I came accross this Article in the NZ press… and give my own opinion briefly at the end.
By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE in Sydney – Stuff.co.nz (Last updated 22:55 22/08/2009)
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Dan Carter’s class shone as the All Blacks discovered their fire and a few of their skills too as they nipped Australia 19-18 to claim the Bledisloe Cup and get the defence of their Tri-Nations title back on course.
Carter kicked his fourth penalty 90 seconds from the end to earn the All Blacks a nail-biting win in front of 80,000 at a ground that has so often been a graveyard for them.
Smarting after two shoddy losses to the Springboks and some harsh words from coach Graham Henry the All Blacks put together a more accomplished performance.
The win applies heat to the pace-setting Springboks as the All Blacks head home with renewed confidence for their two remaining Tri-Nations fixtures in Hamilton and Wellington.
But the victory importantly puts the All Blacks 2-nil up against the Wallabies and the sight of the Bledisloe Cup being locked away in the trophy cabinet will give major relief to what was sliding towards a season of discontent.
The pressure now goes on Robbie Deans – his side have lost three matches in a row.
Given how low the All Blacks’ skills sunk in Durban getting a measure of improvement in Sydney shouldn’t have been too hard. But New Zealand deserved credit for their increased urgency and accuracy.
The lineout was better, the scrum solid – Al Baxter was removed after half an hour – there was better work under the high ball and they hung tough to see out a crucial victory in a see-sawing game.
The boot dominated both in field play and on the scoreboard – Ma’a Nonu got the only try – but both sides were willing to run the ball when it was on.
Carter’s guidance certainly allowed the All Blacks to work in the right areas of the field for long periods. But it wasn’t easy and this match hung in the balance right till the end.
The Wallabies kept the ball alive after the halftime siren had sounded and while they weren’t rewarded with a try after their most promising attack took them to within sight of the All Blacks’ line they did earn a penalty for Giteau to land his fourth penalty and a 12-3 halftime lead.
They struck problems when Richard Brown was sin-binned for a spear tackle on Jimmy Cowan and the pressure eventually saw Dan Carter close the gap with his second penalty.
Australia’s problems deepened when Berrick Barnes and James O’Connor were forced off with injuries. Two knocks to the head eventually forced Luke McAlister off after 50 minutes and Stephen Donald came off the bench to play at first five with Carter moving out one spot.
A forward pass ruled out a gift try to Carter as New Zealand’s frustrations continued.
They then had a Cowan try disallowed because of obstruction but they finally managed to work some magic down the left touchline to free replacement Nonu for the dash to the corner. Carter’s sideline conversion gave the All Blacks a 16-15 lead with 15 minutes left.
But they immediately transgressed at a ruck in front of their posts as Rocky Elsom surged forward and Giteau put the home side in front again.
Carter missed a 35m dropped goal attempt five minutes from the end but nailed the winning penalty just before the final whistle after the All Blacks had caught the Wallabies defence on their line.
Isaac Ross was there to capture Lachie Turne in possession and Carter did the business with a cool kick.
New Zealand 19 (Ma’a Nonu try; Daniel Carter 4 pen, con)
Australia 18 (Matt Giteau 6 pen).
Halftime: 3-12.
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Such a lot has been said about the boring type of game the Springbokke play, but yesterday, in this match, I saw the same amount of aimless kicking and blatent overdoing of the up-and-under kick, which we have now become accustomed to.
We are at an impass in world rugby, where ugly rugby is dominating the scene. An ugly phase where rugby is threatening to become a “sissie-sport” due to the fact that the good old, old fashioned rucking with the boot has been out-lawed, making space for everybody falling over on the wrong side of rucks and mauls, where “Oscar Acting” is awarded after a doubtful tackle… where I sometomes want to throw things at the screen.
I have been brought up on hard, uncompromising rugby, in an era where we used the fists liberally when we played – it was gladiator against gladiator, and afterwards we all had a beer together.
I’m falling away from the discussion of the All Blacks vs Wallabies match wildly now.. let me get the focus back…
I have not seen an All Blacks Team handle the ball so poorly in many years as they are doing this season, and yesterday was no different. They showed a dogged determination to come back at the Ausies after trailing, for that they must be commended.
The Wallabies have arguably the worst SCRUM HALVES in the world, since Gregan departed ! Man, with the rest of the Ozzie backline waiting to sizzle, poor Giteau gets slow ball… then a pass too high, then a pass to low… and plenty of wrong options from the useless scrummies. Ozzmob is in a serious dip, as far as their rugby is concerned, it was clear to see from Robbie Deans’s face at the after-match interview – he was basically speechless.
Want my opinion… the Bokke should put both the All Blacks and the Wallabies away overseas, if they play it cleverly.
