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.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
All Blacks close in on pointscoring record
NZPA
Last updated 13:59 14/07/2010
Barring a major reversal of fortune the All Blacks will become the most prolific pointscorers in test rugby history on Saturday night.
New Zealand have been steadily gaining on France as the all-time leading scorers and now need just seven points in the Tri-Nations test against South Africa here to climb to the top rung.
In 660 tests, France have scored 11,792 points while the All Blacks have reached 11,786 in just 462 tests.
Given the New Zealanders have racked up 169 points in the first four tests of the year, the record is sure to fall and they should open up a clear lead before France next play, in November.
The All Blacks need just seven tries to overtake France's 1561 in the all-time tryscoring stakes and three conversions to be the first team to land 1000 of them in tests.
Tests played Won Points for Tries Cons Pens
France 660 364 11,792 1561 907 909
New Zealand 462 345 11,786 1555 997 953
Australia 509 256 10,260 1315 766 959
Wales 612 316 9860 1325 755 905
England 629 332 9837 1351 767 955
Argentina 331 183 9513 1244 769 688
South Africa 386 246 8713 1093 699 747
Ireland 593 248 7924 1014 574 793
Scotland 592 251 7542 1019 563 776
New Zealand and Argentina are the only leading nations to have landed more conversions than penalties
Last updated 13:59 14/07/2010
Barring a major reversal of fortune the All Blacks will become the most prolific pointscorers in test rugby history on Saturday night.
New Zealand have been steadily gaining on France as the all-time leading scorers and now need just seven points in the Tri-Nations test against South Africa here to climb to the top rung.
In 660 tests, France have scored 11,792 points while the All Blacks have reached 11,786 in just 462 tests.
Given the New Zealanders have racked up 169 points in the first four tests of the year, the record is sure to fall and they should open up a clear lead before France next play, in November.
The All Blacks need just seven tries to overtake France's 1561 in the all-time tryscoring stakes and three conversions to be the first team to land 1000 of them in tests.
Tests played Won Points for Tries Cons Pens
France 660 364 11,792 1561 907 909
New Zealand 462 345 11,786 1555 997 953
Australia 509 256 10,260 1315 766 959
Wales 612 316 9860 1325 755 905
England 629 332 9837 1351 767 955
Argentina 331 183 9513 1244 769 688
South Africa 386 246 8713 1093 699 747
Ireland 593 248 7924 1014 574 793
Scotland 592 251 7542 1019 563 776
New Zealand and Argentina are the only leading nations to have landed more conversions than penalties
Aggression key to matching Tri Nations heavyweights
ADAM FREIER
July 11, 2010
What's not to like about New Zealand and South African Rugby at present? We are extremely lucky to be part of a Tri Nations to benchmark ourselves against the world's best. The South Africans are an extremely structured and predictable side, but even if you know what's happening next, it doesn't mean you can stop it.
They are clinical in set pieces and rely heavily on it being flawless, but last night showed that when their scrum and lineout are off, their performance suffers.
One of their strengths is the ability to keep the scoreboard ticking. It's not just the game plan that can look a little predictable, but the playing roster as well, in particular one B.Botha. Did anyone see the headbutt by Bakkies in the first 30seconds after being held back? How did the whole planet see that, but not one official?
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They even flashed to him during a penalty kick and he had a red mark on his head. Guilty. Surely he can't be playing for the next few weeks.
A trick has always been to "bully the bully" against the large Springbok packs. But it's not something the Wallabies should be strategically doing; it should be imbedded in them. Winning the physical battle is the most critical point of all when playing these two great rugby nations. South Africa are the world champions, but after the All Blacks emphatic 20-point victory last night, many would argue how much longer.
Why are the All Blacks are so difficult? They are almost the total opposite to the Springboks: unpredictable, elusive and very instinctive.
They have an ability to turn on points from any situation, and leave opponents thinking: "What just happened?" How do you predict Brad Thorn kicking a grubber?
