Game one of the Bledisloe Cup for 2014 has, undeniably, been marred by controversy and a bifurcation of opinion concerning who was more fortunate finish with a draw.
While the Wallabies failed to convert long periods of promising attack into tries the All Blacks failed to string together consistent phases at all, frequently dropping the ball in contact and uncontested alike.
Then there was the rain. Irrespective of their status as professional athletes, on the wettest day in Sydney this year the weather played a material role in slowing the game and disadvantaging both sides.
As of Jaco Peyper, I will refrain from ref bashing. I think that says enough.
Young captain Michael Hooper, however, didn’t help the Gold cause with his decision-making, and was exposed as a captain at international level.
An old adage rings true in Test rugby: ‘you always take the points’, had Hooper taken an easy penalty the Wallabies may have come through three points ahead. Well, quite possibly.
Oh, the joy of mid-week hypotheticals.
Unusually, the All Blacks management has been more vocal than their trans-Tasman counterparts. Head coach Steve Hansen fired a shot at the Wallabies this week indicating that “I don’t know how much they’ve [the Wallabies] got left to lift”.
Some have likened this to a sign of Hansen’s insecurities regarding an emerging Wallabies team, but if you have followed the coach you would know that is just his manner. It might be cheap, but it is all part of his pre-game preparation.
The characteristically outspoken coach did, however, concede that “Our skills and our game structures were basically non-existent to where we want them to be… We just didn’t play well enough”.
In contrast, there have been few words from the Wallabies camp, and no response to Hansen’s latest jab.
This is a good sign of maturation from a Wallabies side that, not too long ago, was riddled with egotistical player seeking the limelight both on and off the field – cue the Quade Cooper ‘toxic environment’ saga.
The Wallabies, however, will still go into the Eden Park comparably as written-off as they were in Sydney, and justifiably so.
The side have typically enjoyed underdog status in the Rugby Championship, but almost always they play their best rugby with their back to the wall and the fans writing them off. That was the way they went into Bledisloe, but not the way they came out.
Australia looked dominant in most facets but none more than ball retention.
At full time possession the split was 65 to 35 per cent in favour of Australia, and while the All Blacks frequently win game with below 50 per cent possession winning with 35 per cent is almost unheard of.
It is decidedly ‘Cheika ball’ – starve your opponent of possession, and tire them with countless phases on the back foot. The Waratahs contingent have brought this to the Wallabies and with it a reduction is basic errors, particularly around the ruck.
While this was one of the few positives, the side still underperformed by international standards and most importantly, they did not look like a world beating team.
Moreover, Wallabies failed to score a try despite the favourable two-thirds possession statistic, an even more favourable penalty count and 20 minutes against 14 men.
With the likes of Israel Folau and Adam Ashley-Cooper finally playing in his preferred position, this shouldn’t have been a problem – at least on paper.
Folau rode a wave of hype into this international series, frequently being cited as the best fullback in the world. Like some I believe that Folau still has a lot to do against top tier sides, and he was exposed on Saturday.
Weak positioning and poor tactical kicking appears to have let him down according to the rugby astute but such weakness begs a simple question:
‘Does Folau possess a tactical kicking and long passing game, and has he learned to position himself at fullback?’ At this point, against high-quality opposition, it is difficult to say.
In fairness, his wings, Rob Horne and Pat McCabe, did very little to assist in a game where Izzy was well below his high standard.
But Folau wasn’t the only high-profile player to go missing. The 2013 IRB Player of the Year, Kieran Read, also had a rare off game and subsequently, the All Blacks looked stagnant.
It’s unusual to see Read off the mark, and with Jerome Kaino injured out for game two, his performance will be even more critical. If he fails to step up again the All Blacks will be down two genuine international players as well as key defensive figures.
For mind though, the Wallabies will have to be mentally strong this week.
A draw is an odd result against the World Champions – is it positive, is it negative? They side was supposed to be thrashed at ANZ Stadium, and while they weren’t, they still didn’t win. Rising for a game away from home would be undeniably difficult, but particularly in New Zealand.
Not only that, but they will be constantly reminded of the Eden Park hoodoo by the New Zealand press and fans.
The All Blacks have been a slow starting side for the past five years and will be down an attacking asset with Ma’a Nonu succumbing to a shoulder injury – the return of Conrad Smith, however, should compensate somewhat.
Australia, staying with the same side is worrying, and if you believe in ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it’ this should be concern you too.
Simply, the side did not perform well enough to warrant staying the same. This is not to say that McKenzie should reinvent the wheel mind you, but changes at halfback lock and/or wing come immediately to mind.
McKenzie has inherited a good side from Deans (an argument that cannot be made for the previous transition) and his tactics are refreshing, but selecting an unchanged team maybe a gamble if only because the All Blacks will not have to tinker with game plans and strategy.
Bledisloe Tests are always fantastic affairs and this new chapter will, of course, be the same. There are however, ominous signs occurring heading into the final few days.
The Wallabies should expect a much better game from ‘The Darkness’ this time around, but how they cope with increased pressure on a fast pitch is yet to be seen
ken Stewart
Guest
Yes that game was very ominous.
Firstxv
Guest
Can we close this one now?...Links had his rant...oooh cant wait for this one. Fine conditions in Auckland today...perfect.
