The New Zealand All Blacks' Jerome Kaino, right, charges into a group of Australian defnders during their Tri-Nations rugby union match at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. New Zealand won the match 23-22. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
After re-capturing the Webb Ellis Trophy at long last, the All Blacks will be out to extend the Wallabies‘ lengthy Bledisloe Cup drought when the two arch-rivals clash in Sydney tonight. We’ll be updating the match throughout from 8.05pm AEST.
It was heralded as a potential Rugby World Cup semi-final of the ages but in truth, the All Blacks’ 20-6 dismantling of the Wallabies last October illustrated just how wide the gulf between the two sides was.
Will we see a reversal in fortunes tonight? It seems unlikely, given the nucleus of the All Blacks squad remain intact, with only Brad Thorn (retired), Jerome Kaino (retired) and Conrad Smith (injured) the only absentees.
Unfortunately for the Wallabies, several key players have been casualties of a Super Rugby season to forget for the Australian sides. Captain James Horwill and playmaker James O’Connor are both major outs for the home side, and the absence of Wycliff Palu, Ben McCalman and Pat McCabe certainly won’t help.
A quick glance over the two sides’ 2012 form guides doesn’t do anything to fill Wallabies fans with optimism, either. Robbie Deans’ men were diabolical in a 9-6 loss to Scotland and were at times patchy in their three victories over Wales.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, razed the Irish during their three matches series back in June, racking up 60-0 and 42-10 wins in the process.
So will it simply be a walk in the park for the All Blacks to take a crucial 1-0 advantage before the two sides meet in Auckland next weekend?
It seems unlikely. Bledisloe Cup rugby returns to Sydney after a two-year absence and is almost certain to be filled with a parochial Australian crowd, and the Wallabies’ recent record against the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium is reasonable. The last two encounters here have been decided by a point.
Extra-hopeful Wallabies fans could point to the introduction of new coach Steve Hansen, who replaced Graham Henry after last year’s Rugby World Cup triumph, as a possible question mark over the All Blacks, and hint at the slight possibility of complacency creeping in.
All of which is fanciful. This is one of the better All Blacks sides we’ve seen in a while and with a host of key outs for the Wallabies, it would take an upset of major proportions for them to get over the line tonight.
Who takes it? Find out from 8.05pm AEST as we cover the opening match of the newly-introduced Rugby Championship with live scores and commentary. If you’re watching, give us your thoughts in the space below.
More to follow.
Have you seen the new Wallabies jersey? Want one of your own? We're giving away a brand new 2013 Wallabies jersey to one lucky Roarer, click here to go in the running to win.
The Crowd Says (282) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- All Blacks, live blog, Rugby Union, wallabies
1:28am
S T Rineestee.rine@gmail.com said | 1:28am | Report comment
I’ve said it before & will continue until Dingo shows me he’s flexible when initial tactics go wrong.
Where’s his bench, kicks, cut-out passes,INSISTENCE to compete at breakdown?
Seems he has a plan & that’s it, & the plan is found wanting!
Gonna be a long 4 Nations
S. T
2:46am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:46am | Report comment
On another topic I have just watched Argentina play South Africa. Argentina lost 27-6 but they denied South Africa a bonus point at home which is a huge result defensively for Argentina. They defended very well and for the first five minutes of the second half, they had the Springboks at their mercy with their rolling maul. Hernandez missed two very easy penalties in the second half that could have made things interesting. Again, stupid errors cost Argentina in the end. South Africa very clean with possession in the first half. Great to see Hernandez get through the 80 minutes. The big lesson for Argentina is to learn to play field position. They still went for goal too many times for my liking. They need to go for the try and keep their opponents pinned deep in their own half for as long as possible. Great learning curve for Argentina today and they should be proud of their efforts. I think they are a chance of really making life difficult for the Springboks at home.
11:43pm
Harry said | 11:43pm | Report comment
BTW … we only lost by 8 tonight.
Reckon we’ll lose by 20 next week.
11:40pm
post said | 11:40pm | Report comment
The crux of the problem tonight was that the wallabies had no drive whatsoever from the forwards. Part of the problem is having too many of them playing out wide, so there was zero treat of pick and go, and short passes to forwards got us nowhere since we only had enough forwards at the breakdown to bash forward once or twice in a row. How many times did you see a back having to try and steady the ruck on offense?? And jeez, at least twice we had a wide open field out wide but we had forwards in the centres and they just did nothing with it and stifled our attack.
To sum it up, it felt like we had too many forwards trying to be backs, and too many backs playing like small forwards.
11:49pm
post said | 11:49pm | Report comment
Also, I’m pretty sure our only solid performers tonight were Diggers and Barnes. Not one of the forwards impressed, and the backs were butterfingers. That said, I think Pocock is allowed an average game once in a while, especially since he had almost no support. AAC actually did alright as well, making the cover tackle after his positioning almost let the All Blacks in.
7:24am
mania said | 7:24am | Report comment
post – agree fully. as much as i like higgers ranging wide on occasion, in a game like this one he was more needed in the rucks and mauls. higgers needs to learn when to hit a ruck and when to take it up.
must say i was very happy when aus made a break out wide and then popping the pass to either kepu or higgers. boy was i glad they’d run out of backs….not that i knew where they were just glad they werent in the backline and forwards were.
AAC is class, but needs to play for another team. AAC’s career is pretty much ruined due to him being a soldier and doing whats required of him. unfortunately he’ll never nail down a single position due to being used as a fix it man. AAC had an awesome game but was of the few contributing
11:39pm
Harry said | 11:39pm | Report comment
Next weeks backline: Genia, Cooper, Barnes @ 12, AAC @ 13, Ioane and Shipperly on the wings, Beale at 15, bench White, Vuna and Harris. (have to attack)
Forwards – Greg Holmes, Moore, Kepu, Sharpe, Timani (actually thought he went all right tonight), Hiiggers @ 6, Pocock, McCalman @ 8 … Samo, Hooper, TPN and Slipper on the bench.
12:26am
SandBox said | 12:26am | Report comment
that would be my backline
11:35pm
Chris said | 11:35pm | Report comment
and that is why you don’t play 8 Waratahs against the AB’s.
11:22pm
Christo the Daddyo said | 11:22pm | Report comment
Two basic defending errors by Beale directly led to two All Black tries. No more needs to be said.
11:13pm
matthew said | 11:13pm | Report comment
A really ordinary rugby match hey fellas and mainly due to the unbelievably pedantic, egotistical ref. Feels like he was blowing his whistle every single minute of the match. It certainly wasnt as intriguing as the scoreline suggests; All Blacks played far better rugby and the Wallabies were painfully average apart from Ioane.
11:07pm
WQ said | 11:07pm | Report comment
Never ceases to amaze me that people do not give the required amount of credit to Ritchie McCaw.
He quite simply is the best Rugby Player the world has ever seen!
Just have a look at how the next best number 7 is coping with the pressure of being captain?
11:09pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 11:09pm | Report comment
He’s a damn good player. But the best the world has ever seen? I don’t know about that.
11:16pm
Johnno said | 11:16pm | Report comment
what about cough cough Jonah Lomu WQ. Anyone remember that 1990′s dude.
11:23pm
Goanna jack said | 11:23pm | Report comment
Did Nine think SBW was playing the Wallabiew by himself or were they taking Fox vision??And Cam Williams said the ref was pedantic – what would Williams know about Rugby or makeup girls for that matter???
4:19am
Jerry said | 4:19am | Report comment
Richie McCaw is about ten times the player Jonah was.
11:19pm
Bono said | 11:19pm | Report comment
He schooled Pocock tonight. Totally agree with you, the greatest of all time when you consider his longevity, unbelievable consistency, ability to adapt and evolve his game and his amazing captaincy. Pocock really needs to stop being a one trick pony- lots of us called it on this site and it has been proven.
11:29pm
Nick said | 11:29pm | Report comment
Perhaps Richie could wear the gold 9 as well, spent enough time there in his career…
If rucking was never outlawed we would be saying Richie who?
11:35pm
Bono said | 11:35pm | Report comment
Nick…Yawn. Don’t get influenced by Kearnsy and co. How do those grapes taste?
11:26pm
Harry said | 11:26pm | Report comment
Must be close to the best ever. I’m seriously struggling to think of a better player … Michael Jones? John Eales?
A fantastic player.
Just wish he wasn’t quite so blatant with the gamesmanship and off-ball stuff … see his blatant block of Pocock when Dagg made a break early in the 2nd half for an example.
11:52pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 11:52pm | Report comment
Well, how does one go about comparing him to Jonah Lomu? Or Mark Ella? Or John Eales? You obviously can’t compare their lineout jumping or linebreaks. I don’t think there is any such thing as the greatest rugby player of all time.
You could argue that he’s the best openside of all time, but even there he has plenty of competition. Michael Jones. George Smith. Both of these players at some point or another could have been easily touted as the best their position ever had to offer. And I could argue that Richie has had it easier than both of them.
