As the lights went down at Eden Park, the Wallabies were left in the dark. They found themselves in a jungle full of All Black activity not even Robbie Deans himself could rule.
For all the knowledge in Deans’ head, there was nothing he, or his Wallabies could do to stop the beating heart that was New Zealand.
Although the Australians started well through a Matt Giteau penalty goal, the Kiwis were eager to rule their rivals early on.
The return of All Black Richie McCaw left much of the Kiwi faithful feeling both stronger and confident about the match ahead.
While many thought McCaw’s return would make a difference, all Wallaby eyes were wide open in shock at the magnitude of his performance.
Judging by yesterday’s result, McCaw’s soul was on fire.
He was desperate to burn all hope of the Wallabies regaining the Bledisloe Cup after six years of trying.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry must now feel some relief after his troops bought new life into a tri-nations campaign heading south faster than expected.
While Australian minds will wonder after their 29 point loss, everything went into place for New Zealand.
Fly-half Daniel Carter was composed once again. His ability to notch something out of nothing is a testament to the aura of invulnerability the All Blacks have possessed for years now.
After their best performance of the year to date, New Zealand can finally feel the gears of performance falling into place.
Giant Kiwi Centre Ma’a Nonu was full of running, hitting more holes through the Wallabies defence than Tiger Woods himself.
Ali Williams also ripped in well. His work in disrupting the Wallabies line-out was gold class.
In the end, the All Blacks dominated in every aspect of Saturday’s game.
It is now possible for Graham Henry to observe a mirror and spot the twinkle in his eye that has been shaded by below par losses against both Australia and South Africa.
His side played with an enthusiasm and toughness not apparent in last week’s loss to the Wallabies.
New Zealand know full well their capabilities on a footy pitch.
In horrible conditions, they are the only side in world Rugby capable of dancing around their opposition.
No doubt the All Blacks seem to be have regained the beat, and now look in check to hold on to both the Tri-nations and Bledisloe crown.
As for the Wallabies, the burden of having an empty silverware cabinet for the past six years still hangs around their necks.
Add to that 15 straight losses on foreign shores and you can see there are still problems that need to be addressed.
Whether Robbie Deans has enough magic to swing the music Australia’s favour remains to be seen.
If anything is certain, the Wallabies are still a work in progress.
The All Blacks though, remain the principal ruler of southern hemisphere rugby.
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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.
