Sportal.co.nz - (16/10/2011)
All Blacks power was turned onto full velocity as they beat Australia 20-6 to claim a place in next week's Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park in Auckland.
Australia were guilty of succumbing to outstanding pressure mounted by the home team, rarely managing to complete meaningful assaults and conceding turnover after turnover.
Australia's Eden Park bogey was extended while New Zealand claimed a first World Cup victory over their trans-Tasman neighbours after their losses in 1991 and 2003.
It wasn't the most flowing of contests, it was all to do with power, brute power in the traditional New Zealand sense. Nothing demonstrated that more than a pile-driving New Zealand scrum in the 71st minute which destroyed the Australian scrum resulting in a penalty which halfback Piri Weepu, who was called back onto the field as a blood bin replacement for Andrew Ellis, goaled for the winning advantage.
Considering his foot had been under intense scrutiny throughout the week before the game captain Richie McCaw belied any concerns with a vigorous demonstration of his right to still be regarded as the best flanker in the world. He had an improved Kieran Read and the admirable blindside flanker par excellence Jerome Kaino as outstanding assistants.
Whether covering in defence or leading the way in driving play the trio set an example and the tight core did their job superbly. To see prop Owen Franks tying down dangerous halfback Will Genia and wing Digby Ioane up was a demonstration of New Zealand's application. Hooker Keven Mealamu was a low-slung runner with ball in hand as he inched over the advantage line with lock Brad Thorn close behind.
Weepu was again outstanding and while landing four penalty goals he achieved 100 points in Test matches.
Wing Cory Jane had few chances to run but was magnificent under high kicks both offensively and defensively.
Australia were forced into basic errors as the result of the intensity of New Zealand's defence. Ioane dropped the ball in one instance and was then guilty of running into one of his own players accidentally in front of him. In a later move wing James O'Connor attempted a miracle off-load only to conceded the ball to New Zealand. Errors were there from the start of the match for the Australians.
New Zealand could hardly have imagined a better opening when Australian first five-eighths Quade Cooper begun the game by putting the kick-off straight into touch. The result was instant pressure being applied with fullback Israel Dagg twice making telling breaks the second of which resulted in the opening try, after five minutes to second five-eighths Ma'a Nonu.
The New Zealand forwards were like lions unleashed, hammering into rucks and mauls, getting the low drive on the Australians and creating quick ball which halfback Piri Weepu released with ease.
Australian flanker David Pocock was penalised twice in the first 12 minutes for breakdown infringements with Weepu converting one penalty in the 12th.
But Australia struck back when Weepu failed to find touch with James O'Connor finding room for fellow wing Digby Ioane to race to the line, just being held up short by rapid All Blacks defence and it was McCaw's turn to be penalised in the 16th minute for O'Connor to land the goal.
It appeared New Zealand had decided to deliberately target Cooper, wherever he was in his covering role he was peppered with high kicks and All Blacks chasers bearing down on him with telling effect.
Australia had a solid period on attack around the 30th minute but all they got from it was a Cooper dropped goal. New Zealand got back onto attack and a basic penalty from a high kick being knocked on and then touched by fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper resulted in a penalty goal for Weepu in the 35th minute.
Scorers:
Australia 6 (James O'Connor pen; Quade Cooper dropped goal) New Zealand 20 (Ma'a Nonu try; Piri Weepu 4 pen; Aaron Cruden dropped goal). HT: 6-14
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
All Blacks grind down gutsy Pumas
LIAM NAPIER Last updated 22:33 09/10/2011
RWC 2011 - All Blacks vs Argentina QF4: Argentina v New Zealand
Match Scorecard
New Zealand33
Tries: Kieran Read (1), Brad Thorn (1)
Conversions: Aaron Cruden (1)
Penalty goals: Piri Weepu (7)
Argentina10
Tries: Julio Farias Cabello (1)
Conversions: Felipe Contepomi (1)
Penalty goals: Marcello Bosch (1)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand may be into the semifinals but they could be down to their third-choice pivot after Colin Slade suffered a groin complaint at Eden Park, the same injury that robbed Dan Carter of any further participation in this tournament.
That was the primary talking point a crowd of 57,912 will ponder post-match.
Anxious memories of that shocking night in Cardiff four-years ago will have crept into the consciousness of some, as the All Blacks struggled to shake off the Pumas, who were never expected to get close, until the closing stages.
