Wallabies Vs All Blacks Roar live blog

Roar Pro

By The Roar, 31 Jul 2010 The Crowd is a Roar Pro

Tagged:: All Blacks, Bledisloe Cup, live rugby blog, rugby unio, wallabies

Related coverage

New Zealand's Dan Carter, right, is tackled by Australia's Nathan Sharpe. AP Photo/Rob Griffith

Join other Roar readers tonight from 7pm to discuss the Bledisloe Cup match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies. 2002 was the last time the Wallabies claimed the symbol of trans-Tasman rugby supremacy, but the current outfit is in danger of sinking to the worst Bledisloe losing streak in 63 years.

Since Robbie Deans led his adopted nation to a first-up 34-19 victory in 2008, they have tasted defeat in the past seven Tests. More damning is the painful fact Australia were leading at halftime in five of those contests.

The leads were never huge, the biggest was nine points, but Deans’ men took their feet off All Black throats. They allowed their arch-rivals to claw their way back, rediscover some confidence, and the men in gold suffered the consequences.

Kickoff: 8pm

Australia: Adam Ashley Cooper, James O’Connor, Rob Horne, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Will Genia, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom (capt), Nathan Sharpe, Dean Mumm, Salesi Maafu, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Saia Faingaa, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Matt Hodgson, Luke Burgess, Anthony Faingaa, Kurtley Beale.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Res: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg.

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.

The Crowd Says (173) | Page 1 of Comments

Who Needs Melon said | July 31st 2010 @ 8:50am | Report comment

It was about this time last week I offered my opinion on this blog that the fetcher role was too much of a liability with the new rule interpretations. Then Pocock came out, had a blinder and showed me up for the clown I am.

Now… what shall I write this week? How about I say Rocky is going to have no impact at all against the ABs.

Reply
Spiro Zavos said | July 31st 2010 @ 9:10am | Report comment

My short chat with Craig Joubert on Friday suggested to me that he will allow diggers if it is all done properly. The tackle is made, the tackled player released the second digger comes in through the gate and has a chance to grab the ball, if he gets it he can re-cycle, if he falls off his feet he must take his hands off the ball and if he is engulfed by other players off his his feet he must take his hand off the ball.
There is a lot going on here for David Pocock and Richie McCaw. Generally, they are positive about trying to get the ball rather than kill it. This is why referees are/should be reluctant to yellow card them.
But the Wallabies one senses won’t be taking the ball iinto contact too much.
It’s mildly over-cast here in Melbourne, at 10.30 and the fever is starting to become infectious.

Reply
stash said | July 31st 2010 @ 10:16am | Report comment

Surely McCaw is going to have faster support to clear out Pocock – or more importantly Pocock’s support.

Either way, All Blacks are going to get some fast ball of the ground during the game. And they are going to make it hard up front for the Wallabies.

There were some “phew…gee whiz” tackles made by Horne, Mitchell and co, but if Nonu, Smith, Mills, Jane and Dagg play like they have in the last 2 games – they’re are going to be very hard to contain.

Reply
bennalong said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:01am | Report comment

This is the big one alright!

EVERYONE giving it to the Blacks because of their good start.

Make no mistake, THEY believe the publicity and this is a vulnerability.

Last week it was the forewards game that really stepped up and this included the best captain’s knock we’ve seen since Rocky took over
The sgnificance of this cannot be underestimated. Elsom’s self belief returned last week as he realised how big and how strong he is, despite the added weight of captaincy!
At the same time EVERY foreward was committed and IMO it was their work that secured the penalties that ultimately denied the backs their starring role

So, to answer Melon and Stash, I believe we CAN rise to the occasion and Pocock plus support CAN upset McCaw’s dominance at the breakdown, and FOR SURE, Rocky will have a big impact tonight.

GO THE WALLABIES

Reply
- ohtani's jacket said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:20am | Report comment
  
  You’re not related to Ben by any chance, are you?
  
  Reply
  - stash said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:34am | Report comment
    
    OJ,
    
    Ben and Ben S have ongoing debates on every second thread – I’m starting to think they are one and the same…
    
    Now your alluding to Ben being Bennalong as well.
    
    Its a Ben conspiracy!!
    
    Reply
    - ohtani's jacket said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:37am | Report comment
      
      Yes, will the real Ben please stand up.
      
