There were some strange twists and turns in this match, and it’s hard to imagine that this could have been the All Blacks highest score against the Wallabies had Daniel Carter kicked the final conversion.
Going into this game there were genuine hopes that the home side might be able to end the visitors seven game winning streak against them, but all that came to a screaming halt at about the same time the Wallabies failed to find touch from a penalty that was a result of Owen Franks being yellow carded.
The Wallabies inability to capitalise or take advantage of certain situations is severely lacking. It was only one kick but it needed to find touch. The fact that it didn’t, let the All Blacks off the hook, and was perhaps a turning point in the match.
Another example was when Drew Mitchell scored off a charge down only to have the same thing happen at the other end moments later. The few times that they were in a position to capitalise an unforced error would release the pressure.
Poor old Rocky Elsom, he couldn’t take a trick. First he complains to the referee that the All Blacks were slowing the ball down only to have it backfire when Drew Mitchell was red carded for doing exactly that. He inadvertently got his own man sent off!
There were also some puzzling decisions throughout the match. Had the officials managed to get Sam Whitelock’s number he would have been yellow carded for a highly effective and perfectly legal tackle. Seriously, the referees are just getting a bit to eager to hand out yellow cards.
Another questionable decision was when the All Blacks were penalised for collapsing the scrum five metres out from their own line when it was clear the ground gave way underneath them. How was it their fault?
Although neither coach complained, the surface wasn’t really good enough although plenty of points were scored.
The other questionable decision was to play Matt Giteau at ten considering how well he has played all year at 12. What was Robbie thinking?
James O’Connor looks lost on the wing and is much better suited to fullback. They could do worse than give Kurtley Beale a start next week and perhaps give someone like Lachie Turner a run on the wing.
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.
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