An example was the break by Mils Muliaina, which then lead to the try set up by Richie McCaw to Conrad Smith. How do you prepare for that?
You can't. The only way you can is to ensure that your defensive line, off kicks, has no fractures.
Last night New Zealand showed immense purpose in everything they did - at the breakdown, and in counter rucking and ball carries. Every All Black ball-carry was with conviction. Keiran Read's try didn't come from anything special - he just ran hard and with purpose. They do the simple things extremely well.
A rugby result can be illustrated by the reaction of a coach at full-time.
Graham Henry is usually a wet blanket in showing emotion, but it was all smiles in the coach's box, and he left his seat clutching the air after every try was scored by his players. Even after the match the camera caught him strutting across the field with an "I told you so" look in his eye.
Last night demonstrated that the All Blacks are the real deal. The scrum was solid and lineout flawless.
Although gallant in defeat, the Springboks looked very predictable and flat when things didn't go their way. They did well to hang on and stay in the contest (with Victor Matfield and John Smit always pointing at the sticks), but I couldn't imagine any Australian fan being happy if the Wallabies came home with a similar result.
This is a massive line in the sand for the rest of the world to follow including the Wallabies.
How do we beat the All Blacks and Springboks? I don't have the answer, but after watching the Tri Nations opener in Auckland last night, it is clear that this isn't a competition of skill. It comes down to the contest of will. Skill is a trait that can be called upon, but the will and the intent of the warrior is what needs to come through. We don't need to just win the physical contest, we need to absolutely blow it apart. That trait must be etched in this very young and willing Wallabies side.
July 11, 2010
What's not to like about New Zealand and South African Rugby at present? We are extremely lucky to be part of a Tri Nations to benchmark ourselves against the world's best. The South Africans are an extremely structured and predictable side, but even if you know what's happening next, it doesn't mean you can stop it.
They are clinical in set pieces and rely heavily on it being flawless, but last night showed that when their scrum and lineout are off, their performance suffers.
One of their strengths is the ability to keep the scoreboard ticking. It's not just the game plan that can look a little predictable, but the playing roster as well, in particular one B.Botha. Did anyone see the headbutt by Bakkies in the first 30seconds after being held back? How did the whole planet see that, but not one official?
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They even flashed to him during a penalty kick and he had a red mark on his head. Guilty. Surely he can't be playing for the next few weeks.
A trick has always been to "bully the bully" against the large Springbok packs. But it's not something the Wallabies should be strategically doing; it should be imbedded in them. Winning the physical battle is the most critical point of all when playing these two great rugby nations. South Africa are the world champions, but after the All Blacks emphatic 20-point victory last night, many would argue how much longer.
Why are the All Blacks are so difficult? They are almost the total opposite to the Springboks: unpredictable, elusive and very instinctive.
They have an ability to turn on points from any situation, and leave opponents thinking: "What just happened?" How do you predict Brad Thorn kicking a grubber?
An example was the break by Mils Muliaina, which then lead to the try set up by Richie McCaw to Conrad Smith. How do you prepare for that?
You can't. The only way you can is to ensure that your defensive line, off kicks, has no fractures.
Last night New Zealand showed immense purpose in everything they did - at the breakdown, and in counter rucking and ball carries. Every All Black ball-carry was with conviction. Keiran Read's try didn't come from anything special - he just ran hard and with purpose. They do the simple things extremely well.
A rugby result can be illustrated by the reaction of a coach at full-time.
Graham Henry is usually a wet blanket in showing emotion, but it was all smiles in the coach's box, and he left his seat clutching the air after every try was scored by his players. Even after the match the camera caught him strutting across the field with an "I told you so" look in his eye.
Last night demonstrated that the All Blacks are the real deal. The scrum was solid and lineout flawless.
