AllBlack's safe hands click to give 2-0series win

JAMES MORTIMER     14 JUN 2014     GETTY IMAGES

The All Blacks have won an entertaining match where the World Champions were able to lift their game as required, with a tight 28-27 win over a competitive England at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Head coach Steve Hansen had called for improvement, as had captain Richie McCaw, who led the tackle count for his team with 12, a performance notably free of errors which allowed the hosts to generate the continuity needed to spark their attacking game.

In comparison to the first Test, the number one ranked team in world rugby saw their passes stick, and they looked to up the ante against what was a full strength England team.

The safety of the All Blacks hands saw the phases build up, which saw them dominate long periods with possession and territory, while individual players were superb.

Ben Smith put in a home town performance to be proud of with an incisive effort – 20 carries for 130 metres gained – while Julian Savea provided the predicted punch while the New Zealand forwards were more direct that last weekend.

Unveiling Kapo O Pango, the World Champions looked fired up, even though England would get the early advantages with double penalties.

The second would lead to Owen Farrell, one of five changes to the England starting XV, knocking over the first points after three minutes.

The All Blacks, on defence early, would concede enough penalties to earn McCaw a word that further infringements would lead to cards.

Marland Yarde would cross the first five points with the English midfield profiting from their first prolonged period with possession, and a Farrell conversion would make it 10-0 with 11 minutes played.

A penalty to Cruden would give the All Blacks their first points, but a miss in the 18th minute would allow England to take early control of the match.

New Zealand would play their promised ball in hand game to great effect, but England’s defence would hold firm, even though the match looked to be played at a higher pace.

A penalty to Cruden in the final stages of the first half would make it a 10-6 game to the English.

But the second half would be a different affair, with Ben Smith scoring in the 44th minute, Savea would give him the final pass after an initial Aaron Cruden break.

It would give the All Blacks the lead which they would not relinquish.

Julian Savea would score after another piece of brilliance from Ben Smith, while Aaron Smith made another defining break as the hosts began to find stretch their legs.

The All Blacks would dominate possession and territory by over 60 percent for the match, largely due to their efforts in the final 40 minutes.

The biggest difference was that the hosts passing was going from hand to hand, with great skills on display as the World Champions forwards also began to warm to their efforts.

England wouldn’t lie down, even though they lost Farrell to a yellow card as the game entered its final quarter.

Ma'a Nonu would crash over with another textbook effort from the back division, but England would finish with a flourish.

Mike Brown would score a try despite numerous replays from the TMO, while Chris Ashton would score on the death to give the English coaching staff a strong finish to work on.

But in front of a capacity crowd in Dunedin the All Blacks would secure the Steinlager Series 2-0 after the second of three Tests.

All Blacks 28

Tries: Smith (43), Savea (49), Nonu (62)
Pens: Cruden (11, 40), Barrett (59)
Cons: Cruden (44), Barrett (65)

England 27

Try: Yarde (7), Brown (71), Ashton (80)
Pen: Farrell (3, 47) 
Con: Farrell (8, 71, 81)

The Legend of the All Blacks

The All Blacks represent New Zealand in what is regarded as its national sport. The All Blacks are the holders of the Rugby World Cup and are the 2013 International Rugby Board (IRB) Team of the Year as well as having the 2013 player of the year Kieran Read and coach of the year Steve Hansen. In 2012 the All Blacks won Team, Player and Coach of the year and in 2011 the team won Team and Coach of the year after winning the Rugby World Cup. They have won over 76% of their test matches (regarded as one of the best if not the best winning ratio in professional sport), and are the leading test match points scorers of all time. They are the only international side with a winning record against every country they have played and since their international debut in 1903 only five nations have defeated New Zealand in test matches. Since the introduction of the IRB's world rankings in October 2003, New Zealand has held number one ranking longer than all other teams combined.

New Zealand compete with Argentina, Australia and South Africa in The Rugby Championship—known as the Tri Nations before Argentina's entry in 2012. The All Blacks have won the trophy eleven times in the competition's sixteen-year history. They also hold the Bledisloe Cup, which is contested annually with Australia, and the Freedom Cup, contested annually with South Africa. New Zealand have achieved a Grand Slam(defeating England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in one tour) four times—1978, 2005, 2008 and 2010.

They have also been named the IRB Team of the Year six times since 2005. Three members have won the IRB Player of the Year award—current captain Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Kieran Read. Fifteen former All Blacks have been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame; four of these are also inductees of the IRB Hall of Fame.

The team's first match was in 1884 against Cumberland County, New South Wales, and their first international match in 1903 against Australia in Sydney. The following year they hosted their first ever home test, a match against a British Isles side in Wellington. This was followed by a tour of Europe and North America in 1905 where the team suffered their first Test defeat—to Wales in Cardiff.