      Reply
  - Hayden said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:34am | Report comment
    
    Thanks for the giggle OJ
    
    Reply
    - Wal The Hooker said | July 31st 2010 @ 3:37pm | Report comment
      
      Touche OJ! LOL,
      
      Wonder if the Kiwi coaching team got the boys to read Fitzzy’s little teaser in the Herald this morning as a bit extra motivation. Too funny
      
      Where are all the Ben’s coming from??
      
      Reply
  - PastHisBest said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:39am | Report comment
    
    Bennalong time?
    
    Reply
stash said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:38am | Report comment

Any predictions for a yellow card? – and could this influence the game?

Reply
- PastHisBest said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:41am | Report comment
  
  I’ll go with one each….
  
  Wallabies – Brown for a high/dangerous tackle (rush of blood to the head).
  All Blacks – McCaw for killing the ball (media spotlight)
  
  Reply
- ohtani's jacket said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:44am | Report comment
  
  There won’t be any cards in this match, just to drive South Africans up the wall.
  
  Reply
  - stash said | July 31st 2010 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
    
    I’m thinking that the Wallabies are more likely to get a yellow card first – a lot of players new to the tension of Tri Nations against the All Blacks. Its a recipe for brain explosions and an over eagerness to play hard.
    
    Reply
    - IronAwe said | July 31st 2010 @ 6:18pm | Report comment
      
      Quite right Stash, in which case my money is also on Brown for first yellow card for breakdown infringements
      
      Reply
      - Pete said | July 31st 2010 @ 9:49pm | Report comment
        
        my money is on Mitchell getting 2 yellows and spending the second half in the bin…
        
        Reply
        
        stash said | July 31st 2010 @ 10:07pm | Report comment
        
        Pete…thats amazing, very insightful call…
        
        Mick Gold Coast QLD said | July 31st 2010 @ 10:14pm | Report comment
        
        Zac, Spiro ! Over here fellas – Steward’s Enquiry required on Pete’s timing!!!
        
        I bet he’s a former half back, trying to sneak one past like this.
        
        Pete said | July 31st 2010 @ 10:29pm | Report comment
        
        honestly sir, I made the call before the game started
Blinky Bill of Bellingen said | July 31st 2010 @ 1:58pm | Report comment

Well I’m all prepared for tonight and everything has been thought of for the Missus’ & my viewing pleasure.

Check list:-
* TV checked & adjusted and pulled-in nice and close to the lounge. (who needs a big screen ….. just move the TV closer)
* Phones to be disconnected to avoid nuisance in-laws who love to talk crap while Rugby is on.
* 2 heaters.
* extra chair & a soft cushion to plonk the feet.
* curry cooking as I type.
* right side table set-up for beer, port, party hats & whistles to celebrate each Wallaby score. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
* left side table has the vallium in case it all turns to crap & the All Blacks start giving us a hiding.

GO THE WALLABIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply
- ohtani's jacket said | July 31st 2010 @ 2:10pm | Report comment
  
  Good on you, Bill!
  
  Reply
- Mick Gold Coast QLD said | July 31st 2010 @ 11:00pm | Report comment
  
  A perfect set up, Blinky Bill, you’ve been peeking through my kitchen window!
  
  Mobile phone off was a problem, with No 1 son (mid 30s) at a school function in Sydney, needing information. Told wife he wanted to get involved at school but forgot to check whether school committee were enlightened men or metrosexuals. Pretty careless, given he was raised at Catholic schools with rugby-centric committees who knew God wanted them to mark their school events off against the rugby calendar in advance.
  
  About the heaters – it was 21.5 up here. You’re getting soft!
  
  Reply
stash said | July 31st 2010 @ 2:12pm | Report comment

Nice Job Blinky:

Here in Hong Kong, I have:

* Satellite working and in order – check
* Secondary satellite activated – check
* Laptop plugged in with surround sound in case satellite goes down – check
* Pub down the road playing game – check
* Typhoon warning alert – clear weather – check
* Aircon and back up fans
* second fridge plugged in – just in case
* lager and guiness chilling down
* phone charged for ongoing commentary with friends that aren’t coming round
* Pizza ordered (Chinese style unfortunately)
* flowers for the wife, so she’s all happy – and doorbell checked to be in working order for mates.
* a Bat phone just in case Henry needs a couple of biased tips come half time
* All Blacks shirt cleaned and pressed

Reply
- Wal The Hooker said | July 31st 2010 @ 3:47pm | Report comment
  
  Now that’s some check list.
  Mine
  1. the Missus has gone over to her folks place (she’s an Aussie) raving mad rugger fan. Can’t have her in my sites in a game like this. I’d get arrested!
  