This was not the complete performance second centurion Mils Muliaina would have wanted as he entered the record books alongside underpowered captain Richie McCaw, clearly plagued by his ongoing foot problem.
Veteran fullback Muliaina, replaced by Isaia Toeava after 50-minutes, was almost brought to tears during the national anthem.
Slade kick-started a shaky beginning by dropping a regulation pass which forced Conrad Smith to scramble back and save a try.
It summed up Slade's short and erratic evening.
He was unable to ease the nerves left by Carter's void and cement his place as the first-choice playmaker. He was replaced by Manawatu's Aaron Cruden, who linked confidently in his unexpected cameo.
Missing evasive fullback Israel Dagg and powerful utility Richard Kahui, the All Blacks were ragged, disjointed and nervous for large periods.
They looked like a team that had made constant backline changes throughout pool play.
Cohesion was absent, highlighted by their inability to finish chances, other than No.8 Kieran Read and lock Brad Thorn's late scores.
Graham Henry's men weren't able to dictate terms and implement their high-tempo game, a worrying sign ahead of the semifinal against Robbie Deans' Australia.
World No 7 Argentina, keen to engage in the close-quarter combat, put the customary squeeze on at the breakdown.
Their illegal slowing tactics went unpunished by Welsh referee Nigel Owens too long before halfback Nicolas Vergallo was yellow carded with 20-minutes to play.
However, for much of the contest the All Blacks failed to adapt and allowed themselves to be frustrated with the infringing.
To their credit, the Pumas' abrasive and committed defence was tough to crack.
It denied Read as he was pushed out in the corner. Two Cory Jane breaks went unconverted in the first quarter and McCaw placed the ball on an Argentinean boot, rather than at the base of the post, in the second-half.
Luckily, man-of-the-match halfback Piri Weepu stepped up to save the day with seven coolly struck penalties.
He took much of the directional duties with Slade prone and Cruden new to the systems.
Without his assured guidance the All Blacks were in strife. He is now more crucial than ever to the hopes of ending 24-years of angst.
The tenacious Pumas made the most telling statement of the first spell when No 8 Leonardo Senatore stepped Read and broke McCaw's covering tackle, possibly confirming the influential pair's lack of fitness.
That movement finished with blindside flanker Julio Farias Cabello busting through wing Sonny Bill Williams for the surprising opening try. Felipe Contepomi gave his side a shock 7-6 lead after 31-minutes, but Weepu put the hosts back in-front, 12-7, at halftime.
McCaw came off as precaution with eight minutes to play when the game was safe. He had plenty to think about on the bench, with the Wallabies now intent to crack the 17-year Eden Park fortress.
Result:
New Zealand 33 (Kieran Read, Brad Thorn tries; Piri Weepu 7 pen, Aaron Cruden con) Argentina 10 (Julio Farias Cabello try; Felipe Contepomi con, Marcelo Bosch pen). HT: 12-7
RWC 2011 - All Blacks vs Argentina QF4: Argentina v New Zealand
Match Scorecard
New Zealand33
Tries: Kieran Read (1), Brad Thorn (1)
Conversions: Aaron Cruden (1)
Penalty goals: Piri Weepu (7)
Argentina10
Tries: Julio Farias Cabello (1)
Conversions: Felipe Contepomi (1)
Penalty goals: Marcello Bosch (1)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand may be into the semifinals but they could be down to their third-choice pivot after Colin Slade suffered a groin complaint at Eden Park, the same injury that robbed Dan Carter of any further participation in this tournament.
That was the primary talking point a crowd of 57,912 will ponder post-match.
Anxious memories of that shocking night in Cardiff four-years ago will have crept into the consciousness of some, as the All Blacks struggled to shake off the Pumas, who were never expected to get close, until the closing stages.
This was not the complete performance second centurion Mils Muliaina would have wanted as he entered the record books alongside underpowered captain Richie McCaw, clearly plagued by his ongoing foot problem.
Veteran fullback Muliaina, replaced by Isaia Toeava after 50-minutes, was almost brought to tears during the national anthem.
Slade kick-started a shaky beginning by dropping a regulation pass which forced Conrad Smith to scramble back and save a try.
It summed up Slade's short and erratic evening.
He was unable to ease the nerves left by Carter's void and cement his place as the first-choice playmaker. He was replaced by Manawatu's Aaron Cruden, who linked confidently in his unexpected cameo.
