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A marvellous weekend for New Zealand rugby union and league. The Kiwis deserved their last-gasp win in the Four Nations and are the rightful owners of both world champions and No.1-ranked team, after disposing of the Kangaroos with a sensational emotionally-charged 16-12 victory.
A little later at Murrayfield, Scotland, the All Blacks would’ve been inspired to perform their own deeds and to match their ‘blood-brothers’ in achieving a clinical and decisive 49-3 boilover.
The All Blacks obviously didn’t appreciate the fact that their national anthem of both the Maori and Pakeha languages was cut short to one verse, for some peculiar reason.
To add to insult, the haka was then shown from a distance thanks to the TV cameras either deliberately avoiding the racket close-up or displaying an arrogance of ignoring the traditional pre-match ritual.
Whatever the reasons, it didn’t quite work. If anything, it spurred on the New Zealanders to come out guns blazing immediately from the kick-off.
It was breathtaking stuff from the early All Black onslaught and despite Scotland posting first points on the board, the crowd’s roar died to a silent hush throughout after that.
The All Black forwards were working in unison, with yet another strong scrum machine on target, ruling the breakdown with ease. While the set-pieces was also about getting in numbers, the All Blacks demonstrated their hunger at breakneck speed and realigning on defence in smooth transitions, just absolutely brilliant to watch.
The latest All Black, Hika Elliot, had the fumbles earlier on (or was it due to those tree-trunk arms?), but once he settled down he gradually came into his own and should be satisfied with his first real test on the big stage. New Zealand can rest easy having a pretty handy back-up if regulars Keven Mealamu and Andrew Hore break down.
Robust blindside flanker Liam Messam also served his country well and he certainly did his chances no harm, as another perfect foil for the likes of Jerome Kaino or even Kieran Read at No.8.
He will have a torrid competition in next year’s Super XV with other contenders such as hopeful Victor Vito, the return of former All Black Bradley Mika, the suddenly forgotten Adam Thomson and to a lesser extent, the lock-blindside mould of Jason Eaton, as was the case of Troy Flavell and Reuben Thorne before him.
There was as much harping since the signing of Sonny Bill Williams as was criticism dished out, and fair enough. Nevertheless, what people don’t realise is that this unbelievable and exciting talent was already a superstar in the making long before entering the world of the New Zealand All Blacks.
It could parallel the great basketball legend Michael Jordan’s defection to Major League Baseball during his short-lived post-NBA career. Yes indeed, ‘His Air-ness’ went back to the NBA and the rest is history.
Bottom line is, he still attracted astronomical attention whichever sport he chose to participate. Williams is in the midst of accomplishing a similar feat – unlike Jordan’s ‘part-time’ achievements in the Minor League – only that he will be more successful in his second major sport, not to mention a third ‘hit-out’ better known as boxing.
Williams’ stunning display in just his second Test led to a man-of-the-match performance, putting in the brutal actions (often unselfish) via all the talking that the hyped-up but justified media are doing for him.
As any genuine star player will attest to, it is not so simple living up to the tag bestowed upon them, yet the likes of Williams, the inspirational Richie McCaw and the resplendent Dan Carter are probably only the very few of the ‘elite’ megastars.
Kieran Read has come a long way and he is certainly reassuring the callers who say he has the capabilities of taking over as All Blacks’ captain the moment McCaw gives way.
Fullback Mils Muliaina had a busy game and his try-double was typically unique in having the knack of being at the right place at the right time. His support-play cannot be under-estimated while his experience in any given situation is priceless.
Isaia Toeava has the distinctive advantage of playing a number of positions in the backline and if his head is screwed on, he is undoubtedly a dangerous player no matter what number is on his back.
Crowd favourite Hosea Gear has perhaps overtaken his long-lost brother Rico in the popularity stakes, as he continues his purple patch with another powerful game on the left wing.
Conrad Smith was again the unsung hero of the backline, but his efforts certainly didn’t go unnoticed by yours truly. Smith is as steady as they come but he will feel the pressure within the midfield ranks of late.
Tall timbers Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock picked up where they left off from the previous ruckus at Twickenham and I believe that they are now the first-choice combination, barring injuries. Ali Williams is still world-class but you’d like to think that he’s running out of time.
There was a rarity in terms of coach Graham Henry having emptied his reserves bench, aside from Ma’a Nonu, who logically was not required, courtesy of the starting centres being “in-tuned” all game.
John Afoa, Andy Ellis, Anthony Boric, Andrew Hore and Daniel Braid all played reasonably well although I still have reservations about downtown Stephen Donald.
His body language out there was nothing but like a lost kid trying too hard to play with the big boys. I don’t think anyone bothered listening when he was trying to run the show.
Did he commit yet another error? You bet he did – kicking in the dead-end, attempting to gain territorial advantage when a penalty was received. A crucial possession squandered once again from this out-of-sorts neville nobody.
Sure he set up a late try, but geez, Scotland was already half-dazed by then, with their backline playing as sleepy dwarfs while the forwards accordingly followed-up like dopey dwarfs.
Otherwise, it assisted Donald in playing his part to perfection – as an All Black wannabe.
What a waste of a squad position let alone the plane ticket that the preferable Colin Slade, or Aaron Cruden or even Stephen Brett would’ve fared better … literally.
Perhaps Donald was in fact the 11th hour replacement when Piri Weepu went down – I kid you not.
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.