2:42am
Randwick Mick said | 2:42am | Report comment
All these ppl blaming this loss to the Tahs have very short memories, with a Reds populated Wallabies team last year were just as terrible if not worst. Now i wish ppl would STFU about how to fix this woeful team that Deans is fielding, its not the backs ffs, its the forwards, it always has been and until we can find a decent forward pack that will actually arrive at a simple break down, we will continue to lose and waste an awesome backline we have at our disposal. If Genia was put behind the AB tight five, he would destroy any defensive line organised against him. In the end as long as Rugby League is our no1 sport, we will continue to struggle with depth and lose potential stars to the NRL. I was at the game and seriously we dont get a home ground advantage cause the ABs got louder cheers than the Wallabies which shows that we are not as nasty narrow minded as the Kiwi supporters in the 2011 Rwc by simply not falling to there disgusting immature level. I feel sorry for the Kiwi supporters that dont share such childish traits at rugby games. The ABs once again showed they along with wales n a few islands are the only countries that hold Rugby as there no1 sport while everyone else have it as a sport that falls down the sporting list.
7:30am
mania said | 7:30am | Report comment
wq – imho i fully agree. mccaw is easily the best player i have ever had the fortune of watching. again mccaw took pocock to school. still waiting for the game where pocock out plays mccaw.
michaels jones was great but his earlier career was better than the latter.
Rob, jonah was nothing compared to mccaw. jonah was a back and never did as much hard work in his entire career than richie does in one game. jonah was also strong early in his career. richie has been mr consistent from day dot.
11:04pm
Billo said | 11:04pm | Report comment
I have yet to watch the game. But reading the comments here, if we were as bad as everyone claims, how come we only lost by eight points?
The margin should surely give us some hope!
11:08pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 11:08pm | Report comment
The All Blacks butchered two certain tries, and the ref blew the pea out of his whistle for the rest of the game. The margin flattered the Wallabies.
11:26pm
Nick said | 11:26pm | Report comment
there is hope. we are not far away and it is Deans that has brought us here. The missing ingrdient is just pure simple hatred and I dont think that a kiwi knows the first thing about hating the kiwis. we need anger, venom and a desire to put people on their f!@#ing arses.
11:37pm
Chris said | 11:37pm | Report comment
actually we don’t…
We need to learn how to catch and tackle.
12:17am
stillmatic1 said | 12:17am | Report comment
didnt think you were losing by much more when deans wasnt around though nick!! so did deans actually do “anything”? or does maintaining the status quo count as doing something?
2:43am
Randwick Mick said | 2:43am | Report comment
Watch the game and you will se how woeful our forwards and Beale were.
10:41pm
Red Kev said | 10:41pm | Report comment
I love getting to say “I told you so”.
I posted this after the Samoa game last year:
“Well if there’s one lesson to be taken from the Samoan match … it’s this: If you pick losers, they will lose.
That probably sounds harsh but it’s the simple truth. There were six Brumbies starting, a franchise that has its worst ever season and couldn’t score tries all year … Losing is habit forming. These are players that are used to losing. And lose they did.”
Replace “Samoan” with “New Zealand” and “six Brumbies” with “eight Waratahs” and it sums up tonight’s match. One year on and Deans has clearly learned nothing. What a joke of a coach.
I posted this a few weeks ago:
“If however I was Deans and feeling pretty secure that no matter what I’d be keeping the Wallabies gig until after the Lions tour I’d probably persist with my avowed favourites and run the same backline as I did against Wales – then when they lost I’d offer up the same excuse I had been for the last 5 years, that this was “a young group, learning and building, and that we’d take away good lessons from the loss” and sit back amazed at Australians’ guillibility at buying the crap I was shovelling.”
And guess what Robbie said into the mic at the post-match 1 on 1 “we’ll take some good lessons from this”. What a joke of a coach.
10:27pm
katzilla said | 10:27pm | Report comment
Robbie Deans must be about ready to head home to the Crusaders.
He looks totally defeated. He’ll have to change his name to Bill Murray, it’s Groundhog day.
10:30pm
Johnno said | 10:30pm | Report comment
he might get a job there blockader is not biting anymore in sader land. Jake White for head coach .
10:37pm
katzilla said | 10:37pm | Report comment
He’s probably still a god in Canterbury.
11:09pm
Johnno said | 11:09pm | Report comment
i agree i reckon he would be god heck he had a stand named after him at the old lancaster park.
10:35pm
Justin2 said | 10:35pm | Report comment
I’ll pay the blokes ticket, we had time and tactics missed. Again. Poor selections with unfit players and yes some shockingberrorsthat no coach is to be blamed for.
Why were we running it from our 22 when apparently it wasn’t the gameplay? Someone is flat out lying and and find it hard to believe that BB would go against orders from the first minute. If he has has there are wo choices…
11:08pm
AndyS said | 11:08pm | Report comment
Maybe, but that performance is exactly what you’d expect based on their selection policy. They picked their team at the start of the year based on reputation when they decided the Wallaby top-ups, rather than the end of the Super season based on form. They might be the team with the best potential to win on paper, but lack the form to back it up on the field. There are a number of players there that have done nothing to justify it, and you can’t overcome a season of poor skills and indifference with a couple of weeks of Wallaby camps. With nowhere for outside players to press for selection, they really need to think about limiting themselves to ten two year contracts for the leadership group and having everyone else on a one year contract decided on form after Super rugby ends.
11:27pm
Johnno said | 11:27pm | Report comment
Andy S the AB’s rarely pick on super rugby form.
-Think Richie mcaw last year, kieren reid. alined all those hurricanes clowns form last year Man nonu, andrew hore, piri weepu, corey jane , and conrad smith. they pick on players they know are up to test rugby.
12:38am
AndyS said | 12:38am | Report comment
Messam pushed out the incumbent solely on form. Who did that in the Wallabies?
10:24pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 10:24pm | Report comment
Bad games then from Pocock, Higginbotham, Sharpe, and Beale. Those dropped balls were absolute shockers. You’d have to say that the All Blacks kept the Wallabies in the game through some errors of their own, but in reality, the Wallabies never really looked like capitalising.
I think Deans made a mistake by not replacing Pocock with Hooper at the 60min mark. I think he made a mistake by allowing the second-rowers to run in the backline – both of them ending up wasting crucial Wallabies attacking momentum at separate stages of the game. And (I’m eating my words, here) I think he made a big mistake by not bringing Quade Cooper along.
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a big fan of QC. You all know that. But I’d have to be as blind as a bat at a disco to not recognise how much value his insanity*cough*creativity could have added to the Wallaby attack in those last twenty minutes. The Wallabies backline made an honest effort to get the breakthrough, but they never really looked like doing it. That wasn’t Berrick Barnes’ fault. His loop plays and general passing was good, his defence excellent, and his kicking first-class. But the reality is that his style of play would only work if everybody in the backline running onto his passes was Digby Ioane – the rest of them have no penetration whatsoever, and are totally reliant on somebody like QC to come up with a play to break the line and get them on the go-forward.
I don’t know what the solution is for this next week. Faingaa and Horne both turned in honest and hardworking efforts, but they do virtually nothing to the advantage line. Long term we have no choice but to look seriously at blooding the likes of Tapuai, Cummins, or Tomane as a Wallabies inside-centre. And, yes, I think it’s time Pat McCabe became a full-time 13.
Having said all of that, it’s pretty obvious that the Wallabies did not lose the game in the backs. It came down to stupid errors, the All Blacks brutish defence, and their near-total dominance at the breakdown. It was nice to see the Wallabies win almost as many of their scrums as they got monstered in (baby steps, baby steps), but it also can’t be denied that Alain Rolland clearly did not have a clue and was alternating long-arm penalties on scrums. If we get a competent referee next week, the Wallabies cannot turn in another performance like this. It would be catastrophic.
10:29pm
Johnno said | 10:29pm | Report comment
your right rob higher sis crap at no 8, Pocock is no macaw he is slower around the park .
And everyone careful what you wish for theory.
-Banres was good vs wales, and remember quad at RWC 2011, Quade vs the books and AB’S was awful, he almost single handledly lost us the game vs STH Africa. Id keep Barnes for now, and barnes cant do match when his forwards are getting smashed.
-And AB’s fox stat says have won 102 out of 106 matches when they have lead at halftime amazing stat.
-Eden Parrk is like playing Urugauay at the centanario Montevideo. a graveyard almost zero chance winning in Eden Park NZ.
10:33pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 10:33pm | Report comment
I can’t see Barnes being dropped either. But it would be totally ridiculous if Cooper is not in the 22 for the next match in Auckland, especially since Hooper saw zero game time in tonight’s match.
And Pocock had better watch himself. He might have a lot of credit in the bank, but Gill and Hooper are nipping at his heels. He can’t afford too many bad performances, Wallabies captain or not.
10:44pm
Jerry said | 10:44pm | Report comment
To be fair, I reckon the Wallabies would be a better than average chance of beating Uruguay.
10:51pm
Johnno said | 10:51pm | Report comment
I meant the urugauay soccer team Jerry, morse so the type of assignment they are up for next week.