Missing evasive fullback Israel Dagg and powerful utility Richard Kahui, the All Blacks were ragged, disjointed and nervous for large periods.
They looked like a team that had made constant backline changes throughout pool play.
Cohesion was absent, highlighted by their inability to finish chances, other than No.8 Kieran Read and lock Brad Thorn's late scores.
Graham Henry's men weren't able to dictate terms and implement their high-tempo game, a worrying sign ahead of the semifinal against Robbie Deans' Australia.
World No 7 Argentina, keen to engage in the close-quarter combat, put the customary squeeze on at the breakdown.
Their illegal slowing tactics went unpunished by Welsh referee Nigel Owens too long before halfback Nicolas Vergallo was yellow carded with 20-minutes to play.
However, for much of the contest the All Blacks failed to adapt and allowed themselves to be frustrated with the infringing.
To their credit, the Pumas' abrasive and committed defence was tough to crack.
It denied Read as he was pushed out in the corner. Two Cory Jane breaks went unconverted in the first quarter and McCaw placed the ball on an Argentinean boot, rather than at the base of the post, in the second-half.
Luckily, man-of-the-match halfback Piri Weepu stepped up to save the day with seven coolly struck penalties.
He took much of the directional duties with Slade prone and Cruden new to the systems.
Without his assured guidance the All Blacks were in strife. He is now more crucial than ever to the hopes of ending 24-years of angst.
The tenacious Pumas made the most telling statement of the first spell when No 8 Leonardo Senatore stepped Read and broke McCaw's covering tackle, possibly confirming the influential pair's lack of fitness.
That movement finished with blindside flanker Julio Farias Cabello busting through wing Sonny Bill Williams for the surprising opening try. Felipe Contepomi gave his side a shock 7-6 lead after 31-minutes, but Weepu put the hosts back in-front, 12-7, at halftime.
McCaw came off as precaution with eight minutes to play when the game was safe. He had plenty to think about on the bench, with the Wallabies now intent to crack the 17-year Eden Park fortress.
Result:
New Zealand 33 (Kieran Read, Brad Thorn tries; Piri Weepu 7 pen, Aaron Cruden con) Argentina 10 (Julio Farias Cabello try; Felipe Contepomi con, Marcelo Bosch pen). HT: 12-7
Monday, October 3, 2011
Experimental All Blacks overpower Canada
Experimental All Blacks overpower Canada
October 2, 2011 - 6:25PM
New Zealand 79 Canada 15
An experimental New Zealand team, missing injured star men Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, wrapped up their World Cup pool play unbeaten after outpowering Canada 79-15 here on Sunday.
MATCH STATS
The All Blacks, who also beat Pool A opponents Tonga (41-10), Japan (83-7) and France (37-17), will now face Argentina in next week's quarter-final in Auckland.
Colin Slade was given the number 10 shirt after Carter was earlier ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury, and oversaw a successful early running game from the home side before being moved to the wing to allow Piri Weepu on and then hobbling off in the 65th minute.
McCaw's replacement at openside flanker, Victor Vito, had an enormous game alongside the irrepressible Jerome Kaino and was part of a pack that destroyed the Canadian scrum, a ploy that yielded four tries on against-the-head ball.
There was also a welcome first World Cup appearance for Zac Guildford, who last month had admitted to a drinking problem, the winger scoring four tries and setting up two more tries in this 12-try to two romp.
Canada took the lead with a second-minute Ander Monro penalty but the All Blacks machine got rolling when Slade broke the line and threw out a beautiful 20-metre pass to the fast-advancing Guildford, easily riding Trainor's tackle to touch down in the corner.
The All Blacks attacked Canada at set-piece, Vito the recipient of a ball that popped out of a retreating scrum, the first from a raft of similar scenarios.
Slade missed the conversion but hit a penalty to stretch his side's lead.
Guildford was instrumental in the third try, drawing the defence and passing to Israel Dagg for a simple run-in.
The Canadians looked ragged around the breakdown and when Conrad Smith snatched up a turnover, Jimmy Cowan kicked ahead and Guildford got his second when Trainor made a terrible hash of the clearance.
On the half-hour mark, fullback Mils Muliaina, winning his 99th cap, crossed the whitewash after Guildford was played into space by Kieran Read from another scrum taken against the head.
