What an extraordinary game of rugby – I can’t remember the last time so many cards were handed out in a Tier One match…
There’s been much criticism of the referee (more on this later) but I really felt for the guys who had to keep track of all the players being carded or heading to and from the blood bins – they had a really big night!
So, back to the cards.
Let us be clear: The first card against Bismarck du Plessis was a significant error, mainly because referee Romain Poite went upstairs and had time to get it right. Looked awful but was entirely legal.
Card two against du Plessis was correct. That was not a legal fend, but of course should have been ten minutes only.
The card against Kieran Read was marginal, but the one against Ma’a Nonu totally correct. Nonu’s foul was perhaps the most grievous of all on the night. He really does this too much.
Now to the match. There were lots of good points:
For New Zealand, the arrival of Brodie Retallick as a world-class lock, and the courage of Sam Cane.
The fact that Beauden Barrett is now looking like the number one first five-eighth in New Zealand.
And the joy of seeing Kieran Read as the best number eight in the world, in full flight.
In all the chaos at the end, that great servant of New Zealand rugby Conrad Smith marshalled his team and brought them home.
Marvelous world-leading rugby, and ultimately a great team result.
For South Africa, we saw the arrival of Eben Etzebeth, a 21-year-old lock who delivered a great performance, and will hopefully play for 12 more years.
There was a pugnacious performance from Bryan Habana, and real bruising passion from their forwards, but in the end too much arm muscle, and not enough muscle between the ears, seems to have been used.
This All Black team out fought and out-thought the South Africans.
The score could and perhaps should have been closer but as others have already said, the winning team runs into gaps and not into players.
But in the end an incredibly tense and engaging game – a true Test.
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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