4:20am
Jerry said | 4:20am | Report comment
It was a joke.
10:23pm
Sylvester said | 10:23pm | Report comment
Poor showing from both teams and the ref really.
10:22pm
Harry said | 10:22pm | Report comment
In the q for the train.
Sack deans.
WTF did they do in the training camp there ere in 4 a month? Have boat races at the Coogee Bay I guess, the Walls r clearly not fit enough. Fwds to slow.
barnes 2 far back.
shoulda lost by 20 +
10:26pm
Harry said | 10:26pm | Report comment
Beale not fit and carried on like a twat off the ball. Needs to focus. let in 2 tries.
10:42pm
bmwwilliams said | 10:42pm | Report comment
I noticed that as well Harry – especially Beale throwing his arms up in frustration as Sharpe went over.
When you’re making a total arse of yourself with stupid errors/missed tackles, at least have the decency to stay quiet.
11:30pm
Harry said | 11:30pm | Report comment
Yep, twas a tough night for the young man and we’ll see how he responds from here. Was massively impressed the way he knuckled down in 2010 to show champion form and hopefully he can repeat that.
Being as fit as possible is the 1st pre-requisite and at the moment he is clearly not that.
10:19pm
BigalAljayv said | 10:19pm | Report comment
What a disappointment to see the same guys and coach make the same mistakes against an AB team that we know inside out. To me it’s simple. Put the underperformers on the bench!! Seems to work ok for club rugby of a weekend so why not for a test team? Imagine if Deans announced the run on team for Auckland at Tuesday nights training and named most (if not all) of tonight’s bench in the run on team! Wouldn’t that shake up some of the big heads in th Wallabies? In fact what if the selectors named Deans on the bench? That I’d like to see! The team is after all a direct reflection of the coach!
10:18pm
heart of sydney said | 10:18pm | Report comment
I suppose that if you are going to persistently give the ball away either through schoolboy errors or by kicking it away you have to expect to be beaten by the All Blacks – even when they don’t get into top gear.
10:14pm
Richard said | 10:14pm | Report comment
Its now Official..Deans is way past his use by date and is starting to stink like the proverbial
11:04pm
flying hori said | 11:04pm | Report comment
I’d keep Deans and sack the Team, he did’nt make the stupid mistakes or let in the 2 trys!
12:18am
Richard said | 12:18am | Report comment
Crap! since we have had Deans we have hardly won a game against NZ. The guy is a plant as is Cooper, who made certain of our world cup derail. It amazes me that we think we can trust NZ imports into our rugby,. When are we going to learn that they are THE ENEMY!!!. Wake up Australia!
7:21am
Andrew C (waikato) said | 7:21am | Report comment
Yes Richard, WE ARE the Enemy !! – are you a florist, Richard? With fronds like you, who needs anemones !!! If I was in charge of the Wannabes, I would actually SACK ALL RICHARDS from the team, coaching staff, catering staff and gate & toilet staffs (yes, especially the toilets !!). That would get rid of all the DICKS that are screwing up the Aussie Rugby Team. ………… next name? – how about the WILLS (Prince, Genius Genia, etc). You aussies really should know that “Where there’s a WILL, there’s a way !!!
. Last but not least, get rid of ROBBIE – then you can’t whinge when you lose yet another Bledisloe to All Blacks (NZ) , and come up with the old chestnut >>”We was ROBBED !! ” 
…. cheers
10:12pm
Suzy Poison said | 10:12pm | Report comment
The game was won in the forwards. Digby did well to drag Wallas back in the contest at half time, but it was in vain. The black wall held firm. No surprises if the AB’s win the Rugby Championship.
10:11pm
James said | 10:11pm | Report comment
well done waratahs, you played crap again
10:17pm
Post said | 10:17pm | Report comment
Seriously. What is going on in Tah-ville and why is bleeding into the Wallabies so much?
10:39pm
formeropenside said | 10:39pm | Report comment
because there are a pile of Tahs in the squad for no apparent reason
10:56pm
PeterK said | 10:56pm | Report comment
The poor players IMO were Robinson (Tah), Sharpe (WA), Simmons (Qld), Dennis (Tah), Pocock (WA), Higgs (Qld)
Barnes (Tah), Horne (Tah) AAC (Tah), Beale (Melb)
The players who did well were TPN (Tah), Kepu (Tah), Timani (Tah), Genia (Qld), Ioane (Qld), Faingaa (Qld) Samo (Qld)
11:14pm
AndyS said | 11:14pm | Report comment
Got to disagree on Genia. Every time he stops and starts drawing everyone diagrams, it just destroys all momentum and lets the defense get all set up.
11:18pm
Red Kev said | 11:18pm | Report comment
There is no point in Genia putting his hands on that ball if no-one is ready for it. The fact that Genia has to wait and point and deliver slow ball shows that the forwards are not fit and pro-active enough and that the flyhalf is not doing his job.
Someone should be screaming at Genia for that ball after every ruck.
Watch Cooper for the Reds, if he doesn’t want the ball in the backline he is yelling at the forwards and making sure they know to keep the damn thing in tight. When the forwards are ambling to a reset or “reload” as it seems to be called by the commentators it is because they aren’t fit enough to do it on the fly.
It isn’t Genia’s fault he has to wait. He could pick the ball up fast, but all that would happen is he, or whoever he passed to would get nailed behind the advantage line.
12:18am
granville said | 12:18am | Report comment
exactly my point Andy……….Genia allowed the ABs defense to align and settle with his slow service, why oh why do they (coaches) not see this and wheres the backline moves we’ve been hearing about this week.
11:27pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 11:27pm | Report comment
I reckon 1-8 were all awful, excepting maybe Kepu and TPN.
Genia conceded two bizarre and totally pointless offsides early in the first half that cruelled our momentum, and he was often slow at getting the ball out. But then again he did redeem himself later, so I’d put him in the in-between pile.
Barnes really did as well as he could with the forward pack disintegrating, agonisingly slow ball, and no penetration from his outside backs.
AAC is a shadow of his former self and added little to nothing apart from that one sensational tackle on Cory Jane.
Faingaa lived up to his typecast – outstanding rush up defence, and totally useless with the ball in hand.
Horne was surprisingly not as calamitously bad as I thought he would be, but then again, he was virtually nowhere to be seen.
Ioane looked to be one of the only players playing for a win. Kudos.
The less said about Beale, the better.
Samo looked good. Moore looked good. The others may as well have not been there.
10:08pm
Uncle Argyle said | 10:08pm | Report comment
Week as water Wallabies. Joke.
10:13pm
Johnno said | 10:13pm | Report comment
Ben Robinson sack him never should play for australia or the tahs again, a 3 tonight for him.
-And robbie deans i know you wont see this blog but mate GREG HOLMES PLEASE
-He can scrum at least and his stats show he is better around the park you give him credit for.
-Dan Palmer a big loss too.
-Still no good wallaby scrum since 2001. Andrew Blades the last of the MOHICANS , im sorry last of the wallaby who could scrum in a galaxy and past far far away back tot he future lol.
10:06pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:06pm | Report comment
The Ball was in play 27 mins and 51 seconds tonight. Just got that stat from the Twitter feed. That’s not good enough. Crowd did not get their money’s worth tonight.
10:14pm
Jerry said | 10:14pm | Report comment
But Rolland was in the centre of the picture for 24 mins 32 seconds, so he wins.
10:24pm
Cameron said | 10:24pm | Report comment
It’s rugby, what did you expect?
10:03pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:03pm | Report comment
Gee if the Wallabies play like that again, the Pumas will fancy their chances of getting a win…..
10:01pm
Justin2 said | 10:01pm | Report comment
Wow, not much of a match really for a variety of reasons. Really quite a dreadful standard IF you look at it. ABs did enough and never looked in doubt and next week will be a concer.
Ps Kearns has no idea, like some coaches.
9:59pm
Tom said | 9:59pm | Report comment
I cannot stand NH refs. My ears are bleeding from all that whistle.
As for the game, ABs rusty and will need to improve. Wallabies were good in patches but pretty average overall. The scoreboard did flatter them.
10:17pm
Peter Piper said | 10:17pm | Report comment
I disagree.. He was clearly pulling up the AB cheating…. Interfering at the lineout, diving in the rucks, offside, wheeling the scrum…. And how many times can McCaw come in and get away with entering from the side, ‘falling on our side of the ruck’ and so on… I just wish he’d picked up things like READ blocking and creating a hole in the 50th minute….
Don’t get me wrong, All Blacks deserved the win and all credit to their talent and win…. It just shits me no end that they get away with so much momentum changing gamesmanship…..
Congrats to All Blacks and Dagg….
9:29am
Nick Cross said | 9:29am | Report comment
Man, you need to get over yourself. The number of times the W’s were penalised for playing it on the ground was ridiculous. I thought Pocock was lucky not to get 10 in the bin.
As for entering from the side, TPN tackled the legs of one of the ABs during a rolling mall from the side right in front of the ref who ignored.