Guildford grabbed his hat-trick with five minutes of the first-half to play, Sonny Bill Williams splitting the defence and putting in a little dink kick retrieved by Muliaina, who offloaded to the winger.
Trainor bundled over for a well-deserved Canada try on the stroke of half-time to make it 37-8, Ander Monro having missed the conversion.
The Canadian winger then got his brace early in the second period, collecting a loose ball that had been hacked on by Monro.
Cowan hit straight back, Smith played into the gap by a smart Williams offload before passing to the scrum-half.
Kaino crunched his way over after the Canadian scrum again wilted and Williams also scored soon after following some slick hands.
A raft of replacements and positional changes played havoc with any continuity.
Kaino soon got his second from a pushover, Guildford grabbed his fourth and Vito completed his brace with time running out, Weepu kicking four conversions.
NEW ZEALAND 79 (Zac Guildford 4, Jerome Kaino 2, Victor Vito 2, Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Mils Muliaina, Sonny Bill Williams tries Colin Slade 4, Piri Weepu 4 cons Slade pen) bt CANADA 15 (Conor Trainor 2 tries Ander Monro con pen) at Westpac Stadium. Referee: Romain Poite. Crowd: 37,565.
October 2, 2011 - 6:25PM
New Zealand 79 Canada 15
An experimental New Zealand team, missing injured star men Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, wrapped up their World Cup pool play unbeaten after outpowering Canada 79-15 here on Sunday.
MATCH STATS
The All Blacks, who also beat Pool A opponents Tonga (41-10), Japan (83-7) and France (37-17), will now face Argentina in next week's quarter-final in Auckland.
Colin Slade was given the number 10 shirt after Carter was earlier ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury, and oversaw a successful early running game from the home side before being moved to the wing to allow Piri Weepu on and then hobbling off in the 65th minute.
McCaw's replacement at openside flanker, Victor Vito, had an enormous game alongside the irrepressible Jerome Kaino and was part of a pack that destroyed the Canadian scrum, a ploy that yielded four tries on against-the-head ball.
There was also a welcome first World Cup appearance for Zac Guildford, who last month had admitted to a drinking problem, the winger scoring four tries and setting up two more tries in this 12-try to two romp.
Canada took the lead with a second-minute Ander Monro penalty but the All Blacks machine got rolling when Slade broke the line and threw out a beautiful 20-metre pass to the fast-advancing Guildford, easily riding Trainor's tackle to touch down in the corner.
The All Blacks attacked Canada at set-piece, Vito the recipient of a ball that popped out of a retreating scrum, the first from a raft of similar scenarios.
Slade missed the conversion but hit a penalty to stretch his side's lead.
Guildford was instrumental in the third try, drawing the defence and passing to Israel Dagg for a simple run-in.
The Canadians looked ragged around the breakdown and when Conrad Smith snatched up a turnover, Jimmy Cowan kicked ahead and Guildford got his second when Trainor made a terrible hash of the clearance.
On the half-hour mark, fullback Mils Muliaina, winning his 99th cap, crossed the whitewash after Guildford was played into space by Kieran Read from another scrum taken against the head.
Guildford grabbed his hat-trick with five minutes of the first-half to play, Sonny Bill Williams splitting the defence and putting in a little dink kick retrieved by Muliaina, who offloaded to the winger.
Trainor bundled over for a well-deserved Canada try on the stroke of half-time to make it 37-8, Ander Monro having missed the conversion.
The Canadian winger then got his brace early in the second period, collecting a loose ball that had been hacked on by Monro.
Cowan hit straight back, Smith played into the gap by a smart Williams offload before passing to the scrum-half.
Kaino crunched his way over after the Canadian scrum again wilted and Williams also scored soon after following some slick hands.
A raft of replacements and positional changes played havoc with any continuity.
Kaino soon got his second from a pushover, Guildford grabbed his fourth and Vito completed his brace with time running out, Weepu kicking four conversions.
NEW ZEALAND 79 (Zac Guildford 4, Jerome Kaino 2, Victor Vito 2, Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Mils Muliaina, Sonny Bill Williams tries Colin Slade 4, Piri Weepu 4 cons Slade pen) bt CANADA 15 (Conor Trainor 2 tries Ander Monro con pen) at Westpac Stadium. Referee: Romain Poite. Crowd: 37,565.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
McCaw hails clinical All Blacks
Former All Blacks captain Jock Hobbs presented Richie McCaw with a special cap to mark his 100th appearance
AUCKLAND, 24 Sept. - New Zealand captain Richie McCaw hailed his team's performance after the All Blacks swept to a 37-17 victory over France at Eden Park on Saturday.
