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The All Blacks were sublime in defeating the Wallabies two weeks ago at Eden Park. In that match they played as close to the perfect game of rugby as I have seen.
Right from their haka through to the fierceness at the breakdown, with Carter as the orchestra conductor, the All Blacks demolished an over-confident, almost smug young Wallaby outfit.
It was men giving boys a lesson in how to play rugby. I thought at the time that All Blacks could not play any better than they did that night.
Two weeks later, a chastened opposition side chose, in the lead-up to the match, not to talk themselves up. There was no talk about “ripping sides apart’ instead a quiet resolve emanated from a team that had a resolve to get the job done. A team prepared to let their actions speak for them.
So as the All Blacks finished another superb and fierce haka, the Wallabies remained stationary and continued to stare the All Blacks down.
Stirring stuff – hmmm – the Wallabies were there to play.
And so they set about it and took the game to the All Blacks. After 30 minutes the All Blacks backrow was decimated with Read and Thomson replaced through injury. The Wallaby back three, lead superbly by Samo, were dominating in way that has not been seen by Wallaby supporters for a long time. By halftime there was a handsome 17-point lead.
As always, the All Blacks were resurgent in the second half. They adjusted their tactics and with the confidence that they have always been able to run down any Wallaby halftime lead in the past, especially if they put the heat on these boys as they did at Eden Park, they would prevail.
They got to 20-all, exerting great pressure, but the boys had now grown into men. The challenge was met, and Will Genia – who said during the week “It’s easy to come out and say things but you’ve got to go out there and do it” – went out and did it. He sniped once more, breaking the defensive line for Beale to score. The Wallabies then closed out the match to win.
The All Blacks are now very nervous. At Eden Park they could not have played any better, so have they peaked to soon?
This Wallaby side is still getting better, and providing they continue to “go out and do it” and maintain respectful humility for all, they can only get better.
Go the Wallabies.
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.