The scrums were well contested until late in the match when the W’s got beaten up. THe scrum penalties were largely guesses by the ref as far as I could tell.
I’m not saying there weren’t indiscretions by the ABs either, but this is the nature of rugby. You need to get some perspecitve. If you want to see momentum changing, have a look at the W’s handling and work in contact.
9:59pm
Bob Keft said | 9:59pm | Report comment
Genia too often to slow clearing the ball particularly when attacking the opposition line. Not enough urgency. Too many mistakes from Higginbottom, and Beale looks completely out of touch, His positional play was terrible. All Blacks very good.
10:04pm
bucket06 said | 10:04pm | Report comment
Yes Genia, despite being a vry good scrum half is not perfect. he leaves it in too long. quick ball that might be little loose is better than slow ball against a brick wall defence. He had a bad game tonight and should be told. get the bloody thing out Will!
11:40pm
Paul. said | 11:40pm | Report comment
It was clear at the game he never had anyone pass to! He was looking around and there were no backs and maybe 2 disinterested forwards nearby.
He didn’t take his time for nothing.
9:59pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:59pm | Report comment
ALL BLACKS 27-19 WALLABIES
All Blacks
Tries: Dagg, Jane
Conversions: Carter 1/2
Penalties: Carter 5/6
Wallabies
Tries: Sharpe
Conversions: Barnes 1/1
Penalties: Barnes 4/4
Possession: Wallabies 58% All Blacks 42%
Phases: Wallabies 82, All Blacks 73
Scrum Wins: Wallabies 3, All Blacks 8
Lineouts: Wallabies 12/0, All Blacks 14/1
Penalties: Wallabies 13, All Blacks 14
9:55pm
WQ said | 9:55pm | Report comment
I think it is an injustice to both teams that a northern hemisphere ref gets a southern hemisphere game. Ridiculous number of penalties and no real consistency!
9:57pm
Pot Hale said | 9:57pm | Report comment
NH refs are used every year and that SH refs are used similarly in 6N games.
10:54pm
WQ said | 10:54pm | Report comment
I know that Pot Hale however think it is ridiculous!
They quite simply ref the game differently to southern hemisphere refs. The number of penalties destroyed the game and there were plenty that were quite simply rubbish. The first 6 scrims he awarded penalties and I don’t think he actually got one of them right!
11:15pm
stillmatic1 said | 11:15pm | Report comment
im pretty sure it used to be the alternate ref for the trinations a few years ago (pre 09??), none of this NH ref stuff. i remember blowing up when the boks beat us 3 zip in 09 because they had NH refs for their games, whilst alternate for wallas/ABs.
1:24am
Pot Hale said | 1:24am | Report comment
If by differently, WQ you mean they apply the Laws more rigorously, then perhaps. But there’s always whinging about refs after a game, no matter where he comes from. Roman Poite is my favorite target, but hey ho, them’s the breaks.
Stillmatic:
The Tri-Nations only started in 1996. Some sample games from then:
6 July 1996 – NZ v Aus – Ed Morrison
13 July 1996 – Aus v SA – Tony Spreadbury
17 July 2004 – NZ v Aus – Alain Rolland
31 July 2004 – Aus v SA – Chris White
14 Aug 2004 – SA v NZ – Nigel Williams/Donal Courtney
2009
NZ v SA -Craig Joubert
SA v NZ – Alain Rolland
SA v NZ – Nigel Ownes
SA v Aus – Alain Rolland
Aus n NZ – Jonathan Kaplan
Aus v Sa – Bryce Lawrence
Aus v SA Wayne Barnes
NZ v SA – Nigel Owens
NZ v Aus – Craig Jounert
Other NH refs across those years up to now – Derek Bevan, Joel Dume, Clayton Thomas, Jim Fleming, Dave McHugh, Steve Lander, Joel Jutge, Alan Lewis, Wayne Barnes, Nigel Owens.
I think that 2008 was the only year that only SH refs were used because of the ELV trials.
So bleating about NH refs ruining the game because they’re started reffing SH tests is erroneous. They’ve been reffing them since the 3N began.
1:37am
Pot Hale said | 1:37am | Report comment
Sorry the 2009 refs should read:
NZ v Aus -Craig Joubert
SA v NZ – Alain Rolland
SA v NZ – Nigel Owens
SA v Aus – Alain Rolland
Aus n NZ – Jonathan Kaplan
Aus v Sa – Bryce Lawrence
Aus v SA – Wayne Barnes
NZ v SA – Nigel Owens
NZ v Aus – Craig Joubert
1:43am
stillmatic1 said | 1:43am | Report comment
cheers pothale. wasnt sure if 09 had distorted my perception of where the refs were from preceding 08/09. just remember being annoyed that the boks would benefit greatly by having refsfrom the NH. didnt help that the Abs decided to play like idiots either though!!
doesnt matter where they are from, just whether they allow the game to flow or not. and perception apparently being the truth, it seems NH refs like to blow the whistle. rolland certainly did tonight, and most of the time when the supposed infringement had no bearing on what either team was doing. mind you, walsh is having field day with the argies at the moment………
9:54pm
Akann said | 9:54pm | Report comment
The AB’s were so rusty…should have won this by 20 pts..at least they won’t be complacent next week.
9:53pm
bucket06 said | 9:53pm | Report comment
rubbish game!
Rolland is an awful referee. He kills games. The all blacks should have walloped us by a greater margin.
Deans has lost my support. We need Cooper. I’d rather lose tryng things than lose looking like we have no idea..
9:57pm
Matt said | 9:57pm | Report comment
ABs are a good side, credit where it’s due. Definetely need to spark, they tried to play it safe, stuffed the basics, and somehow were only 5 behind! Could have snatched a win somehow.
9:57pm
katzilla said | 9:57pm | Report comment
Bingo.
Better to crash and burn then to fade away
10:04pm
SandBox said | 10:04pm | Report comment
agree with bucket and katz, we are playing for third in 4N
9:53pm
CDD said | 9:53pm | Report comment
Supporters have to suffer this – slow ball and basic mistakes! Give me break. We handed this game to the All Blacks on a plate their excellent defense and pressure notwithstanding. Beale just does not handle the pregame hype and pressure well and needs to be dropped. They all need a kick up the arse. We really missed O’ Conner!
9:53pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:53pm | Report comment
FULL TIME: Wallabies 19-27 All Blacks
Given how the game played out, it’s almost inconceivable to think that the Wallabies had the chance to snatch that game with just over a minute on the clock. But that’s how it played out. The All Blacks dominated throughout, but momentary lapses in the second half meant they couldn’t kill the game. An undermanned Wallabies side can take some solace in the fact that they were able to stick tight with a strong All Blacks side – but that’s about all they can take. Ultimately, it’s another loss, and it’s awfully difficult to see how the Wallabies turn that around in seven days time.
9:55pm
biltongbek said | 9:55pm | Report comment
Yeah the Wallabies never looked like they were in the The game, except somehow they stayed in touch.
pocock was disappointing tonight.
The Wallabies will have to step up, their handling was ridiculously poor, they were mullered at the breadown and Beale had a nightmare.
10:14pm
Johnno said | 10:14pm | Report comment
terrible scrum by the wallabies they’ll get hammered on the road trips of STh africa and argentina and NZ if they play like that.
10:21pm
nick said | 10:21pm | Report comment
Gotta feel for Pocock tho. He’s a one man army in the lossies. Thats why he’s getting penalized i imagine, trying to go up against three men largely on his own.
9:51pm
Ash said | 9:51pm | Report comment
Too predictable too boring. Goodbye Deans and good riddance.
–
Comment left via The Roar’s iPhone app. Download The Roar’s iPhone App in the App Store here.
9:50pm
Seiran said | 9:50pm | Report comment
Beale played rubbish tonight.
10:40pm
Justin2 said | 10:40pm | Report comment
Rubbish isn’t close, worst game he has ever plated. Looked out of it
9:49pm
Jerry said | 9:49pm | Report comment
Carter twists the knife.
9:48pm
Matt said | 9:48pm | Report comment
Can someone explain the scrum penalties? Obviously I have no idea. Seems half of NZs points came from penalties from a scrum.
28 penalties in just 80 mins. Good job buddy.
9:50pm
Jerry said | 9:50pm | Report comment
Rolland guessed at every second scrum. I think you’re wrong about the scrum points though – maybe 1 or 2 kicks were from them, but the Wallabies got one too (first penalty).
9:52pm
Matt said | 9:52pm | Report comment
6 or 7 penalties, 3 from a scrum kicked, so about half. Most of the penalties must have not resulted in shots as I remembered. Seemed to be about 10 scrums, 3 that actually happened, 7 that were penalties. Why bother, just award a penalty and save some time.
9:50pm
Matt said | 9:50pm | Report comment
No serious I have no idea, seems everyone does the same thing and sometimes it’s fine, sometimes it’s a penalty to one team, sometimes it’s a penalty to the other. Might as well flip a coin.