Tries from number 8 Adam Thomson and wing Cory Jane put the All Blacks in control before full back Israel Dagg struck either side of half-time.
The French hit back through Maxime Mermoz and Francois Trinh-Duc but the Kiwis confirmed their superiority with a fifth try from Sonny Bill Williams.
McCaw - who was awarded a special cap to mark his 100th international appearance - said: "We realised we had to take a step up this week.
"We had to absorb a fair bit early on and I was proud of the way the boys did that. When we got the opportunity we put the points on the board.
"The boys held their cool and when we had a chance we took it. I'm very happy with the way things went."
Thrilling burst
Fly half Morgan Parra saw a drop kick crash off an upright after three minutes as France pinned the All Blacks back in the early stages.
But New Zealand weathered the storm and went ahead in the ninth minute when Thomson got on the end of a move inspired by a Ma'a Nonu burst and sidestep to touch down at the corner. Fly half Dan Carter missed the conversion.
Jane extended the lead after 17 minutes when he took a superb pass from Piri Weepu to scythe through the French rearguard for try No.2. This time Carter made no mistake with his kick.
Les Bleus were in disarray four minutes later when Dagg took Carter's pass in acres of space and crossed under the posts to make it 17-0. Carter again added the extras.
New Zealand replaced Jane with Williams after 34 minutes.
Stunning drop goal
France got on the scoresheet with a penalty from Dimitri Yachvili as half-time approached.
Dagg scored his second try within a minute of the restart after a sweeping move. Carter landed his third conversion of the evening to put the All Blacks 26-3 in front.
The fly half made it four kicks from five attempts when he sent over a long-range penalty.
France hit back when centre Mermoz intercepted a Carter pass to race home. Yachvili's conversion took his side's points tally into double figures.
But Carter banged another stunning drop goal through the posts to take him to 109 points for the tournament.
Replacement Trinh-Duc scored a second try for the French in the 75th minute only to see Williams race through to dive over at the other end almost immediately.
AUCKLAND, 24 Sept. - New Zealand captain Richie McCaw hailed his team's performance after the All Blacks swept to a 37-17 victory over France at Eden Park on Saturday.
Tries from number 8 Adam Thomson and wing Cory Jane put the All Blacks in control before full back Israel Dagg struck either side of half-time.
The French hit back through Maxime Mermoz and Francois Trinh-Duc but the Kiwis confirmed their superiority with a fifth try from Sonny Bill Williams.
McCaw - who was awarded a special cap to mark his 100th international appearance - said: "We realised we had to take a step up this week.
"We had to absorb a fair bit early on and I was proud of the way the boys did that. When we got the opportunity we put the points on the board.
"The boys held their cool and when we had a chance we took it. I'm very happy with the way things went."
Thrilling burst
Fly half Morgan Parra saw a drop kick crash off an upright after three minutes as France pinned the All Blacks back in the early stages.
But New Zealand weathered the storm and went ahead in the ninth minute when Thomson got on the end of a move inspired by a Ma'a Nonu burst and sidestep to touch down at the corner. Fly half Dan Carter missed the conversion.
Jane extended the lead after 17 minutes when he took a superb pass from Piri Weepu to scythe through the French rearguard for try No.2. This time Carter made no mistake with his kick.
Les Bleus were in disarray four minutes later when Dagg took Carter's pass in acres of space and crossed under the posts to make it 17-0. Carter again added the extras.
New Zealand replaced Jane with Williams after 34 minutes.
Stunning drop goal
France got on the scoresheet with a penalty from Dimitri Yachvili as half-time approached.
Dagg scored his second try within a minute of the restart after a sweeping move. Carter landed his third conversion of the evening to put the All Blacks 26-3 in front.
The fly half made it four kicks from five attempts when he sent over a long-range penalty.
France hit back when centre Mermoz intercepted a Carter pass to race home. Yachvili's conversion took his side's points tally into double figures.
But Carter banged another stunning drop goal through the posts to take him to 109 points for the tournament.