I’m a battling Journo-JAN… but I try
im Human rates the Wallaby players…
15 James O’Connor:
Made a few errors, but his positional play was good and was daring with ball in hand. The youngster is coming along nicely in the international environment. Destined for a brilliant career at the highest level. 7/10
14 Lachie Turner:
Hardly touched the ball, but worked hard on defence. Should look to get more involved if he wants to keep his spot.5/10
13 Adam Ashley-Cooper:
Looked good with limited opportunities but probably more at home in the last line with a bit more space.6/10
12 Berrick Barnes:
Taken off at the break for concussion. A pity for the Wallabies as he was one of their best players in the first half. Some good kicking, slick hands and a brilliant break that almost put Sharpe away to score. 7/10
11 Drew Mitchell:
Made a good burst immediately after No’nu’s try. Rare glimpses of his potency on attack, but not often enough to be a constant threat.6.5/10
10 Matt Giteau:
Faultless off the tee, but his kicking out of hand was uncharacteristically poor. Not the most commanding display from the little general. 6/10
9 Luke Burgess:
Another average day for the scrumhalf. Like Cowan, he looks better when not against Fourie du Preez, but he still looks out of his depth at the highest level. 5/10
8 Richard Brown:
He was good in defence, with a memorable big hit on Smith. He got sin-binned for a dangerous tackle though, and was out-gunned in the second half breakdown battle. Another yellow card is not what Robbie Deans was looking for. 5/10
7 George Smith (Captain):
The veteran showed all of his experience with another tremendous effort around the breakdown. Superb on defence and created crucial turnovers in the first half, but faded a bit after the break. The battle of the fetchers is the most absorbing contest in the tournament. 7/10
6 Rocky Elsom:
He wasn’t as influential as the Wallabies would have hoped on attack, with an industrious but not explosive performance. But was immense on defence. 6.5/10
5 Nathan Sharpe:
The big second-row forward continued with his impressive tournament with another solid outing. Good in loose and at the set-piece. 7/10
4 James Horwill:
Worked hard on defence and at the lineout. 6/10
3 Al Baxter:
Blown up twice for early scrum infringements and whipped off after half an hour. Very few Tests left in his future.4/10
2 Stephen Moore:
A workmanlike showing from the ever-improving Moore. His game was continuously interrupted by gushing blood from his nose, symbolic of a hard day in the trenches. 7/10
1 Benn Robinson:
Solid on the loosehead for the most part, but failed to put any undue pressure on the young Franks. 6 /10
Replacements:
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau (on for Moore for continuous blood-bins):
Came on for a few bursts before a more extended spell near the end. The Wallabies didn’t seem to suffer from Moore’s absence, so he is an able back-up. 6/10
17 Ben Alexander (On for Baxter on 31 minutes):
The scrums did improve when he came on, so will be a likely starter against the Boks next weekend. 6.5/10
18 Dean Mumm: (On in last ten minutes
Not enough time to be rated
19 David Pocock:On in last ten minutes)
Not enough time to be rated
20 Will Genia: (On in last ten minutes)
Not enough time to be rated
21Ryan Cross: (On for Barnes after halftime):
Totally unnoticeable in his 40 minutes on the field. Wouldn’t have done his chances of a starting berth much good.5/10
22 Peter Hynes: (On for Barnes on 61 minutes)
Made a great impact on the wing. Looked dangerous with the ball and was superb under the high ball. Pushing hard for a chance to start. 7/10
Tim Human rates the All Black players…
15 Mils Muliaina:
Reliable and unflustered as usual. Such a calm influence amongst a All Black team that looks a bit hurried at present. 6.5/10
14 Josevata Rokocoko:
An up and down performance from the under-fire wing. Showed some good touches and was good for the most part under the high ball. But errors crept in regularly. 6/10
13 Conrad Smith:
Not a game he will remember fondly. Ineffectual with the ball, got crunched by Richard Brown and was subbed at halftime.5/10
12 Luke McAlister:
Started decently with some good handling. But took a big knock and was noticeably groggy for the rest of his game. Still searching for that elusive form. 6/10
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu:
The best player on the park. He was dangerous every time he had the ball and played a big hand in Nonu’s try. A really potent force, imagine how devastating he would be in a All Black team in top form.8 /10
10 Dan Carter:
Those who were worried he would be under-cooked were proved right in the initial stages, as he started hesitantly. Came more into the game as it wore on though, and is sure to go from strength to strength.6.5/10
9 Jimmy Cowan:
His best performance in the black jersey in recent times. Kicked and passed well and will like his chances of becoming the regular incumbent. 7/10
8 Kieran Read:
His strong and direct approach helped the All Black’s cause. Cleaned out well and tackled hard. 7/10
7 Richie McCaw (captain):
Some good turnovers and bursts in the loose. Still not at his best though and his gives away too many penalties. 6.5/10
6 Jerome Kaino:
Was a vital cog in the All Black breakdown superiority in the second half. 6.5/10
5 Isaac Ross:
Great presence at the lineout. Continues to make strides as an international lock.7/10
4 Brad Thorn:
Rough and tough as usual. Stamped his physical presence on the game, but also guilty of a few infringements. 6/10
3 Owen Franks:
The youngster was a solid scrum anchor and worked well in the loose.7/10
2 Andrew Hore:
Far and away his best showing in what has been a dreadful campaign for the hooker thus far. His lineout throwing was accurate and made a good impact around the park. 7/10
1 Tony Woodcock:
Scrummed Al Baxter off the park, literally. A constant threat at the set-piece. 7/10
Replacements:
16 Aled de Malmanche:
Not enough time to be rated
17 John Afoa:
Not enough time to be rated
18 Jason Eaton:
Not enough time to be rated
19 Rodney So’oialo:
Not enough time to be rated
20 Brendon Leonard:
Not enough time to be rated
21 Stephen Donald: (On for Mcalister on 49 minutes)
Slotted in well at first receiver when he came on, but Carter will be at No.10 from now on.6/10
22 Ma’a Nonu(On for Smith after halftime):
A very good impact off the bench. Tested the defence with stong ball-carrying and combined well with the other backs. Deserved to score the vital try.7/10
Classic post-game comment :
Brad Thorn was spent after the contest, describing himself as a “walking carcass”.
On the team as a whole he said :
“It was just the heart, the perseverance, it took beyond 80 minutes to win that game. There were plenty of times we could have walked away but we just kept showing up and to me that is a real signature of the All Blacks jersey.”
Sivivatu’s no look pass to Ma’Nonu for the try was sublime. The highlight of the game for me. Just one of the reasons I follow the ABs 🙂
I bin lookin all over for you! I found you! What you all doin here? Git back! Git back! You MY sheep! Why you here? Git back over there NOW!
Mawk
No Mawk, this is a Saffa site, not an Aussie site, hence no sheep.
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