9:51pm
Jerry said | 9:51pm | Report comment
Rolland ruined the match. Just awful.
9:54pm
Matt said | 9:54pm | Report comment
… And this is why union bores me. Not bad to play, but terrible to understand and watch. 80 mins, 30 mins in stoppages, 20 mins waiting for genia to pass, 30 mins of actual footy.
9:48pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:48pm | Report comment
80′ Wallabies 19-27 All Blacks
Carter kicks his sixth of eight for the evening, and the All Blacks will celebrate an eight-point victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The Bledisloe Cup will almost certainly be remaining in the hands of New Zealand this year, you’d have to think.
9:48pm
Jerry said | 9:48pm | Report comment
Rolland MotM.
9:47pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:47pm | Report comment
80′ Wallabies 19-24 All Blacks
Penalty at the scrum! Now for the ultimate insult! Carter will put the margin back to eight, and the Wallabies will be stripped of the bonus point they’d otherwise have earnt.
9:47pm
Post said | 9:47pm | Report comment
Wallabies just shut down there and were going nowhere, but there’s no way that ball came out legally. No All Blacks players on their feet, and the ball went shooting out the wrong side of the ruck.
9:46pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:46pm | Report comment
79′ Wallabies 19-24 All Blacks
Lost ball! Dagg punts the ball deep into the corner, and Ashley-Cooper is wrapped up by two All Blacks defenders in his own goal! All Blacks will get the ball back, 5m scrum. All over, you’d think!
9:44pm
katzilla said | 9:44pm | Report comment
Lol come on Wallabies
9:44pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:44pm | Report comment
78′ Wallabies 19-24 All Blacks
Stout defence from the All Blacks so far.
9:45pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:45pm | Report comment
Painfully slow ball movement isn’t helping the Wallabies.
9:43pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:43pm | Report comment
77′ Wallabies 19-24 All Blacks
Big chance for the Wallabies here! Barnes kicks a penalty into All Blacks half! 40m out, lineout!
9:42pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:42pm | Report comment
76′ Wallabies 19-24 All Blacks
And the Wallabies still hang in! Barnes make no mistake, four to go!!!
9:41pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:41pm | Report comment
75′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
PENALTY WALLABIES. Right in front. Surely they take the three.
9:42pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:42pm | Report comment
And they do. Barnes to have a shot, 15 out directly in front.
9:42pm
Post said | 9:42pm | Report comment
Wallabies need to play the whole game with the same energy they just showed. Fast ball, hard running, that’s having a go!
9:41pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:41pm | Report comment
74′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
Six minutes to go. Wallabies with a scrum just inside the half after the All Blacks get it wrong at the lineout. If it is to be the Wallabies’ night they must do something now.
9:40pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:40pm | Report comment
73′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
Kurtley Beale finds half a yard of space, a rarity tonight for the fullback. Messam tracks him all the way though, and eventually bundles him over the line into touch.
9:38pm
Matt said | 9:38pm | Report comment
Samo not as quick as he thinks he is, gets tackled trying to single handley run through the ABs. Time paused so SBWs hair stylist can touch up.
9:35pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:35pm | Report comment
70′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
BIG scrum coming up for the Wallabies. 5 out.
9:36pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:36pm | Report comment
They stand their ground (just), but the All Blacks are still well and truly on the front foot.
9:37pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:37pm | Report comment
The ball is spread to Williams, he draws in two defenders and offloads to Jane, who can’t grab it, and spills what looked a certain try! Just lacking a little bit of polish. They should have killed this one off by now.
9:35pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:35pm | Report comment
Samo on! There you go Johnno!
9:34pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:34pm | Report comment
68′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
Try saving tackle there from Ashley-Cooper! Messam busts through the line down the left and hands off to Gear at the last minute, and Ashley-Cooper bundles him into touch half a metre out. Rolland goes upstairs to check, but it is indeed ruled no try.
9:32pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:32pm | Report comment
67′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
BOOM! Big, big scrum from the All Blacks. Just. Too. Good. When it comes to the crunch, they’re the best.
9:32pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:32pm | Report comment
66′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
Aaron Smith breaks from the scrum, sells Genia a lovely piece of candy and breaks toward the halfway line, but the ball is dropped after his offload.
Timani involved in a nasty head clash, and will be taken from the field to be checked for concussion.
9:29pm
Milz said | 9:29pm | Report comment
Need Quade Cooper!
9:28pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:28pm | Report comment
65′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
Rolland decides that that will be adjudged a maul and with no forward progress, its an All Black scrum. Good defence from Steve Hansen’s men regardless.
9:27pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:27pm | Report comment
64′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
Wallabies with good field position on the All Black 22 after managing a turnover from the kickoff.
9:27pm
CDD said | 9:27pm | Report comment
Even the captain keeps giving it away! Hell I feel for the coaching staff.
9:27pm
katzilla said | 9:27pm | Report comment
Someone needs to tell Timani not to jump during penalties….
9:29pm
Matt said | 9:29pm | Report comment
He must have stopped one in juniors and still thinks it’ll work. If they manage to somehow hit him they’ve missed the kick anyway…
9:26pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:26pm | Report comment
63′ Wallabies 16-24 All Blacks
BANG! The margin is once again eight points, with little over a quarter of an hour to play.
9:25pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:25pm | Report comment
61′ Wallabies 16-21 All Blacks
All Blacks on the charge! Whitelock manages to break the line but doesn’t have the speed. All Blacks now with the advantage…and they will now take that advantage. Directly in front. The margin will once again be eight points, and once again, the penalty comes from the illegal play of the captain, David Pocock.
9:25pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:25pm | Report comment
Hasn’t been great tonight, has Pocock.
9:26pm
Johnno said | 9:26pm | Report comment
no samo still and almost 65 what the
9:23pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:23pm | Report comment
60′ Wallabies 16-21 All Blacks
Barnes tries the up and under and Dagg charges high into the air, as does Scott Higginbotham. It bounces off the Australian’s shoulder, and the All Blacks get a lineout, just inside their own half.
9:22pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:22pm | Report comment
59′ Wallabies 16-21 All Blacks
Wallabies get a reprieve, in the form of a penalty. Berrick Barnes manages to punt the ball up toward halfway. Could they manufacture something here?
9:21pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:21pm | Report comment
58′ Wallabies 16-21 All Blacks
Wallabies scrum, 10m out. Intense pressure on the green-and-gold forward pack.
9:18pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:18pm | Report comment
56′ Wallabies 16-21 All Blacks
Wide to the right, and a good three or four metres short. The score remains 21-16 to the All Blacks. But, as they have been for most of the night, the All Blacks continue to dominate proceedings.
9:19pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:19pm | Report comment
And, just like that, Mealamu rips the turnover and the All Blacks once again put their foot down. Super work from Mealamu.
9:17pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:17pm | Report comment
54′ Wallabies 16-21 All Blacks
Genia is nigh-on crunched by McCaw has he diffuses a midfield bomb. Brave stuff from the Wallabies scrumhalf. Unfortunately for Genia his work goes unrewarded as phases later, the All Blacks manage to extract a penalty as they converge on an isolated Pocock.
Carter to kick for goal from 52m.
9:14pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:14pm | Report comment
51′ Wallabies 16-21 All Blacks
Wow, Israel Dagg. From the Wallabies clearing kick he collects and slices through the Wallabies defence, angling toward the left. But he tries to pop out a pass to the right, and it goes sailing over the head of Gear into touch. Still, electric stuff from the New Zealand fullback.
9:14pm
matthew said | 9:14pm | Report comment
This referee has gone a long way to completely ruining this game with his cynical pedantry. Unbelievably frustrating.
9:13pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:13pm | Report comment
50′ Wallabies 16-21 All Blacks
The kick from Barnes is strong, and it is back to five points.
9:12pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:12pm | Report comment
49′ Wallabies 13-21 All Blacks
Alain Rolland manages to find another penalty. It’s the All Blacks’ turn to be punished, for interference at the back of the line out. Berrick Barnes will have what appears a difficult shot from 40m out.
9:10pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:10pm | Report comment
48′ Wallabies 13-21 All Blacks
Dan Carter slots his fourth kick from five attempts, and the margin is back at eight points, and the All Blacks have a touch of breathing space.
9:09pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:09pm | Report comment
47′ Wallabies 13-18 All Blacks
David Pocock is penalised for a ruck infringement, directly out on front. That hurts. Carter to attempt to extend the margin back to eight.
9:08pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:08pm | Report comment
45′ Wallabies 13-18 All Blacks
It’s not pretty, but Barnes managed to sneak his kick through, and it’s back to within one score.
9:06pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:06pm | Report comment
44′ Wallabies 10-18 All Blacks
Wallabies pick up a penalty, Kieran Read for breaking the line early.
David Pocock laid out on the turf here, being seen to by the trainers.
9:03pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:03pm | Report comment
41′ Wallabies 10-18 All Blacks
Back underway at ANZ Stadium. Can the Wallabies be the first to score, or will the All Blacks continue to assert their dominance?
