Saturday night’s game against the All Blacks was very convincing. 78,000 people turned out to see what has been said to be the best Bledisloe Cup game since 2000, well maybe not for the All Blacks.
However there were a few decisions that hurt both teams like the obstruction of the All Blacks player on the line, or Dan Carter’s little fumble in their 22. But apart from that I think the ref did well.
Although the bookies had All Blacks at favourite, the Kiwis were on the back foot not getting inside our 50 until after we scored. Also while the All Blacks had a yellow card the Aussies scored a point a minute.
The Australians defence was very good, until they spread it out wide. In many occasions Lottie Tuquiri was drawn in because they didn’t have the numbers and simply gave it to the wing.
The loss of McCaw was a big one for the All Blacks but I was surprised of how good the line out was even though they had him missing. They obviously didn’t want to risk the lineouts, hardly ever kicking it out.
I think the new rules worked and the Wallabies used them to their advantage. Often kicking a high ball and landing it just out side the 22 so the opposition couldn’t kick it out on the full.
The Wallabies played very well but the best is yet to come with Stirling Mortlock, and Dan Vickerman making returns to the run on team.
The biggest challenge is also yet to come with playing the Boks and All Blacks away but if we have ever a chance to win the Tri Nations in the last 5 years, it’s now.
I predicted that Australia would win by 7 yesterday but I have no problem beating them by 15!
LeftArmSpinner
Guest
good game summary Flity, Sheek, give me a break. The context of it makes it a classic, the watershed game where the Walabies turned from frog to prince. I am not saying that they have made the transformation, but in hindsight, we may identify this game as the turning point. It seems to me that having a team playing so well, and being so happy is a very good way to stop players leaving from the bucks in Europe. Happiness on and off the field counts for a lot, anytime. It is a once in a life time opportunity.
sheek
Guest
I think the game was far too mistake riddled to be considered a classic. The surprise result in favour of the Aussies made it a good game for us. A good match, but not a great match.