  2. The boys are meeting at the pub and extra Coopers have been ordered.
  
  3. The missus stays at her folks place till Monday if we get licked.
  
  4. The bottle of 12 yr Rum is ready either way. Go AB’s
  
  Reply
- MR said | August 1st 2010 @ 4:14pm | Report comment
  
  Good to see a fellow HKer, I went to the FCC to avoid the checklist
  
  Reply
Sam Taulelei said | July 31st 2010 @ 2:33pm | Report comment

Kids taken to gymnastics – check
Dogs taken for walk – check
All household cleaning chores completed before leaving home – check
Ticket to match – check
Foxtel setup to record live coverage from 7pm – check
DVD recorder to record delayed channel 7 broadcast – check
NZ World Cup 2010 shirt washed and pressed – check
All Blacks beanie and scarf – check
iPad fully charged – check
The Age, Herald Sun and Australian newspapers purchased to read rugby articles – check
Latest copy of NZ Rugby World – check
Cabcharge voucher to get home safely – check
Purchased tickets for wife and kids to see Toy Story 3 Sunday morning so I can sleep in – check

Reply
- Short-Blind. said | July 31st 2010 @ 3:45pm | Report comment
  
  Gee Sam I thought I was doing it tough – been in the garden all day working that special bit she wants done, am cooking a roast for the missus right now as well as minding the little ones while she has a sleep. Boys picking me up at 6.00 for the courtesy bus to the Club and big screen. You seem to be streets ahead of me and will actually be at the game – Jealous!
  This is the most anticipated Bled for years and as Spiro said there is a real buzz in Melbourne. I lived there during RWC 03 and the town sure knows how to host sports. I have the same feeling as I had during the 03 semi where I was live at the game in Sydney. Lots of happy, friendly AB fans a little cocky and expecting a win – for your sakes not the same outcome tonight. Though the form guide says otherwise, I just have this feeling that the Wally’s are going to surprise a few people tonight. They are on edge and that breeds mongrel – last week was a start and I think you will see it go up a few notches tonight. May the best team win.
  
  Reply
Even Looser said | July 31st 2010 @ 3:50pm | Report comment

Well done Blinky, you’ve motivated me to get myself organised for tonights Big One in Melbourne.

Nice to see so many taking their preparations so seriously.

stash – Chinese Pizza? Pardon my ignorance but how does that look & taste?

Right now I’m enjoying the 1/2 time of the Shute Shield on ABC and watching the highlights of last week’s Tri Nations against the Boks on Rugby Wrap.

Hopefully this time next week I’ll be watching highlights of how we caught the All Blacks knapping.

Oops boys are back for 2nd 1/2. Randwick 20 Sthn District 17. Anyone’s game.

Go the Wallabies!

Go you good thing!

Reply
- stash said | July 31st 2010 @ 5:01pm | Report comment
  
  Chinese Pizza – Its about as good as it sounds… the Chinese struggle with replicating western food (though it is actually possible to find a good pizza in this town).
  
  Melbourne may have crap weather – and way too much AFL – but they can do a mean pizza.
  
  Reply
  - Even Looser said | July 31st 2010 @ 5:22pm | Report comment
    
    Thanks for that mate. Don’t wish this to become a gourmet blog however my visits to Japan never fail to surprise at just how damn good the Japanese are at the foreign tucker that I’ve enjoyed in Tokyo, Matsumoto, Fukuoka, etc. French, German, steaks, Italian are delicious. Or as the Japanese say ‘oishi’. So I expected the Chinese to be more switched-on.
    
    RUGBY – It’s now just gone 5.30pm & not too long to go before all the prematch stuff starts on Fox Sports, and kick-off around 7.45pm.
    
    I’m feeling surprisingly relaxed. Is that a good sign or am I resigned to the inevitable?
    
    Reply
ohtani's jacket said | July 31st 2010 @ 3:57pm | Report comment

Phoned Richie and the boys to wish them luck.
Phoned Robbie Deans to tell him I still love him.
Phoned P-Divvy to see what’s up.

Reply
- Ben S said | July 31st 2010 @ 7:30pm | Report comment
  
  You should use SKype, OJ. It’s easier and being a modern rugby man Dingo always has a laptop in his back pocket.
  
  Reply