9:03pm
Johnno said | 9:03pm | Report comment
Samo time
8:59pm
Post said | 8:59pm | Report comment
On the Sky Sports half time show: I think Lynagh is absolutely correct about the centres. All Blacks know that Wallabies are focused on Nonu/Williams so they are running them as constant decoys that draw tons of attention and open up massive gaps in our defensive line.
This is why you don’t base your gameplan so heavily around defending 1 or 2 players, going so far as to pick players specifically for their ability to tackle them.
9:03pm
Johnno said | 9:03pm | Report comment
Bring Drew Mitchell on if Beale doesn’t step up.
9:06pm
Post said | 9:06pm | Report comment
Agreed. Beale is having a shocker, might need to come off.
8:58pm
Harryonthecoast said | 8:58pm | Report comment
However Fox much better without Kearns and Marto.
8:58pm
biltongbek said | 8:58pm | Report comment
OZ making far too many silly mistakes, they are trying to do too much out of their 22.
I just cannot accept that Nonu taking a defender out of the line like that in the second All Black try isn’t obstruction.
Pocock very quiet as well.
9:00pm
biltongbek said | 9:00pm | Report comment
Oh and Rollaind is penalising everything, soon the ball boys, the assistant referees will also cop afew.
9:00pm
Johnno said | 9:00pm | Report comment
Deans wont get sacked if he loses tonight some of the errors are not a coaches fault eg beales stuff not taking the 3 points.
But Deans if he does come 2dn in the RC or not win the RC his coaching job will surely gave to be looked at for lions 2013, in other words sack deans if no RC victory the teams is not moving forwad with him.
-No RWC final just a semi heck mark lievermont beat him, and likely to not win the RC title. We have zero chance winning in Aukcland eden park NZ next week. ZERO
8:57pm
Harryonthecoast said | 8:57pm | Report comment
Nine torpedoed me. Cheapskates!!
8:55pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:55pm | Report comment
HALF TIME: Wallabies 10-18 All Blacks
I’m not sure how, but the Wallabies have somehow been able to drag themselves to within reaching distance with a late Nathan Sharpe try. The All Blacks begun like a house on fire, and raced out to a 13-3 lead before the Wallabies looked to have gained a foothold. But some basic, basic skill errors cost the Wallabies dearly and the All Blacks’ backline made no mistake. But that late Sharpe try has made this a contest. The next score could be very, very crucial indeed.
8:50pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:50pm | Report comment
40′ Wallabies 10-18 All Blacks
Barnes manages to put it over from a reasonably difficult position, and the margin is back to eight.
8:51pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:51pm | Report comment
Genia can’t find touch from the clearing kick on the bell, and the All Blacks now drive into Wallaby territory. Would be break the Wallabies’ backs if they were to score here.
8:51pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:51pm | Report comment
But the Wallabies are able to bundle the ball over the sideline, and jog into the tunnel for half-time.
8:48pm
Post said | 8:48pm | Report comment
Line break by Ioane leads to a try from Sharpe!
8:48pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:48pm | Report comment
39′ Wallabies 8-18 All Blacks
WALLABIES TRY!!
8:49pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:49pm | Report comment
Iaone manages to break through the line and is pulled down a metre out, the Wallabies move the ball quickly to the right and the veteran, Nathan Sharpe crashes over.
8:48pm
Matt said | 8:48pm | Report comment
I went and had a shower and genia is still deciding what way to pass it. How nice of him to wait for me.
8:48pm
Matt said | 8:48pm | Report comment
Sharpie!!!
8:48pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:48pm | Report comment
37′ Wallabies 3-18 All Blacks
Carter misses the conversion, his first of the evening. From a penalty in midfield, the Wallabies are in attack, inside the 22.
8:46pm
CDD said | 8:46pm | Report comment
Fire the lot of them – bunch of pampered pussies!!! Just can’t execute the basics!
8:45pm
wal the hooker said | 8:45pm | Report comment
What’s the score I’m on a plane
8:46pm
Post said | 8:46pm | Report comment
18-3 All Blacks
8:47pm
katzilla said | 8:47pm | Report comment
Obviously first class to have the interwebs huh?
8:45pm
katzilla said | 8:45pm | Report comment
Good stuff there from Burtley and Higgindropem
8:44pm
murph73 said | 8:44pm | Report comment
Goodbye Robbie
Don’t let the door hit your backside on the way out
8:46pm
katzilla said | 8:46pm | Report comment
Pal, how does Robbie coach catching a ball?
If he needs to coach those skills then my son can coach the Wallabies
8:44pm
Rad said | 8:44pm | Report comment
Rubbish Referee!
8:43pm
Jerry said | 8:43pm | Report comment
Great pass Dagg.
8:43pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:43pm | Report comment
34′ Wallabies 3-18 All Blacks
ALL BLACKS TRY!!!
8:44pm
Post said | 8:44pm | Report comment
Oh man Beale is having an absolute shocker. Both tries he completely flubbed a tackle.
8:44pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:44pm | Report comment
Straight from the scrum again. All Blacks sweep across the field. Carter, Dagg…Jane. In the corner. Beautiful catch-and-pass from Israel Dagg. Two basic errors from the Wallabies, and the All Blacks go bang, bang bang and all of a sudden it’s a 15-point margin.
8:43pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:43pm | Report comment
33′ Wallabies 3-13 All Blacks
Uh-oh. Kurtley Beale is the latest guilty of dropping the ball, no pressure whatsoever. All Blacks scrum inside 22.
8:44pm
Matt said | 8:44pm | Report comment
If that wasn’t bad enough, he misses another tackle and NZ are in again! Dommmmmminated.
8:45pm
Jerry said | 8:45pm | Report comment
He also got caught out by Dagg – noticed him hesitate and threw the early pass for Jane.
8:42pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 8:42pm | Report comment
Catches win matches, lads…
8:42pm
Matt said | 8:42pm | Report comment
The bureau of meteorology is reporting gollops of vaseline raining in the Sydney area.
8:41pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:41pm | Report comment
32′ Wallabies 3-13 All Blacks
Scott Higginbotham! A Berrick Barnes clearing kick is charged down by Carter, it fortuitously falls to Beale and he breaks down the right hand side, and the Wallabies are away. Inside it goes to Higginbotham, and he drops it clean. A few errors creeping in in the last 5 minutes.
8:41pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 8:41pm | Report comment
These scrum penalties are incomprehensible. Where do they get these NH referees?! I thought Rolland was supposed to be alright!
8:41pm
Post said | 8:41pm | Report comment
Oh boy. That surely was a try, but Higgers had complete butter fingers.
8:42pm
Post said | 8:42pm | Report comment
Alright, that’s like the 7th drop by Wallabies player. What did they put on their hands before this game??
8:40pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:40pm | Report comment
30′ Wallabies 3-13 All Blacks
Let-off for the Wallabies. Kieran Read busts through a gaping hole and is through to the tryline….or he would be, but he drops the ball.
8:39pm
Jerry said | 8:39pm | Report comment
Rolland, wtf. You don’t have to blow a penalty after every phase.
8:38pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:38pm | Report comment
28′ Wallabies 3-13 All Blacks
Genia penalised for coming inside the 10m. All Blacks, once again, on the front foot. Wallabies defence once again will be severely questioned.
8:37pm
Post said | 8:37pm | Report comment
I think Rolland is going for a record number of penalties here.
8:40pm
Matt said | 8:40pm | Report comment
And people say nrl uncontested scrums are a joke. At least they only take 10 seconds!
8:41pm
Jerry said | 8:41pm | Report comment
This match is too free flowing for my liking – can’t the ref crack down on some of these infringmements? I’m sure Kieran Read spat at one point and got away with it.
9:54pm
Justin2 said | 9:54pm | Report comment
Gold Jerry, gold!
8:36pm
Die hard said | 8:36pm | Report comment
Refusing a chance to stay in the game and perhaps gather a little composure. Immaturity. Did Pococock make that decision or was it a rush of blood from Genia after his good break?
8:36pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:36pm | Report comment
Was Genia, I believe.
8:35pm
Matt said | 8:35pm | Report comment
Laughing my ass off at the twitter feed, some gold in there! Can’t believe it’s 25 mins already, only been 10 mins actually playing I swear
8:36pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:36pm | Report comment
Haha indeed. Great cross-section of comment in there.
8:38pm
Matt said | 8:38pm | Report comment
The only good thing about all the stoppages is they’re stopping the scoring.
8:33pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:33pm | Report comment
24′ Wallabies 3-13 All Blacks
Wallabies on the attack here! Genia decides to take a quick tap, turning down a guaranteed three from a penalty straight in front. 5m out.
8:33pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:33pm | Report comment
All Blacks were, briefly, under pressure, but they recover and set their line. Excellently.
8:34pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:34pm | Report comment
And, they earn the penalty. Wallabies penalised for not releasing. Superb defence, absolutely superb.