Replacement Trinh-Duc scored a second try for the French in the 75th minute only to see Williams race through to dive over at the other end almost immediately.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Lucky 13 for All Blacks against Japan
DAVID LONG Last updated 21:54 16/09/2011
The 13-try, 83-7 rout did little to enhance the reputation of rugby as a global sport and for most of the game the only thing left to ponder was how close the All Blacks would get to reaching triple figures going into the pool clash with France on Saturday next week.
Having had to play France and New Zealand first up, the World Cup truly starts for Japan tomorrow when they can turn their attentions to winnable games against Tonga and Canada.
Those are the two games that will define Japan's tournament, not a hiding like this.
It's easy to understand John Kirwan's logic in selecting a B-team for this game and keeping his best players ready for the latter matches, but it did turn their clash with the All Blacks into a one-sided farce.
It took just three minutes for the onslaught to begin, with Conrad Smith scoring his 21st try in his 50th test, making best use of a break from Victor Vito.
Try second came in the 15th minute, with Richard Kahui going in on the right wing after most of the Japanese defence was sucked in trying to halt a rapidly-moving rolling maul on the right.
Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis and Colin Slade all scored tries later in the half as the game became anything but a contest.
Sonny Bill Williams came on for Cory Jane early in the second-half and went onto the wing.
Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams (twice), Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu and Adam Thomson all scored second half tries for the All Blacks while wing Hirotoki Onozawa was able to pick up a try to at least stop Japan being completely embarrassed.
Result:
New Zealand 83 (Richard Kahui 2, Sonny Bill Williams 2, Conrad Smith, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Adam Thomson tries; Colin Slade 9 con) Japan 7 (Hirotoki Onozawa try; Murray Williams con). HT: 38-0.
The 13-try, 83-7 rout did little to enhance the reputation of rugby as a global sport and for most of the game the only thing left to ponder was how close the All Blacks would get to reaching triple figures going into the pool clash with France on Saturday next week.
Having had to play France and New Zealand first up, the World Cup truly starts for Japan tomorrow when they can turn their attentions to winnable games against Tonga and Canada.
Those are the two games that will define Japan's tournament, not a hiding like this.
It's easy to understand John Kirwan's logic in selecting a B-team for this game and keeping his best players ready for the latter matches, but it did turn their clash with the All Blacks into a one-sided farce.
It took just three minutes for the onslaught to begin, with Conrad Smith scoring his 21st try in his 50th test, making best use of a break from Victor Vito.
Try second came in the 15th minute, with Richard Kahui going in on the right wing after most of the Japanese defence was sucked in trying to halt a rapidly-moving rolling maul on the right.
Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis and Colin Slade all scored tries later in the half as the game became anything but a contest.
Sonny Bill Williams came on for Cory Jane early in the second-half and went onto the wing.
Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams (twice), Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu and Adam Thomson all scored second half tries for the All Blacks while wing Hirotoki Onozawa was able to pick up a try to at least stop Japan being completely embarrassed.
Result:
New Zealand 83 (Richard Kahui 2, Sonny Bill Williams 2, Conrad Smith, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Adam Thomson tries; Colin Slade 9 con) Japan 7 (Hirotoki Onozawa try; Murray Williams con). HT: 38-0.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Richard Kahui shines in mixed ABs opening
DUNCAN JOHNSTONE Last updated 22:33 09/09/2011SharePrint Text Size This content requires the Flash Player. Download Flash Player. Already have Flash Player? Click here.
New Zealand41
Tries: Israel Dagg (2), Richard Kahui (2), Jerome Kaino (1), Ma'a Nonu (1)
Conversions: Daniel Carter (3), Colin Slade (1)
Penalty goals: Daniel Carter (1)
Tonga10
Tries: Alisona Taumalolo (1)
Conversions: Kurt Morath (1)
Penalty goals: Kurt Morath (1)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
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Played at 8.30PM NZT
New Zealand out-manoeuvred the islanders with six tries on a glorious night, attempting to provide a spectacle of running rugby that has become their signature.
It wasn't always perfect. There was a sloppy second half where several opportunities went begging. They even conceded a try as Tonga bravely battled back.
And whether this New Zealand approach survives sterner tests remains to be seen in this seventh edition of the global event. But for an opening match, it certainly added to the festival feel the city had enjoyed all day long.
This was always going to be a New Zealand win. It was just a question of how big? In the end it probably wasn't big enough for everyone in the crowd of 60,214 jammed into the ground.
