The All Blacks have got their 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign underway with a win in the tournament opener against Tonga, with a scoreline of 41-10.
The win was far from what the All Blacks would have been looking for, while Tonga can hold their heads high after a very competitive second half.
But it was in the first half that the damage was done, as the All Blacks racked up 29 points, including four tries, courtesy of Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui who crossed for two each.
At this point it seemed to be headed for a large margin as was predicted.
No one told Tonga this though. They came out a rejuvenated side and defended stoically, holding the All Blacks scoreless for 15 minutes, before Jerome Kaino crossed after a chip and chase from Richard Kahui.
The next 15 minutes were all Tonga.
They played a tight game which saw their forwards dominate, keeping the ball close and never going any wider than one off.
Never did they panic, always waiting for support and staying patient right up until Sona Taumalolo crashed over in the 70th minute. It was a well deserved, well worked try that showed that Tonga can indeed play and aren’t just there to make up the numbers.
A late try to Ma’a Nonu, saw the All Blacks extend the final score to 41-10, but Tonga can hold their heads high, keeping the second half score to just 12-7, something many of the top teams in the world have been unable to do in recent years.
For the All Blacks, it was a case of inaccuracy and sloppy errors creeping into their play that stopped them from running away with the game.
The backline, which started off looking so polished, became less effective as the game went on. They were starved of possession for most of the second half, but when they did get their chances, they were inaccurate.
The forward packs were relatively evenly matched, with the Tongan pack offering plenty of physicality as was predicted.
They came at the All Blacks hard and showed in the second half that they will prove a hard match-up for anyone.
Jerome Kaino was the best player on the park, leading the way with some brutal hits on defence and some barnstorming runs on attack.
The importance of his absence from the Test against Australia from two weeks ago became even more apparent, as he showed once again that he has been the best performing forward in the All Blacks this year.
Sonny Bill Williams had one of his best games in a black jersey, throwing some magnificent passes, while also taking good options.
He showed glimpses of his insecurities, particularly in contact, but these were far fewer than has been previously seen.
The question now remains whether he will be able to show this form against the top teams, so as to push for inclusion in the 22 in the big matches.
The back three of Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava operated well together; looking threatening with ball in hand.
Kahui has really put his hand up in the past few weeks and must be pushing for a spot in the 22 in the top team. Dagg did nothing to hurt his chances in his battle with Mils Muliaina, for the starting fullback jersey.
For Tonga, Taniela Moa had a good game at halfback and later first five-eighth, directing play well and looking dangerous on the occasions when he did run.
Sona Taumalolo was the best of the forwards, being introduced in the second half and making a huge impact with the strong pick and go, which has become a feature of his game.
It was a slow start and moments of panic in the first 20 minutes that cost Tonga, what could have been a competitive game.
Certainly, their forwards weren’t disgraced and it wouldn’t be a stretch at all to say that they will give some of the top teams a good game and an upset over France wouldn’t be out of the question.
The All Blacks will now look ahead to their game against Japan next Friday night, where they will look to become more clinical in their play, ahead of a tougher opponent in France the following week.
Tonga have a shorter turnaround, taking on Canada on Wednesday night, in a game they will take huge amounts of confidence into.
The tournament continues tomorrow with Scotland taking on Romania, France playing Japan, Fiji against Namibia and the big match of the weekend, England versus Argentina.
Tongan-Pride
Roar Rookie
TONGAN STYLE... TOO HARD AND STRONG... NOT FAST OR FIT... BUT TOUGH AND AGGRESIVE...
Roddo
Guest
Well, it is irrefutable to say that it was not a usual dazzling AB display, especially in terms of history of the RWC pools...but don't be fooled by this. Whilst there were patches of briilliance and some players shone, particularly the back three trio (with most to prove), SBW (alot ot prove), Nonu..and who of course could forget the efforts of Kaino. However, it was a bit of a humdrum effort by the rest and by the team overall... Respect to Tonga and the other minnows...they have all improved so much and of course came to play with the typical talent and spirit of an Islander nation. I mean none of the top nations that have played so far have completely shone against the minnows, with the AB no exception. However, unlike the other top nations - it is more than fair to say that at no time did the AB experience a fright. I am pretty happy with the AB performance so far and think it is really important that they are not completely dominating or as some like to say have peaked yet...they are a work in progress and can only improve. I will actually go a step further and say that some of the players and the team as a whole will go out there hard for the first period to gain an alsmost unassailable lead and then deliberately take the foot of the pedal...in a ploy to show that they have flaws in their game, have not peaked and almost as though to create a facade that they indeed have some vulnerability. The AB have a real strategy here and will be careful not to reveal their true colours until at least the quarters and perhaps a glimpse with a likely second string France. They have a bag of tricks ready to be unveiled when the time is right. That is not to say though that they don't have a lot of work to do and combinations need to be worked on. This RWC is different for the AB's and I think that they have finally got the approach right...certainly they will be more tested in the pools than ever before and this will help them long term. I think that the pressure will get to them at the sharp end, but the pride from being at home in front of their supporters, on their turf and having alot to prove to silence critics and remove that monkey from their shoulders will carry them through some tough times ahead. I really do think they will win, but it ain't gonna be easy, especially against top teams such as Oz (biggest threat AT THE MOMENT), SA and England...but they will be ready for them. The thing about OZ is; at the moment they are pretty much on par with the AB, but they lack the same experience in big game matches and they simply don't have the depth. That team they have named against Italy, pretty much the same one whom did the AB a back handed favour in Brisbane are good enough (if the cards fall their way) to win this world cup...but come semis or finals time they will not be the same team...injuries will take a toll and as a result this team will be weakened...iand if the pools and quarters play out the way one would logically assume - the Wallies will not meet the AB until the final. If I was the Saffas (very likely to meet the AB in semis)...I would be more concerned about them at this stage...yes, they are aging and not at their best and they have a coach who is often as ass, but they can raise their game when it counts, have the boot of Steryne and a very competitive forward pack as a whole...simply cannot underestimate them. However, the pool of the Saffas is brutal and they will also likely have the chance of a fair few injuries. The English are like the Saffas, play a limited but effective game and break their opponents down, have a lot of grit and experience like the Saffas and are very well coached....depending on injuries and form on the day, they are still capable of giving the Wallies fits in a semi and are genuinely the bogie team of the Wallies in world cups...and psychologically that has to count for some something. There is no room for complacency for the allblacks, no gaurantees and they must gel when the time is right. I think they will, because boy do they deserve it and they are and pretty much always have been the best team in world rugby. That doesn't mean anything though in this tournament though. Every instinct tells me that the AB will break that drought....but they must keep their feet firmly on the ground and use that pressure to bring out their best to do it!!