Although gallant in defeat, the Springboks looked very predictable and flat when things didn't go their way. They did well to hang on and stay in the contest (with Victor Matfield and John Smit always pointing at the sticks), but I couldn't imagine any Australian fan being happy if the Wallabies came home with a similar result.
This is a massive line in the sand for the rest of the world to follow including the Wallabies.
How do we beat the All Blacks and Springboks? I don't have the answer, but after watching the Tri Nations opener in Auckland last night, it is clear that this isn't a competition of skill. It comes down to the contest of will. Skill is a trait that can be called upon, but the will and the intent of the warrior is what needs to come through. We don't need to just win the physical contest, we need to absolutely blow it apart. That trait must be etched in this very young and willing Wallabies side.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
All Blacks win first test of Tri-Nations
By GREG FORD - Stuff
Last updated 20:20 10/07/2010
If you are looking for a blueprint on how to beat the Springboks in next year's World Cup, the All Blacks presented one to the rugby world tonight during their emphatic win over the world champion South Africans.
Richie McCaw's All Blacks posted an emphatic four try bonus point 32-12 win at Eden Park to take an early upper hand in the Tri-Nations. But more importantly - smarting from last year's whitewash to South Africa - they managed to cook up a game-winning plan, which is sure to be repeated in Wellington on Saturday.
One play in particular is set to become the most studied of the year.
It came after just 18 minutes of play, off a South African set piece.
Morne Steyn booted the ball deep into All Black territory and what unfolded in the next six or seven seconds won the All Blacks the match. Mils Muliaina broke several tackles in his return before he offloaded to Richie McCaw who in turn found an unmarked Conrad Smith.
In one decisive sweeping counter attack the weapon South Africa used to such great effect against New Zealand last year was nullified.
As a rejoinder, it wasn't half bad. And what was to unfold in the next 60 minutes could be traced back to that moment; the moment when the All Blacks came up with a game plan to beat the Boks.
South Africa's tactics were the subject of considerable pre-match speculation.
Graham Henry had tipped we would see a more expansive Springboks.
But from the get-go they reverted to type and mounted an aerial assault.
Perhaps they were encouraged by an early fumble by Muliaina.
But the All Blacks back three were far better equipped to handle the predictable attack and were largely successful in defusing it. Muliaina had a fine attacking match and returned the ball with interest on most occasions. He opted to hand off to Cory Jane on several occasions.
While Jane didn't make as many line-breaks, he took intelligent options (safety first) and ensured the All Blacks retained possession, or re-directed play, to the right end of Eden Park.
For all the heroics on attack, the deciding factor for the All Blacks on the night was their defence.
It could be summed up in one word: angry.
Ever since the All Blacks were rolled last year by the Boks, they had stewed in their own rage. Their fury was there for all to see in the many punishing hits they unleashed. This gave them a decisive edge in the physical war and nullified any suggestion the big South African pack would bully McCaw's men.
The All Black front row had their pride severely dented against the Boks last year, when they were unceremoniously bullied.
But Saturday night featured a complete role reversal.
The hunter became the hunted, or should that be the shunted, and Owen Franks, the young All Blacks tight-head, came of age.
His work in the first three scrums (notably the third was sans Bakkies Botha while he was cooling his heels in the sinbin) was outstanding.
The South Africans were forced to abandon ship and stand up in the front row.
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The contest was more even in the second spell.
But the All Black lineout was also super solid and that gave the All Blacks enough quality possession to control the pace of the game.
Props who can play so effectively against South Africa, deserve instant hero status.
Franks isn't Kevin Skinner yet, but he packed a fair old punch in his 64 minutes and is well on his way to becoming a heavyweight of the game.
Ditto Kieran Read. The Crusaders No 8 was a complete and utter nuisance for South Africa on Saturday night.
He tackled like a lion and wore his spoilers' hat with aplomb. Few players are game to play this role for fear of giving away penalties.
Read may have erred a couple of times.
But the impact he made combined with his try played a defining role on the outcome of the match.