New Zealand's early uniforms consisted of a black jersey with a silver fern and white knickerbockers. By the 1905 tour, they were wearing all black, except for the silver fern, and their name All Blacks dates from this time. The team perform a haka—a Māori challenge or posture dance—before each match. The haka performed has traditionally been Te Rauparaha's Ka Mate, although since 2005 Kapa o Pango—a modified version of the 1924 All Blacks haka, Kia Whaka-ngawari—has occasionally been performed.

Highlights from All Blacks 2013 unbeaten season, top tries

Aaron Cruden From the All Blacks Shares His Story of Resilience

The Year Of The All Blacks-2013

All Blacks vs Ireland 2013

It was a sensational clash, a pulsating contest from start to finish and as entertaining as any in recent memory.

A fired-up Ireland threatened to upset the odds and claim a first ever victory over New Zealand in 108 years of trying only to be denied by an All Blacks side that simply refuses to accept it is beaten.

The stunning finale that propelled the Kiwis to a 24-22 victory was just the last dramatic act in a thriller that captivated the Aviva Stadium and millions of fans beyond. In terms of performance, it may not have been the perfect end to an historic unbeaten season – with no other side in the professional era having completed that feat – but it was a perfect example of what makes this New Zealand team the greatest side in the world.

Mental strength

There was not one point in this game that the All Blacks contemplated defeat. A ferocious opening from Ireland brought due reward in the form of tries for Conor Murray, Rory Best and Rob Kearney but there was not a hint of panic from the visitors. They were out-fought and out-played but had complete faith in their ability to force their way back into the contest. This composure and belief was evident in captain Richie McCaw’s decision to kick for the posts with two second half penalties when his side still trailed by a significant deficit when others would have been inclined to gamble and chase the game.

But that belief and ability to think clearly under pressure was trumped by the sweeping move that turned the game on its head in the dying moments. By this stage the game and ‘perfection’ was on the line with a repeat of last year’s season-ending defeat against England looming large but the All Blacks remained cool-headed as ever. The Kiwis’ enviable skill levels in the loose and physicality at the breakdown came to the fore as they carved their way down field where replacement Ryan Crotty eventually broke Irish hearts by levelling the scores.

But they were not done. New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden missed his first attempt at the conversion with the Irish defence bearing down on him but their charge was ruled premature and he made no mistake with the second attempt. In contrast, Ireland playmaker Jonathan Sexton did not have the benefit of ice in his veins. Handed the chance to take the game away from the All Blacks and the Irish into an eight-point lead late in the second half his form deserted him. McCaw later admitted that had he been on target it would have been ‘game over’ and you couldn’t help but think that Sexton’s apparent decision to take as much time as possible over the kick may have messed with his routine and mental preparation. The kick will haunt him but luckily his talent ensures he will have several chances to erase the memory in the future.

Roll with the punches

For forty minutes Ireland threatened to upset the world order by playing like the All Blacks. Displaying an intensity that was notably absent from their performance against Australia last weekend, Ireland appeared set on banishing the memory of their record 60-0 defeat to the All Blacks in their previous meeting last year. The back-row trio of Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip swarmed all over their All Blacks rivals and denied them time and space. Scrum-half Murray was at his best and centre Brian O’Driscoll, in his last appearance against New Zealand, attacked the challenge as if this game would define his career. But crucially this was controlled mayhem with their discipline – they conceded just one penalty in the first half – a key factor in their first half dominance.

But Ireland failed to press home their advantage after the break and did not even add to their score in the second half. They could not rediscover the ferocity that had fuelled the dreams of packed Aviva Stadium and as the game wore on it was clear their first half endeavour had taken its toll. There was no such drop off from the All Blacks who dusted themselves down and clawed their way back into the game and eventually turned the tables on Ireland. With an increasing amount of possession and territory it was no surprise that Ireland’s penalty count began to climb and the scoreboard was soon telling a different story. It did not come easy, and almost didn’t come at all, and the effort required to turn the game was perhaps best summed up by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen: “We survived a shit storm.”

It ain’t over until it is over

The score was Ireland 22-17 New Zealand. The clock said 79:33. The hosts had the ball on the All Blacks’ 10m line. History was calling for Ireland and a group of players whose industry had rightfully presented them with this opportunity. But they blew their date with destiny in a way that their all-conquering rivals would never have done.

Handed one final lifeline, the All Blacks did what they do best. Twelve phases and 60m later Ireland’s chance had gone. I should be clear to every international side that it takes a performance of 80+ minutes to account for the All Blacks. And if they needed a reminder of the Kiwis’ dogged sporting DNA then they need only have cast their eye back 24 hours to see how the New Zealand rugby league side a last-gasp victory over England in their World Cup semi-final clash at Wembley.

Ireland desperately needed someone to make one big final play as the All Blacks stretched them from one touchline to the other in search of salvation. Unfortunately the obvious candidate – O’Driscoll – was sitting on the sidelines with concussion, cruelly robbed of a chance to steer his side to yet another famous victory. Others such as O’Brien and Heaslip were understandably spent having racked up an incredible 44 tackles between them.

