The All Blacks were far too good for the Springboks in their Tri-Nations opener, beating the men from South Africa 40-7 in a commanding performance in Wellington over the weekend.
They looked a completely different team to the one who took the field against Fiji just one week ago, bringing a whole new level of intensity to the game that was unmatched by their opposition.
Right from the word go the All Blacks looked to attack, and were rewarded scoring two early tries, to go with an early penalty, taking them out to a 13-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes.
It seemed as though they were going to run away with the game from here, but the Springboks rallied and found some fight to score a try of their own.
But the All Blacks had the final say before half time, as a superb effort from Cory Jane took the score to 18-7.
The second half saw the All Blacks completely dominate every facet of the game, scoring another 22 points, including three tries, to take the final score to 40-7.
A very pleasing result if you’re a New Zealander and a slightly worrying one for a South African.
Never have the All Blacks been so dominant over their arch-rivals. Even the stellar performances of 2010 didn’t match the dominance the All Blacks held last night.
The dominance started up front where the set-piece was outstanding, which translated into dominance at the breakdown, seeing the Springboks got little good ball to work with.
The front row was key in this, asserting a dominance like few have ever done on the Springbok scrum, while also doing plenty around the field, playing like loose-forwards almost.
In the loose they were very good, with Jerome Kaino in particular standing out, tackling ferociously and bringing a physicality to the game that only he can.
The backline looked well-polished and threatened every time they had the ball.
Jimmy Cowan and Dan Carter directed play well, while Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith were dangerous outside them and showed why they are the two best midfielders in New Zealand.
The back three were all dangerous on the counter attack and all looked for work. While there seems to be a log jam for the five outside back spots, it would be hard to leave out any of the men who took the field last night.
Not just because of how they played last night, but because they have proved they can play well at this level numerous times and are all fit the All Blacks game plan well.
The other positive for the All Blacks came in back-up first five-eighth Colin Slade making a successful cameo appearance in the last 10 minutes. While it is hard to read too much into a game like this, Slade was very tidy and posed a threat when he decided to run.
It was truly a brilliant all round performance.
However, there were still two players whose selection in the team could be queried after less than impressive performances last night. These being Ali Williams and Sonny Bill Williams.
Both men have been hyped by many, but both failed to deliver last night.
Ali Williams roamed wide too much, not committing himself to doing the dirty-work enough as tight forwards need to. His kick-offs were also very poor, failing to secure the ball multiple times. He was good at lineout time, but needs to improve his all round game if he is to feature at the World Cup.
Sonny Bill Williams meanwhile was anonymous for most of the time while he was on the field. He is still yet to prove that he can cut it at this level and went into the same shell as he always seems to when it comes to playing top opposition.
This isn’t to say that these two won’t feature come September, just that they still have something to prove and must play well in the next three games should they want to be there.
But overall, the All Blacks will be happy with what they accomplished in Wellington.
The real test now comes next week, as they take on an Australian side who also dealt to this Springbok team. While they will enter the game favourites, it will take an effort similar to that of last night if they are to turn out winners in Auckland.
Samaki
Guest
Can somebody tell me what Sonny-Bill Williams actually did? I only noticed him throw the ball away once...
stillmatic1
Guest
just like the loss to samoa didnt count for much with the same excuse used, hey redsnut!!
Moaman
Guest
I agree Bayboy and that projected Semi-Final clash is the one that I worry about.
kaha
Guest
not in my dictionary
kaha
Guest
I do and for sure
Nick_KIA
Guest
Well everyone is forgetting they did this in 2007 pre WC and won the thing. So I guess you'd try and repeat the dose.
Bayboy
Guest
No one thinks the Boks are underdogs, they used a similar tactic in 2007 which worked for them. This time however the number of players with so called injury is what has got people talking. Only a complete rugby novice would even dare suggest the Boks are underdogs going into this world cup. With their record at this tournament and current World Ranking they will be one of the favorites to win this tournament.
Moaman
Guest
I reckon "nisbo' is losing the plot-he mis-identifies players regularly these days and on Saturday was so preoccupied with mixing up Ralepelle & (a 20 kg lighter )Jacobs that he failed to notice on the replays that Marshall had blamed McCaw for an illegality( of all things)-quite unjustly as it transpired. I still look back with nostalgia to the days when the 'home' commentators called the games.Remember Bill McLaren? Allan McGalvray (sp?),"Blowers", in cricket et al ;-)
Moaman
Guest
Er....to be fair,,,,there was one on the first half that went clean over his head and Kaino ended up driving it back.......2nd half a higher,shorter kick that drifted back with the breeze (;-) and Ali spilt it forward.
Moaman
Guest
:-)
Gerhard van Lamp
Guest
I'm hoping we play our best team for the two home games!We've got tickets for the Port Elizabeth test on the 20th.I've never seen the All Blacks or the Boks live so I can't wait.We definately had no intention of contesting this Tri Nations.We're not too concerned,as long as we get to hold onto Bill for another 4 years!
niwdEyaJ
Guest
SA wil be relishing the underdog status. They'll probably play a few more of their big guns in the home TN games but even then I think they'll save some firepower for the RWC. Everyone seems to be writing them off after two B-team thrashings - unlikely they will go down so easy in the finals. Expect a very tough and physical semi v ABs come RWC...
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Would have thought South Africa to give their A team a run out for a World Cup practice run, very perplexing that they're letting their name get run through the mud like this.
Damo
Guest
There's two esses in 'Aussie'
Winston
Guest
Yep
kaha
Guest
yes williams did enough. I remember when nonu first came to the blacks and the mistakes he did. But look at him now, I remember the australian commentators refering to him as a weak link. Talking about commentators man do I hate the australian commentators and the new zealand ones are'nt muck better. But I do like the south african ones. For the world cup I'm getting satanta sports ,( i'd rather listen to the poms) and hope I don't have to listen to the kiwi and especially the ausie commentators. GO THE BLACKS!!!!!
all7days
Roar Guru
The top back 3 should be Mils, Jane and Gear/Sivi. If Sivivatu continues with his immense workrate then he should get the nod. If Gear can bring a more complete game in regards to his positional play and support, then he would have to be in the team instead. Guildford does his role well, but cannot create at the level of the other wingers. Any other wing that's currently in the mix would have scored those tries. Jane has never let the All Blacks down and has proved his pace time and time again.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
When did Ali Williams fail to take a kick-off? Williams was much better than the week before. His workrate at the breakdown wasn't as strong as the other forwards, but he tackled well and the All Black lineout was hugely improved over last week. Twelve from twelve is a pretty rare result for the All Black lineout and Hore and Williams connected well. As for SBW, he came on at a time when the game was already won and tried a bit too hard to make things happen, but he had some nice offloads and connected well with Carter. I'm pretty sure he was involved in the movement that led to Slade's try. Aside from Afoa, who broke his cheekbone after seven minutes on the field, I think Messam will be the most disappointed member of the side. He had a good 25 minutes to stake a claim and didn't really make the most of it.
jack
Guest
during that whole game sbw only stuffed-up twice with 1 not entirely his fault due to the pass he had to catch not being of top quality. these were all early errors wen he was initially subbed on. we also hav to rememebr that sbw is not a good sub-on player. he thrives and is used to being a starter from way back in his league days. but once he got into v rythm of the game he made some good contributions and good decoy runs.
RedsNut
Guest
To paraphrase some of the kiwi comments about the Wallabies win over SA. "It was against a SA "B" team, so doesn't count for much"