Brad Thorn was not far behind in terms of influence and McCaw also had a hand in most things. Tony Woodcock bagged the bonus point for the All Black which was a reward for the tight five who toiled so effectively.
New Zealand 32 (Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Tony Woodcock tries; Dan Carter 2 pen, 3 con)
South Africa 12 (Morne Steyn 4 pen).
Halftime: 20-3.
Last updated 20:20 10/07/2010
If you are looking for a blueprint on how to beat the Springboks in next year's World Cup, the All Blacks presented one to the rugby world tonight during their emphatic win over the world champion South Africans.
Richie McCaw's All Blacks posted an emphatic four try bonus point 32-12 win at Eden Park to take an early upper hand in the Tri-Nations. But more importantly - smarting from last year's whitewash to South Africa - they managed to cook up a game-winning plan, which is sure to be repeated in Wellington on Saturday.
One play in particular is set to become the most studied of the year.
It came after just 18 minutes of play, off a South African set piece.
Morne Steyn booted the ball deep into All Black territory and what unfolded in the next six or seven seconds won the All Blacks the match. Mils Muliaina broke several tackles in his return before he offloaded to Richie McCaw who in turn found an unmarked Conrad Smith.
In one decisive sweeping counter attack the weapon South Africa used to such great effect against New Zealand last year was nullified.
As a rejoinder, it wasn't half bad. And what was to unfold in the next 60 minutes could be traced back to that moment; the moment when the All Blacks came up with a game plan to beat the Boks.
South Africa's tactics were the subject of considerable pre-match speculation.
Graham Henry had tipped we would see a more expansive Springboks.
But from the get-go they reverted to type and mounted an aerial assault.
Perhaps they were encouraged by an early fumble by Muliaina.
But the All Blacks back three were far better equipped to handle the predictable attack and were largely successful in defusing it. Muliaina had a fine attacking match and returned the ball with interest on most occasions. He opted to hand off to Cory Jane on several occasions.
While Jane didn't make as many line-breaks, he took intelligent options (safety first) and ensured the All Blacks retained possession, or re-directed play, to the right end of Eden Park.
For all the heroics on attack, the deciding factor for the All Blacks on the night was their defence.
It could be summed up in one word: angry.
Ever since the All Blacks were rolled last year by the Boks, they had stewed in their own rage. Their fury was there for all to see in the many punishing hits they unleashed. This gave them a decisive edge in the physical war and nullified any suggestion the big South African pack would bully McCaw's men.
The All Black front row had their pride severely dented against the Boks last year, when they were unceremoniously bullied.
But Saturday night featured a complete role reversal.
The hunter became the hunted, or should that be the shunted, and Owen Franks, the young All Blacks tight-head, came of age.
His work in the first three scrums (notably the third was sans Bakkies Botha while he was cooling his heels in the sinbin) was outstanding.
The South Africans were forced to abandon ship and stand up in the front row.
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The contest was more even in the second spell.
But the All Black lineout was also super solid and that gave the All Blacks enough quality possession to control the pace of the game.
Props who can play so effectively against South Africa, deserve instant hero status.
Franks isn't Kevin Skinner yet, but he packed a fair old punch in his 64 minutes and is well on his way to becoming a heavyweight of the game.
Ditto Kieran Read. The Crusaders No 8 was a complete and utter nuisance for South Africa on Saturday night.
He tackled like a lion and wore his spoilers' hat with aplomb. Few players are game to play this role for fear of giving away penalties.
Read may have erred a couple of times.
But the impact he made combined with his try played a defining role on the outcome of the match.
Brad Thorn was not far behind in terms of influence and McCaw also had a hand in most things. Tony Woodcock bagged the bonus point for the All Black which was a reward for the tight five who toiled so effectively.
New Zealand 32 (Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Tony Woodcock tries; Dan Carter 2 pen, 3 con)
South Africa 12 (Morne Steyn 4 pen).
Halftime: 20-3.
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