8:36pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:36pm | Report comment
Brave call from Genia to quickly play on, and it nearly paid off. But it didn’t, and the three points would have been very handy indeed for a side who have been absolutely dominated in the last 20 or so minutes.
10:47pm
Red Kev said | 10:47pm | Report comment
It was Beale who took the quick tap not Genia (at least that is how Fox and Rugbyheaven are reporting it and it gels with my recollection).
8:32pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:32pm | Report comment
22′ Wallabies 3-13 All Blacks
Wow. All Blacks absolutely monstering the Wallabies at the moment. They clear with the up and under, Dagg engulfs Genia and reinforcements fly in. A little too overzealously, and Rolland pings them for it. Wallabies penalty.
8:31pm
chris said | 8:31pm | Report comment
Iam pissed off about it not selling out.
8:29pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:29pm | Report comment
20′ Wallabies 3-13 All Blacks
And that will be 13-3. The Wallabies would want to at least try and steady, get their hands on the pill, or otherwise, this could end up 40 or 50.
8:28pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:28pm | Report comment
19′ Wallabies 3-10 All Blacks
Well. They win the lineout, but turn the ball over from the ensuing play and Benn Robinson is then penalised for hands in the ruck. Carter to extend the lead to 10, directly in front.
8:26pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:26pm | Report comment
17′ Wallabies 3-10 All Blacks
Under intense pressure from the All Blacks defence, the Wallabies’ backline is at sixes and sevens. Rolland finds a penalty with the Wallabies only metres out from their own line, and they manage get a reprieve. Wallabies lineout just inside their own 22.
8:24pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:24pm | Report comment
16′ Wallabies 3-10 All Blacks
And from the kick-off, they’ve been penalised in the ruck. All Blacks deep into the Wallabies’ 22 after a deep kick from Carter.
BIG test coming here for the Wallabies pack.
8:25pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:25pm | Report comment
All Blacks miss the opportunity though, dropping from the ball from the lineout.
8:26pm
Post said | 8:26pm | Report comment
….what the hell are the wallabies doing?
8:28pm
Matt said | 8:28pm | Report comment
Have I missed something? Is there meant to be a penalty a minute? Looking at a cricket score at this rate.
8:34pm
Jerry said | 8:34pm | Report comment
It’s gonna be a record penalty count at this rate.
8:24pm
Matt said | 8:24pm | Report comment
This is looking very ominous.
8:23pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:23pm | Report comment
14′ Wallabies 3-10 All Blacks
From a similiar position to the penalty, Carter converts. Ominous for the home side early.
8:21pm
BlackWave said | 8:21pm | Report comment
ISRAEL DAGG BOOM!
8:21pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:21pm | Report comment
13′ Wallabies 3-8 All Blacks
ALL BLACKS TRY!!!
8:22pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:22pm | Report comment
Straight off the scrum, Israel Dagg picks up the pass from Dan Carter, runs around the decoys set from Williams and Gear and then arrogantly goosesteps a weak Kurtley Beale tackle in crosses in the corner. Quality.
8:23pm
Matt said | 8:23pm | Report comment
Toooooo easy! Terrible positioning on that tackle, not sure what method Beale was trying to use, he was way too easy to fend off.
8:23pm
Lucas said | 8:23pm | Report comment
Who got the try and try assist
8:20pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:20pm | Report comment
11′ Wallabies 3-3 All Blacks
Strikes it very nicely. The All Blacks look to be settling into their work very well indeed.
8:21pm
Jerry said | 8:21pm | Report comment
DAGG111
8:19pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:19pm | Report comment
10′ Wallabies 3-0 All Blacks
Wallabies penalised at the scrum. The first of many?
Carter to level things up, 5m in from touch on the left.
8:18pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:18pm | Report comment
9′ Wallabies 3-0 All Blacks
All Blacks squander a big chance down the left hand side there. Ma’a Nonu gets an offload to Messam, who looks for his support on the outside, but his pass is astray, and flies harmlessly into touch.
8:15pm
WQ said | 8:15pm | Report comment
Rolland is on a mission early
8:19pm
Matt said | 8:19pm | Report comment
Haha. First 5 minutes of rugby my misses has ever watched and she’s noticing things he isn’t. Forward pass, crooked throw, high tackle.
Told her basically a scrum = a penalty against the opposite team, so don’t worry about tries, just get scrums then a penalty and take 3 freebies.
8:15pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:15pm | Report comment
5′ Wallabies 3-0 All Blacks
All Blacks penalised for coming in from the side, just as they had begun to string a few phases together in Wallaby territory. Barnes finds touch, Wallabies win the lineout and they move into the All Black half.
8:13pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:13pm | Report comment
4′ Wallabies 3-0 All Blacks
Good tackle there from Polota-Nau to drag Liam Messam into touch, just inside their own half. Wallabies with a lineout just inside their own half.
8:11pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:11pm | Report comment
3′ Wallabies 3-0 All Blacks
It’s good! Wallabies take an early lead!
8:11pm
WQ said | 8:11pm | Report comment
Roland 3, All Blacks 0
8:10pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:10pm | Report comment
2′ Wallabies 0-0 All Blacks
Early penalty, Wallabies. Scrum infringement from the All Blacks. Berrick Barnes will kick, slightly left, just inside the 22. Should be an easy three points.
8:10pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:10pm | Report comment
Positive start from the much-maligned Wallabies forward pack.
8:11pm
Jerry said | 8:11pm | Report comment
Uh….ok.
8:09pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:09pm | Report comment
1′ Wallabies 0-0 All Blacks
And we’re off! Wallabies kick from right to left, and from the second phase off the kick-off, Sonny Bill flicks off a forward pass.
Wallabies scrum, 10m out.
8:08pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:08pm | Report comment
Anthems and Haka have been done. Jackets off. Time for action. Looks to be a solid crowd in at ANZ, possibly a little bit light on in the nosebleed section, hard to see.
8:05pm
Harryonthecoast said | 8:05pm | Report comment
Well done Nine already. Good team too.
8:04pm
Harryonthecoast said | 8:04pm | Report comment
Thank god we have a choice of channels to watch tonight’s game. Have switched off The Fox cheerleaders. Thank you Nine!!!
8:05pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:05pm | Report comment
Good call. Can. Not. Stand. Kearns.
8:00pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:00pm | Report comment
Good evening, Roar Nation. Whether you’re in a windy (and wintery) NSW, elsewhere in Australia, across the ditch, South Africa, whereever – hope you’re excited for tonight’s opening Bledisloe Cup clash.
All Blacks have just run onto the field, David Pocock is just leading on the Wallabies now. Kickoff should be in about ten minutes, after anthems, haka, etc.
Predictions?
8:01pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:01pm | Report comment
I’ll stick my neck out and say All Blacks 27-13.
7:55pm
biltongbek said | 7:55pm | Report comment
Good luck to both teams, here’s hoping for great great game and no influence from the referee
8:04pm
Johnno said | 8:04pm | Report comment
biltonk good luck too the booke but i’d love the argie pumas to get up for a sneaky streaky win. Newlands will have a great atmosphere as always.
7:47pm
Adam-15 said | 7:47pm | Report comment
Channel 9 hasn’t failed to disappoint within 5 min. Spelt “Ben Robinson” in the line up instead of benn. And counting down from 15 in the lineups, the captions above the players read “15 – Fullback,14- Wing, 13- Wing, 12 – Outside Centre, 11- Inside Centre. Oh man channel 9, just give it up already
7:40pm
Matt said | 7:40pm | Report comment
What’s the expected crowd figures? Stadium looks 3/4 empty, I thought it was meant to be a good one.
7:22pm
Suzy Poison said | 7:22pm | Report comment
I must be one of few thinking the Wallabies could easily take this. Bookies say Blacks by 10. But even though I would select Cooper ahead of Barnes, and I think the Wallabies will really miss Horwill and Paulu, I have a strange feeling the Wallas who don’t have any stars apart from Genia, Pocock and possibly Digby, can still cause an upset. There was nothing flashy about the Wales wins, but the Wallas dug deep, to win every time. I think this team has guts, spirit and grit despite the naysayers.
This from a Saffa. I respect this team, even though the forward pack looks average, I really think the Wallas could surprise.
In saying that I expect Kieren Read back for the Blacks creates a real hard edge. I also have a feeling Nonu feeding over SBW offloads could have a blinder. Also I will be watching Cory Jane, a very underrated player, I would have him in my world 15.
My call Wallabies by 3.
7:29pm
Johnno said | 7:29pm | Report comment
Whose the ref tonight anyone know is it Jonker. I odder who SAZNAR want to win tonight he he, for the good of the tournmant and tv ratings it is in the tournaments best interest for the wallabies to win. I even heard the ref tonight is Joubert. Do SAZNAR have it all worked out that the wallabies win tonight, and then next week the match will be reefed honest . I hope tonight there is no match fixing and it is a fair and honest ref standard where the wallabies are not being set up too win. I want a fair ref tonight. so much has been made about refereeing standards in light of graham henry’s match fixing allegations with his book, and the world cup las tear with bryce lawrence in the Quarter final and craig jourbert in the final, also ex kiwi steve walsh copped some flak for the super rugby final, as did Durban born and bread Kaplan for the Reds VS durban sharks match in Brisbane. I hope the referring doesn’t decide this match and we get and honest and fair ref with no match fixing allegations form the experts or various coaches.
