If it wasn’t difficult enough for the Wallabies to overcome the Eden Park hoodoo, they added another twist in being able to get on the scoreboard since Don Clarke’s sole penalty won the game 3-0 at Carisbrook, Dunedin all the way back in 1962.
And despite their poor execution in attack, let’s not take away the relentless and vigorous determination in defence.
It was typical of the Wallabies’ spirit and resolute purpose, scrambling at every corner like their lives depended on it.
Even master tactician Dan Carter was made to look foolish when he produced a rare brain snap in passing the ball when he virtually fell over the try line.
But it summed up the kind of day at the office that the All Blacks had to endure when although they were clinical again in a lot of areas, they will certainly be worried with their ‘completion rates’.
Underfire Wallabies Coach Robbie Deans and his captain Will Genia could only lament the fact the All Blacks were far too good. “Any other side in the world would’ve copped a thrashing” Deans noted, and Genia followed-suit “We just couldn’t keep up with them“. Enough said.
Once again, the New Zealanders somehow repeatedly wasted numerous opportunities which surprisingly made them suffer a bout of white line fever for the duration of the first half.
Nevertheless, a game that was won on sporadic penalties with a single try could still be remembered for some individual brilliance and none more so than the awesome Sonny Bill Williams.
This guy was just unstoppable. And for such a match that could quite possibly be his last in All Blacks rugby, he went out determined and simply put on an amazing performance that it’s about time his critics backed off for good and learn to appreciate the marvellous skills that has not been seen on a rugby paddock anywhere in the world (or league for that matter), probably ever.
The unique legendary deeds of Jesse Owens, the incredible feats of Michael Jordan, the extraordinary elegance of Nada Comaneci, the sublime repertoire of Roger Federer, the exquisite style of Florence Griffith-Joyner and the graceful skills of Muhammad Ali were all beautiful to watch.
The phenomenon that is Sonny Bill Williams is undoubtedly right up there, and along with the ostentatious and dazzling entertainer that is Usain Bolt, are surely the modern day supreme athletes on the planet.
How the NRL are awaiting with glee when the proud Kiwi-Samoan wonder steps back into the arena come 2013. He will singlehandedly increase crowd numbers at all his club fixtures, need I say more ?
His arrival will coincide with the rugby league World Cup later in the year which he’ll definitely walk straight in and help the Kiwis win back-to-back titles.
Immaculate timing, smart but admittedly cunning sporting business decisions or just hungry for more success. Take a pick but you cannot fault his ambitions, his drive and striving to be the best.
Having the coolest name around, Sonny Bill Williams could’ve been an NBA, NFL or AFL superstar if he even tried to … but hang on, he’s been too busy that he has already achieved the summit of three other sports – an NRL premiership, a rugby World Cup medal and a National Boxing Championship belt.
Then there’s also a Super Rugby title, a Ranfurly Shield holder, an ITM winner, and the mother of all trophies, the Bledisloe Cup, just to rub it in.
Heck, don’t even start telling me that he can’t swim. Bring on Rio.
The All Blacks have kicked-off their Rugby Championship superbly, but know too well that there is still a lot of fine-tuning required.
They once again had some unusual concentration lapses such as when Israel Dagg failed to take a pass from Ma’a Nonu during the early stages, before Nonu himself delivered a suicidal forward pass late in the second half in front of his own posts and under no pressure whatsoever. It was that crazy I almost thought I was watching the Warriors.
These are the kind of fundamentals that even an under-9s Coach would blast his players, and rightly so. But when you’re grown men with vast experience at the highest level making unbelievable mistakes one after another, it makes you wonder.
It is no laughing matter and if they continue with these handling errors, the likes of Argentina will be onto them like vultures on decaying meat.
To balance the ledger, the combination of Quade Cooper and Berrick Barnes was non-existent, with only the ever-reliable Adam Ashley Cooper having kept his reputation intact.
Luke Romano needs to make up his mind whether he is a lock forward or a first five-eighth. Then again, who the hell instructed this mountain of a man to jog lightly with the ball and toss up some feeble passes like he’s in a ballet class, and twice landed in opposition hands?
We might need to start making “Bring Back Thorn” banners if this nonsense keeps up.
Otherwise, in spite of the Wallabies and Aussie media giving undue praise, like “The All Blacks were so exceptional” and “It was New Zealand’s best Bledisloe Cup performance in the past decade”, the All Blacks clearly understands that they will not be lulled into a false sense of security.
They have not hit their straps although they would be satisfied thus far and will be extremely wary of the daunting task ahead.
With the six World Cup games of 2011, along with the Irish Test series 3-0 whitewash earlier this year, and the twin Bledisloe victories they have now accumulated an unbeaten streak of 11.
This is the Richie McCaw and Dan Carter era. On top of their own personal milestones and remarkable achievements,
and as long as both New Zealand stalwarts are on the field, there is an excellent chance that this All Blacks team could go on and break the world record, a befitting recognition of their current status, as true world champions.
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.
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