It just was not to be. Ireland fell to their knees while New Zealand struggled to find the energy to celebrate but their fatigue will be short-lived with a beach awaiting. However, Ireland’s scars – both physical and mental – are sure to linger a lot longer.

What a game, what a year it has been for the All Blacks.

Blackprint for Success

A thrilling clash, described by victorious New Zealand captain Richie McCaw as “a hell of a Test match”, underlined the All Blacks’ class but England also emerged with immense credit having pushed the world’s best side all the way. But what decided the contest?

Red zone return

New Zealand’s ability to execute under pressure has long stood them apart from the rest of the world and that ruthless streak was evident again in this nail-biter. Match stats reveal that both sides made eight trips into the opposition 22 and while New Zealand came away with points on four occasions, England only did so once. The home side’s relatively low return is thanks largely to their bullish tactics in the first half as they chased the game and a crucial call from captain Chris Robshaw did eventually lead to a try and spark a tremendous and gutsy comeback that almost won them the game. But no side going against the All Blacks can afford to be so wasteful when handed such precious field position especially when your pack has worked so hard to earn it. England have a set of forwards at their disposal with the ability to strike fear into any of their rivals but they still do not have the game-breaking back division to compliment them or capitalise on any dominance up front.

The world’s best player?

New Zealand fly-half and reigning International Rugby Board Player of the Year Dan Carter rightly took centre stage ahead of the clash at Twickenham on the occasion of his 100th Test match appearance but it was the front runner for this year’s honour that dominated the game itself. All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read delivered yet another outstanding all-action display to propel his side to victory and bolster his claims to the title of the world’s best player. As impressive his match stats – a try, 45m with ball in hand, 11 tackles – they do not do him justice and not even a first half yellow card could tarnish his game. He has a priceless ability to read the game and this, along with his incredible work rate and skill, ensures he is a near-constant presence. His influence makes him a target for the opposition and he attracted the attention of England’s Chris Ashton, Billy Vunipola and Lee Dickson in the lead up to the opening try of the game but they were left dumbfounded, like the capacity crowd, as the Kiwi slipped a delightful scoring pass to winger Julian Savea. Read is just as devastating in defence with Tom Wood, Dan Cole and Courtney Lawes seen to almost bounce off their rival at just one of many bruising breakdown battles. Is there a better player in the game right now?

Hartley the beating heart?

Dan Carter was not the only player celebrating a career milestone with England hooker Dylan Hartley given the honour of leading the side out on his 50th international appearance. He celebrated with another rugged and tone-setting display and was at the heart of England’s comeback after they had gifted New Zealand a substantial lead. A typically brutal tackle on All Blacks flanker Richie McCaw brought a premature end to Hartley’s game and England appeared to lose their way in his absence. An otherwise formidable lineout began to creak with replacement hooker Tom Youngs failing to find his man on three occasions and the momentum that the ferocious England pack had worked so hard to generate began to dissipate. England’s bench has provided fresh impetus in recent weeks but in this instance it had the wrong kind of impact. England had the lead and the match within their grasp but their failure to maintain that effort offered New Zealand hope and they pounced with a game-clinching second score for Julian Savea.

Riders on the storm

Twelve months ago New Zealand were swept aside – or ‘donkey-licked’ as coach Steve Hansen recalled – by a rampant England side spearheaded by a warrior-like Tom Wood and a wrecking ball centre pairing of Brad Barritt and Manu Tuilagi that was sorely missing from this latest clash. The All Blacks had little answer to the onslaught and while this game was apparently not about revenge – at least publicly – there was a clear determination on the part of the visitors to ensure lightning did not strike twice. A relatively inexperienced England side, that clearly and with good cause does not fear the All Blacks, threw everything they had at New Zealand and that effort, bolstered by a vociferous Twickenham crowd that so often is not a factor, rocked their rivals – but no more. This All Blacks side is not just physically strong but also mentally strong having carved their way through the international calendar for the last few years. They push the game and the Laws to the limit to preserve their status and while England were good, they were just not good enough.

Keep them guessing

While an injury-ravaged England struggled to conjure opportunities with yet another scrappy score their only try of this contest, New Zealand continue to ooze class and creativity. The stage was set for All Blacks playmaker Dan Carter to steal the show and he certainly left his mark with one pin-point cross-kick to winger Charles Piutau and another delicate chip over the England defence that was gobbled up by centre Ben Smith – but injury brought a premature end to his game. However, the All Blacks are blessed with many players who can turn a game with one being veteran centre Ma’a Nonu. Behind but not beaten, the visitors sensed the game was still there to be won and hammered a tiring England midway through the second half. They stretched them one way and then the other, peppering the defence with a hypnotic blend of power, pace and guile. Piutau went close in one corner – denied by an excellent tackle from Mike Brown – but the All Blacks did not dwell on the setback with the ball immediately worked wide again with Nonu’s eventual sublime offload to winger Julian Savea for the All Blacks’ second try the decisive moment of the game. While New Zealand appear to have such talent on tap, England’s well appears dry.