boggling. We like to think it's almost impossible to win a Tri Nations match away from home. Certainly the Wallabies and Boks have traditionally had plenty of trouble in that area. Both have away-winning records of less than 20%. The All Blacks sit at 57%, having won 19 out of 33 away matches.
What's my point?
Simply that we need to celebrate that level of achievement. We often get caught up in the moment within New Zealand rugby. That's actually one of our strengths and contributes to what making the All Blacks what they are. But it doesn't hurt to occasionally pause and reflect. And then smile about a job well done.
On that point, and given the current All Blacks coaching group have been there for seven of those 15 Tri Nations' years, we should be tipping our hats to them too.
The three wise men have had plenty of flak (and praise) in recent times but with a winning record of about 85%, there's a strong argument we're in safe hands.
The doomsayers will tell us it all means nothing if we fall over next year in the world cup. And maybe they've got a point.
But who would you rather be right now – us or the Aussies?
The Wallabies are going through enormous pain and, yes, it may all be forgotten if they win the world cup. But what if they don't? That makes it a pretty lean time for a long time if you're a Wallaby fan. It will be painful if we don't take the Webb Ellis trophy next year. But I have to say it's been a pretty good time to be an All Blacks fan in the lead-up!
And, who knows, if we knock over the Wallabies in Sydney next weekend, we'll have within our sights the world record – 18 – for the most number of successive test victories. The All Blacks will never admit it publicly, but I believe the chance to set that record will be on their minds in Sydney and should ensure another focused and strong performance. I know if I was still playing, it would motivate me.
I suspect we will see Piri Weepu start at halfback and assume the goal-kicking duties. That would help first five-eighths Aaron Cruden, who will also be assisted by knowing he has Weepu inside him and two other Hurricanes – Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith – outside him.
We need to find out more about Cruden at test level.
Dan Carter's injury provides the perfect opportunity.
Last updated 05:00 05/09/2010
OPINION: They say you can twist statistics to paint whatever picture you want.
When it comes to the Tri Nations, I'm not so sure Pieter de Villiers and Robbie Deans will agree.
Since the All Blacks secured this year's Tri Nations title a fortnight ago with that memorable victory in Soweto, I've been quietly analysing some stats around the annual triangular tournament.
What I've found should impress even the hardest marker among All Blacks' fans.
The graphic within the Ruck and Maul column on this page makes the point pretty starkly.
In a nutshell – when it comes to Tri Nations' stats – it is the All Blacks and then daylight. And by some way too.
We have now won the Tri Nations championship 10 of the 15 times it has now been played. Or, to put it another way, we win it, on average, two out of every three seasons.
Of the 67 Tri Nations' matches the All Blacks have played, they've won 47. That's a 70% winning record. With all due respect to our Springbok (40%) and Wallaby (38%) opposition, their records don't look too flash alongside the men in black.
Maybe some knowledgeable reader can correct me, but I don't know of any other annual high-level international triangular tournament where one country has been so dominant.
Maybe the Australian cricketers could lay claim to a similar winning record in the now defunct three-team, limited overs series they would host each summer. But those matches were all played in Australia, not on a home-and-away basis.
What's even more remarkable about New Zealand's Tri Nations record is that, for most of those 15 years, Australia and South Africa have been among the top three teams in world rugby.
That makes the All Blacks' feats even more meritorious.
The away record is even more mind-boggling. We like to think it's almost impossible to win a Tri Nations match away from home. Certainly the Wallabies and Boks have traditionally had plenty of trouble in that area. Both have away-winning records of less than 20%. The All Blacks sit at 57%, having won 19 out of 33 away matches.
What's my point?
Simply that we need to celebrate that level of achievement. We often get caught up in the moment within New Zealand rugby. That's actually one of our strengths and contributes to what making the All Blacks what they are. But it doesn't hurt to occasionally pause and reflect. And then smile about a job well done.
On that point, and given the current All Blacks coaching group have been there for seven of those 15 Tri Nations' years, we should be tipping our hats to them too.
The three wise men have had plenty of flak (and praise) in recent times but with a winning record of about 85%, there's a strong argument we're in safe hands.
The doomsayers will tell us it all means nothing if we fall over next year in the world cup. And maybe they've got a point.
But who would you rather be right now – us or the Aussies?
The Wallabies are going through enormous pain and, yes, it may all be forgotten if they win the world cup. But what if they don't? That makes it a pretty lean time for a long time if you're a Wallaby fan. It will be painful if we don't take the Webb Ellis trophy next year. But I have to say it's been a pretty good time to be an All Blacks fan in the lead-up!
And, who knows, if we knock over the Wallabies in Sydney next weekend, we'll have within our sights the world record – 18 – for the most number of successive test victories. The All Blacks will never admit it publicly, but I believe the chance to set that record will be on their minds in Sydney and should ensure another focused and strong performance. I know if I was still playing, it would motivate me.
I suspect we will see Piri Weepu start at halfback and assume the goal-kicking duties. That would help first five-eighths Aaron Cruden, who will also be assisted by knowing he has Weepu inside him and two other Hurricanes – Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith – outside him.
We need to find out more about Cruden at test level.
Dan Carter's injury provides the perfect opportunity.
Friday, August 13, 2010
All Blacks, on the brink of greatness
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.
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.
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
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