Such an important night for wallabies coach robbie deans coaching career, Coz if they lose tonight and that means basically the wallabies RC title hopes are over, will the ARU keep deans alive for next season or bring in Jake White for the Lions series and 2015 world cup. I don’t think coming 2nd will be tolerated by the ARU this year especially after the world cup debacle and daivd nucifora saying on the rugby club on the state of the game special they are aiming for no 1. If the wallabies lee badly tonight it could be Deans sacked after the RC and g’day Jake white. Lions next year we have to be in contention to win it vs maybe best lions team ever certainly the biggest lions team ever.
7:41pm
Chad Bennett said | 7:41pm | Report comment
Alain Rolland, Johnno.
7:48pm
Matt said | 7:48pm | Report comment
Haa, first thing google suggested to me when I started typing in his name was “Alain Rolland biased”
8:02pm
Johnno said | 8:02pm | Report comment
lol to funny Matt . He hee just ask the welsh Alain i am Irish but have french heritage and speak fluent french Rolland.
8:04pm
Die hard said | 8:04pm | Report comment
Wow! Big call. But I admit I fear every Wallaby team, no matter how rubbish the paper team looks. Iv’e seen them do the unlikely too often, but I don’t think so tonight.
7:01pm
Johnno said | 7:01pm | Report comment
true superba he did bryce and i am a wallaby fan and was so happy to win, but he did have a shocker as did joubert i was going for the french lol, was filthy as old joubert. But NZ may off fallen under the crowned, the stars of NZ and the galaxy would of ever be realigned forever in NZ history , that is how much winning that home world cup grand finall meant to them. NZ may not host another rugby world cup for 50 years or even more with global rugby getting so big. Maybe 100 years before NZ host another RWC. COz the IRB make nor money out of world cups in Europe, or big Asian markets eg Japan , or in USA too than a RWC in Aust or NZ.
-So maybe 1 reason why we can dream on about hosting a soccer world cup no surprise our bid lost.
6:53pm
murph73 said | 6:53pm | Report comment
Must be a relief for Barnes to know he could change horses to the Waratahs, get completely dominated by Cooper and still get handed a Wallabies 10 jumper.
6:52pm
Harryonthecoast said | 6:52pm | Report comment
This (The Bledisloe) is, in reality, all these two sides want. No Championship. Just The Cup. And it will be a mighty game!
6:51pm
King of the Gorgonites said | 6:51pm | Report comment
What the crowd looking like?
7:39pm
Titus said | 7:39pm | Report comment
Mostly bankers/private shool old boys, plenty of islanders as well.
6:49pm
murph73 said | 6:49pm | Report comment
Best of luck to the Waratahs. It’s a tough ask to play the ABs when only selecting from one provincial side.
6:48pm
Matt said | 6:48pm | Report comment
Will be a walk in the park for the AB’s, I doubt the scoreline will be massive but they’ll never be struggling or worried if they get a bit behind. I’d love to be wrong, but unfortunately I rarely am.
6:29pm
West said | 6:29pm | Report comment
The reality is, the sky is blue, the wallaby jersey looks more yellow than gold…bla. Bla all blacks will deconstruct Australia I’m sorry that’s the politest way of saying it. This is a great team with great players who are on a journey of succeess. They want the cup…..all cups!!!!!!
6:03pm
Johnno said | 6:03pm | Report comment
-The reality is this , the AB’S are not as good away as at home no team is but they are still almost just as good such a tough thing to do. No national sports team in the world plays as well away from home as the AB’S. So the wallabies have to use the home ground advantage and get a win.
-To win the Rugby Championship, the formula goes like this:
-Win all your 3 home games, and pinch at least 1 win away from home and get a few bonus points along the way.
-So basically tonight i think , tonight is the wallabies grand final.
They have to win tonight otherwise there rugby championship is basically over. I can’t see this wallaby squad winning in NZ almost zero chance at eden park next week.
And not much chance in sth africa either despite a few good wins by deans last few years. last years win in Sth Africa was misleading as sty africa was mucking around with rotation, and even in 2010 win was good the point is wins are rare for aussies in sty africa there record in sty africa is just as bad as in NZ.
-So you have to hope to pinch at least 1 win out of 3. And the wallabies have the worst draw of the tournament too. That is why tonight is such grand final for there RC campaign.
-The south african leg they play south africa, then they have to fly 8 hours to STH america 2-3hour time zone difference like NZ.
-But try and win with only 5-6 acclimitasion in South america which most of the boys have never been too tough ask.
-So tonight i think i is the wallabies 2012 grand final tonight, they have to win tonight to stay alive in the RC, as the odds are stacked against them in all 3 of there away matches, .
6:12pm
Jerry said | 6:12pm | Report comment
“The reality is this , the AB’S are not as good away as at home no team is but they are still almost just as good such a tough thing to do. No national sports team in the world plays as well away from home as the AB’S.”
It’s actually even more notable Johnno – no team in test rugby plays as well AT HOME as the AB’s do away. The Boks have the 2nd best home record in test rugby at 68% whereas the AB’s win 69% on the road.
6:35pm
Johnno said | 6:35pm | Report comment
Jerry thanks for that statistic mate, much appreciated. That is a alarming statistic , highlighting how good the AB’s are.
-That magic word consistency , is the razor sharp motto Team AB’S stick too. Outside of world cups where they have supposedly chocked no toehr sprots team is as mentally strong as team Ab’s. Maybe world cup chocker tag is debatable too for what it’s worth.
-1991 aussy side was a top team
-1999 yes they chocked in the 2nd half vs an inspired french team so 1 choke
-2007 wow that reefing was worse than criag joubert or bryce lawrance graham henry in his interview said on the the rugby club he saw 40 discrepancies yes 40, with bryce i reckon he got about 5 and about 5with joubert but not 40.
2011- they won by 1 point but they still won with help form joubert or no hep form joubert french got some kickable penalties and missed there chances.
-So in world cup history Ab’s 1 choke in reality in 24 years 1999, and outside of world cups No chocks ever and a better record away from home than any side homes record. Wow Team AB’s “Numero UNO”.
-Funny at home i reckon they push about 90% don’t know for sure just a hunch, i am pretty sure vs australia in NZ AB’s record is about 85%. And Wallabies no wins in Auckland since 1986, so all up this is the wallabies grand final if they lose tonight there RC is over. 2012 wallabies grand final tonight boys.
6:44pm
superba said | 6:44pm | Report comment
Bryce made 47 errors against SA in the RWC SA vs Australia match.
6:43pm
superba said | 6:43pm | Report comment
. This year the Aussies and Abs will learn about the travel the Boks have had to do all these years . So no whingeing about it please .
6:53pm
Johnno said | 6:53pm | Report comment
Aussies and Abs have had to travel too , as well to STH Africa the last 15 years superba as well. Boks don’t travel to argentina much before this year too. If anything it favours sty africa as they only have to do 8 hour flight. Aussies and NZ will have to fly over to on of arg or sth africa , with 2 week gap then travel 1 week later hours and 3 hour time zone difference .
-But aussies and kiwis have had to travel to bok land for last 15 years in super rugby and tri-nations too, so are just as jet lagged as the last 15 year boks
6:02pm
biltongbek said | 6:02pm | Report comment
So, you boykies nervous with anticipation yet?
5:53pm
Michael & Catherine said | 5:53pm | Report comment
Go the Wallabies!!! Wallabies by 10!!
5:52pm
MJK & CLK said | 5:52pm | Report comment
Let’s get behind the Wallabies. Go boys!!!
5:44pm
MJK & CLK said | 5:44pm | Report comment
Wallabies to win by 10!!!
5:37pm
DB1999 said | 5:37pm | Report comment
Two arch-rivals? Maybe from an Australian point of view…
5:36pm
Mikey said | 5:36pm | Report comment
Go the wallabies. Give it everything you have and all will be good.
5:17pm
Chris said | 5:17pm | Report comment
I think everyone is getting a bit carried away by the Wales series.
They are the World number 6 and Australia beat them by an average of 3.5 points over three games.
All Blacks are a different league.
4:38pm
Harry said | 4:38pm | Report comment
Just about to leave for Homebush. Windy but not overly cold. Rain looks like it will hold off. Good conditions. Go the Wallabies!
4:41pm
Harry said | 4:41pm | Report comment
Consensus this morning is that the Wallabies will get done by 10 + plus. I’m predicting 34-19 to NZ. Hope I’m wrong and back on here eating humble pie tomorrow morning or late this evening. Also looking forward to the Argies v SA
4:30pm
katzilla said | 4:30pm | Report comment
First! Go the Darkness
8:47pm
wal the hooker said | 8:47pm | Report comment
Damn can’t believe I’m on a plane !!