But the All Blacks will be quietly happy with this start. They will realise the limitations of the opposition but also be chuffed with the way some of the players clearly on trial stood up. They seemed to get some answers in areas they wanted solutions most.
The classy Kahui was probably top of that queue as Graham Henry looks for the right mix of his back three.
Kahui looked very comfortable playing out of position from his normal centre's role. He roamed dangerously all night, scored two tries and had a hand in two others. He mixed his deceptive running with some real power that might just be the formula the selectors are looking for in their wings.
On the other wing Isaia Toeava overcame a tentative start to contribute to the free-running affair for his 61 minutes of action while Israel Dagg chimed in from all over the paddock.
And the muscular midfield worked a treat, clearly giving the All Blacks options there.
Sonny Bill Williams enjoyed a bit of freedom and his trademark offloads freed up plenty of play for those alongside him.
The All Blacks handled the infamous Tongan physicality and in imposed their own power game on the men in red up front. Jerome Kaino was outstanding with his buckling defence and direct approach with the ball in hand.
And stand-in No 8 Victor Vito certainly didn't take a backward step which will have pleased the coaching staff given the strain on the back row resources at the moment.
We wait to see what the rest of the squad do in next Friday's second pool match against Japan for there are certain to be a raft of changes for that lightweight challenge.
But the marker has been laid down in some of the key areas to be sorted out over the opening phase of the tournament.
As for Tonga, they were largely disappointing with their lack of attack. The prospect of a fiery start never emerged. In fact they rarely fired a shot apart from a spell of forward exchanges on the All Blacks line in the second half.
Ad Feedback Yes, they stalled the All Blacks with a plucky third quarter and then had their say with a try to replacement prop Alisona Taumalolo to reward some better forward effort.
But unless Tonga can step things up they will be in danger against Canada, possibly even against Japan and most certainly against France.
When Irish referee George Clancy blew the opening whistle to start this seventh World Cup there was an almost eerie silence over the ground, in contrast to the buzz of excitement that enveloped the stadium during a marvellous opening ceremony.
Ali Williams rose to take a clean catch and the All Blacks' campaign was finally under way.
It didn't take long for the points to start mounting.
In the fourth minute Tonga were penalised at the breakdown and Dan Carter kicked the first points of the tournament with a simple 18m goal.
Ten minutes and 38 seconds into the match Israel Dagg had the first try, benefitting from some slick work from Richard Kahui who featured twice in the buildup coming off his right wing.
Kahui had his turn soon after as Williams produced a thrilling backhanded offload to Isaia Toeava and there was Kahui popping up on his opposite wing again and producing a delightful sidestep to dance over.
Toeava and Williams helped Dagg to his second try off a turnover courtesy of a turnover engineered by Andrew Hore.
Kahui showed his sheer grunt to get over for his second when he was given a bit of space by Dagg.
The Tongans finally got on the board with the last act of the half when Kurt Morath landed a 40m penalty.
The All Blacks made a bit of a sloppy start to the second spell but a slick pass from Ma'a Nonu gave Toeava a direct route to the corner. But his touchdown was blotted by a boot in touch according to the TMO.
Kaino made no mistake to cap his night with a deserved try off a chip and regather from Kahui.
Tonga had their best period of the match as they camped right on the New Zealand line and after a series of scrums and rucks, replacement prop Alisona Taumalolo eventually burrowed his way over.
The All Blacks had the final say with Nonu starting and finishing a 50m try that sent the big crowd off a bit happier.
There's work to be done. But the All Blacks are off the mark and the tournament is under way.
New Zealand 41 (Israel Dagg 2, Richard Kahui 2, Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu tries; Dan Carter 3 con, pen; Colin Slade con.) Tonga 10 (Alisona Taumalolo try, Kurt Morath con, pen). HT: 29-3
New Zealand41
Tries: Israel Dagg (2), Richard Kahui (2), Jerome Kaino (1), Ma'a Nonu (1)
Conversions: Daniel Carter (3), Colin Slade (1)
Penalty goals: Daniel Carter (1)
Tonga10
Tries: Alisona Taumalolo (1)
Conversions: Kurt Morath (1)
Penalty goals: Kurt Morath (1)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Error: Cannot find match file.
