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All is forgiven. The miserable memories of 2007 erased in one foul swipe of All Blacks awesomeness.
For New Zealand’s First XV, this grand occasion was not just about settling the score. It was the opportunity to deliver Captain Richie McCaw his All Blacks century on a French platter.
And deliver they did.
But first Captain McCaw and his men were forced to weather a ferocious French storm that involved almost 100 percent of territory and possession stakes weighing in France’ favour.
It lasted for all of 10 minutes before the home side snapped into action through the most likely suspect, mighty Ma’a Nonu. The powerhouse No12 penetrated midfield French defenses to create Adam Thomson’s try out wide.
Thomson’s try, the fourth of his All Black career, was the catalyst for more carnage in the form of blistering wingman Cory Jane. Running short of Weepu’s shoulder, Jane scored a glorious try in the 16th minute.
The level of execution reflected years of backyard practice between the former Wellington teammates. Carter nailed the conversion, pushing the All Blacks out to a 12-0 lead.
Minutes later and the 60,800 fans were treated to another scintillating All Blacks try, sparked this time by ace first-five Dan Carter.
The recipient of quality front-foot ball, dynamic Dan stepped cleverly off his right foot to dash deep into French territory. Up loomed Israel Dagg to receive the benefits of Carter’s carry whilst embarrassing one lone French defender. Dagg banked the try and Carter ably converted.
For the All Blacks, the first substitution of the match occurred on the 34-minute mark, Cory Jane unable to shake the effects of a heavy collision earlier on. Enter that man – the man – Sonny Bill Williams.
Counting down to halftime, France hit back through a Dimitri Yachvili penalty-goal awarded against Jerome Kaino for obstruction. It was the glimmer of hope for a French revival as both sides went to the sheds, All Blacks leading 19-3.
The message from French Coach Marc Leivremont was obvious. Wind the clock back to Rugby World Cup 2007 and a halftime score of All Blacks 13 France 3. A nod of confidence from history for which the French had set the precedent.
That history was clearly not lost on the All Blacks either. Because no less than 60-seconds into the second stanza and irresistible Israel Dagg had scored again. The benefactor this time of a trademark Sonny Bill Williams offload that set Dagg’s wheels in motion. Carter added the two, and France’ second-half assignment just got that much harder.
Five minutes later and a collapsed French scrum offered Dan Carter a long-range 3-pointer which he ably converted, extending the All Blacks out to a 29-3 lead.
Carter would strike again. This time for all the wrong reasons. Eager to exploit French defenses out wide, Carter’s peripherals didn’t detect a loitering Maxime Mermoz. The French second-five latched onto Carter’s long-range pass and scampered away unmolested to secure the try France so desperately needed.
Halfback Yachvili added value to Mermoz’ efforts and the French had a new lease of life. All Blacks leading 29-10.
Coach Graham Henry duly responded. Dispatching Andy Ellis, Andrew Hore and Ali Williams into the fray to replace weary legs. Departing players Piri Weepu and Sam Whitelock had turned in stellar performances, the former proving to be a handful for his French foes around the ruck.
The combative nature of the fixture was beginning to take its toll. Richard Kahui hobbled sideline and was soon followed by Adam Thomson, who looked in serious discomfort in the lower-leg region.
Sensing French hopes rising, Dan Carter opted for a drop-goal instead of pushing wide on a promising phase, probably not wanting to risk another intercept. The option proved to be a good one.
New Zealand’s most prolific points-scorer nailed his fourth test-match drop-goal. All Blacks 32-10.
But the French were far from finished and appeared to up the intensity and physicality as the game went on. The All Blacks met the French resistance head on. Most notably through the incredible presence of Jerome Kaino, Auckland’s powerhouse No 6 was simply impenetrable.
The most controversial moment of the match unfolded close to the end. Tony Woodcock was penalized for collapsing a 5m defensive scrum, which resulted in a conference between referee, captain and player.
The cunning of the French was sufficiently attuned to detect a distracted New Zealand XV. A sneaky penalty-tap saw Francois Trinh-Duc cross in the corner. Not without receiving a decent Sonny Bill Williams forearm for his efforts.
Much to the All Blacks surprise and at least three quarters of the Eden Park crowd, referee Rolland awarded it. Yachvili converted and the French had found respectability on the scoreboard, but still well in deficit 32-17.
Carter’s kickoff found the open arms of Ali Williams who fed Kahui’s replacement, Colin Slade. Overhauled by the French, Slade set the ball nicely for the second phase that found its way out to Sonny Bill Williams who crossed in the corner to seal the match.
The try remained unconverted, the All Black running out convincing victors, 37-17.
Said the jubilant winning captain, Richie McCaw: “We realized we had to take a step up this week, obviously from history we knew they’d be good. We had to absorb their pressure earlier on. It’s being clinical when you get your opportunity. The boys held their cool and we took our opportunities when they came.”
So McCaw becomes the 19th player to achieve 100 caps in test rugby. But the first of any All Black, a profound achievement made special in this unique setting.
“To do it in front of a home crowd at a World Cup playing the French – I couldn’t think of anything better.”
Neither could we. Congratulations. And well done the All Blacks. Assignment three completed with distinction.
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.