The All Blacks enjoyed another all-conquering season in 2014, but of concern is a lack of discipline at times.
The All Blacks incurred seven yellow cards this season, equaling the mark established last year.
Despite being undermanned several times in the last two years, the All Blacks have only lost one Test match.
In fact, the All Blacks have a remarkable record when playing undermanned. The first All Black to be yellow carded in a Test was Anton Oliver against Argentina in Christchurch on June 23, 2001. Since then a further 56 All Blacks have been sent to the sin bin.
In 47 matches where a yellow card has been issued the All Blacks have won 39 times, lost five and drawn three. They have outscored their opposition 167-164.
Obviously there have been times where yellow cards have proven very costly.
In 2001, Norm Maxwell was sin-binned against Australia and the All Blacks conceded 10 points in a 29-26 defeat in Sydney, with Toutai Kefu scoring a last-minute try in John Eales’ final Test.
In 2012, Tony Woodcock was sin-binned against Australia in Brisbane. Kiwi-born Mike Harris kicked two unanswered penalties while Woodcock cooled his heals. Australia drew the match 18-all and terminated the All Blacks’ chances of breaking their own record for most Test wins in a row (17).
They also stopped a sequence of 106 Tests where the All Blacks had scored at least a single try in the game.
In 2014, Australia again halted a 17-test winning streak with a 12-all against the All Blacks in Sydney. Australia gained three points after Beauden Barrett was yellow carded.
The most costly yellow card in All Black history was given to Luke McAlister in the 2007 World Cup quarter final against France in Cardiff. McAlister was binned when the All Blacks were leading 13-3. France leveled the match while McAlister was gone and ultimately won by 20-18. Thierry Dusautoir, who scored a try in the World Cup final, crossed the line when McAlister was in the sin bin.
By and large though the All Blacks have performed extremely well when undermanned due to poor discipline in a Test. Thirteen times they have drawn with the opposition, while down at least a man, and 20 times they have scored more points that the opposition when undermanned.
The most heroic win while undermanned happened against Wales in Cardiff in 2004. Ma’a Nonu was sin-binned, but Mils Muliaina and Joe Rokocoko scored tries while Nonu was gone in a 26-25 All Black victory.
In 2005, Tana Umaga, Chris Masoe and Neemia Tialata were all sin-binned in the second half against England in London. The All Blacks held onto win 23-19. In 2005, the All Blacks achieved their first Grand Slam since 1978.
In 2012, Israel Dagg was sin-binned against Ireland in Christchurch with eight minutes remaining and the scores tied at 19-all. Daniel Carter kicked a drop goal in the last-minute and the All Blacks won. A year later, Kieran Read won an epic Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg by scoring a 40-metre runaway try while Ben Franks cooled down.
This year Aaron Smith scored a try against Australia shortly after Patrick Tuipulotu was dismissed, the All Blacks winning the game 29-28.
Yellow cards are undesirable, but it takes more than the sin bin to hurt the All Blacks.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says it’s “purely coincidental” that Semipeni Finau has put on a massive, late hit on a fourth fly-half in nine…
He was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, and is remembered as one of the great Māori players.
I don’t really get the comparisons between Joey Manu and Sonny Bill Williams. I realise they have the Roosters in common, along with a…
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett has announced a sabbatical to play with Irish club Leinster at year's end, while committing his future to New…
There are those who will forever play the man - and not the ball - where TJ Perenara is concerned. The All Blacks and…
I well remember the day a New Zealand Rugby staffer put their hands on me. It seems I’d made them angry.The Wellington Sevens was…