Played at 8.30PM NZT
New Zealand out-manoeuvred the islanders with six tries on a glorious night, attempting to provide a spectacle of running rugby that has become their signature.
It wasn't always perfect. There was a sloppy second half where several opportunities went begging. They even conceded a try as Tonga bravely battled back.
And whether this New Zealand approach survives sterner tests remains to be seen in this seventh edition of the global event. But for an opening match, it certainly added to the festival feel the city had enjoyed all day long.
This was always going to be a New Zealand win. It was just a question of how big? In the end it probably wasn't big enough for everyone in the crowd of 60,214 jammed into the ground.
But the All Blacks will be quietly happy with this start. They will realise the limitations of the opposition but also be chuffed with the way some of the players clearly on trial stood up. They seemed to get some answers in areas they wanted solutions most.
The classy Kahui was probably top of that queue as Graham Henry looks for the right mix of his back three.
Kahui looked very comfortable playing out of position from his normal centre's role. He roamed dangerously all night, scored two tries and had a hand in two others. He mixed his deceptive running with some real power that might just be the formula the selectors are looking for in their wings.
On the other wing Isaia Toeava overcame a tentative start to contribute to the free-running affair for his 61 minutes of action while Israel Dagg chimed in from all over the paddock.
And the muscular midfield worked a treat, clearly giving the All Blacks options there.
Sonny Bill Williams enjoyed a bit of freedom and his trademark offloads freed up plenty of play for those alongside him.
The All Blacks handled the infamous Tongan physicality and in imposed their own power game on the men in red up front. Jerome Kaino was outstanding with his buckling defence and direct approach with the ball in hand.
And stand-in No 8 Victor Vito certainly didn't take a backward step which will have pleased the coaching staff given the strain on the back row resources at the moment.
We wait to see what the rest of the squad do in next Friday's second pool match against Japan for there are certain to be a raft of changes for that lightweight challenge.
But the marker has been laid down in some of the key areas to be sorted out over the opening phase of the tournament.
As for Tonga, they were largely disappointing with their lack of attack. The prospect of a fiery start never emerged. In fact they rarely fired a shot apart from a spell of forward exchanges on the All Blacks line in the second half.
Ad Feedback Yes, they stalled the All Blacks with a plucky third quarter and then had their say with a try to replacement prop Alisona Taumalolo to reward some better forward effort.
But unless Tonga can step things up they will be in danger against Canada, possibly even against Japan and most certainly against France.
When Irish referee George Clancy blew the opening whistle to start this seventh World Cup there was an almost eerie silence over the ground, in contrast to the buzz of excitement that enveloped the stadium during a marvellous opening ceremony.
Ali Williams rose to take a clean catch and the All Blacks' campaign was finally under way.
It didn't take long for the points to start mounting.
In the fourth minute Tonga were penalised at the breakdown and Dan Carter kicked the first points of the tournament with a simple 18m goal.
Ten minutes and 38 seconds into the match Israel Dagg had the first try, benefitting from some slick work from Richard Kahui who featured twice in the buildup coming off his right wing.
Kahui had his turn soon after as Williams produced a thrilling backhanded offload to Isaia Toeava and there was Kahui popping up on his opposite wing again and producing a delightful sidestep to dance over.
Toeava and Williams helped Dagg to his second try off a turnover courtesy of a turnover engineered by Andrew Hore.
Kahui showed his sheer grunt to get over for his second when he was given a bit of space by Dagg.
The Tongans finally got on the board with the last act of the half when Kurt Morath landed a 40m penalty.
The All Blacks made a bit of a sloppy start to the second spell but a slick pass from Ma'a Nonu gave Toeava a direct route to the corner. But his touchdown was blotted by a boot in touch according to the TMO.
Kaino made no mistake to cap his night with a deserved try off a chip and regather from Kahui.
Tonga had their best period of the match as they camped right on the New Zealand line and after a series of scrums and rucks, replacement prop Alisona Taumalolo eventually burrowed his way over.
The All Blacks had the final say with Nonu starting and finishing a 50m try that sent the big crowd off a bit happier.
There's work to be done. But the All Blacks are off the mark and the tournament is under way.
New Zealand 41 (Israel Dagg 2, Richard Kahui 2, Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu tries; Dan Carter 3 con, pen; Colin Slade con.) Tonga 10 (Alisona Taumalolo try, Kurt Morath con, pen). HT: 29-3
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