Simon Bedard
Roar Pro
I would agree with you BB. Wallabies actually dominated in the number of runs and running yards as well as possession. But from what I saw, they were not a dominant side. The ABs defense was amazing, especially being down a man for 20 minutes. They also dropped the ball to spoil an imminent and indefensible try which could have changed the game completely. Errors will happen in the wet, and this happened to both sides, so I don't think there is too much you can take from this. But at the end of the day, neither side should be too happy with their performance....a draw was probably fair.
JB
Guest
I was a little disappointed in carter I thought he got man handled at contact a bit, I think he still has a year or two in the gym before hitting his straps, bright prospect though.
JB
Guest
Nz were big favourites last week and will be so this week at home, all the pressure is on them, wallabies to just go for it. Just looking forward to a bit more running rugby
Rouaan
Guest
All the conjecture about the referee is nonsense...you can't shift the goal posts as you go along...the ABs and Hansen have to apply the same standard to everybody at all times. 17 wins in a row, going for the record, nr 1 team in the world, twice as experienced as their opponents on the night, IRB player of 2013 and the list goes on...they were suppose to wallop the WBs. This selective pickings of referee decisions is just immature and emotional. What about Savea holding onto the ball when AAC was clearly on the ball and appealing to Peyper to go for a TMO decision. That was a penalty try AND a yellow card for Savea. The WBs should feel aggrieved. The ABs are getting desperate if the odd scrum free kick calls don't go their way and they go public about their interaction with Peyper after the game. This is damage control and a very weak PR job from Hansen.
Daz
Guest
dsat24 hey mate you just follow me around and trail along behind me in my wake. When the moment's right I'll pop a good pass up for you and put you into the gap.
Robbie
Guest
Most of those players were started and trained by Deans. I don't know why he never persevered with Beale at 1sr five though.
Sam
Guest
Long may Australian silence midweek reign, especially if they start winning. Don't have high hopes for wbs knowing what the kiwis will unleash this week but another 1978 surely must be waiting to come out of the bag sometime. Nonu and Kaino losses are big ones. A dry track would also be interesting but both teams will be better for the wet weather training last week should rain sour things. Hope it's all still live to play for in Bris.
AlsBoyce
Roar Guru
I think the Wallaby performance should be looked at as a "work in progress", and they seem to be improving. The influx of Charles and Carter has potential - watch this space. The All Blacks on the other hand are looking like they are just starting down the other side from a high peak. They may rally this week, and show us they have something still. Probably will, I think. But their trajectory looks downward to me. Sam Cane saved them at the death, but he's not a starter. McCaw played well, better than I thought he had left in him, but was shaded by Hooper. Read was bettered by Palu. Looked a lot like the Waratahs v Crusaders match in those areas. They look like they could have the champion team disease of hanging on to the "great" players a bit too long. Tactical kicks not really producing anything that looked like generating a try must have been a disappointment, because on a wet night it looked good on paper. They ended up, however, kicking away too much ball, so 35% possession was the result. They'll try to hold on to it a bit more this week, so let's see what they've got in attack. This match will show us more about these 2 teams than last week's.
AlsBoyce
Roar Guru
Right on jameswm! The other element about the Hooper decision is that he wanted to have Gold pressure applied as a powerful message that the Wallabies were in it to win and had the belief to do it. Didn't turn out that way, but nearly did. Hooper has the instincts of an inspirational captain.
AndrewWA
Guest
Rubbish!!
Daz
Guest
It seems to be working just fine.
dsat24
Guest
So Hansen is arrogant for this when your two 'memorable moments' from last saturday were: "McCaw lying on his back on the wrong side of the ruck (as per usual)" and 'It was only a little thing, but it was still a beacon of sportsmanship in an otherwise dull, kiwi landscape.' Hmmm, arrogance and entitlement much? Hows that agenda coming along Daz?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
It did have an effect actually, the initial penalty when KB took the tap was right in front of the posts and a certain 3 points. The penalty missed was a harder shot. I'm not critical of Hooper as he is young and will learn from this. Anytime you play the AB's and there is 3 points on offer right in front, you take it. Anyway lets hope the Wallas are up this one !
jameswm
Roar Guru
Can we drop this "Hooper failing to take the penalty cost us points" thing? Hooper opted for the scrum, which forced the ABs to bring on another prop and lose a backrower. Understandable if debatable tactical move. However Australia then got another kickable penalty, it's just that Kurtley missed. Hooper not taking the penalty didn't matter - we got another one straight afterwards. It had no effect.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Yeap Daz, I agree with all of that. Why Hansen is giving McKenzie's Wallabies such motivation, I am not sure. Perhaps his motivational comments are best confined to his AB's. Maybe he is feeling a bit of pressure from the expectant AB fans, but certainly strange and smacks of arrogance IMO And I am a AB supporter!
Daz
Guest
First Hansen tells McKenzie how to select his team. Next he tells the referees how they should ref the game. Now he's saying, to paraphrase the words of Farr-Jones, his is the only side with any juice left to be squeezed out of the lemon. Arrogance and entitlement much? I'm truly glad to see for once, for the most part the Wallabies are just keeping their mouths shut.
Fin
Guest
As per last week, once again you are too dismissive of the Wallabies and therefore undervalue what the All Blacks have achieved in being dominant for so long.
Pitbox
Roar Rookie
While I agree that, overall, the Wallabies were the better side that didn't get the win, I didn't quite agree regards Folau. Did he do any tactical kicking in that match? Did he actually kick at all? I don't think he did. It certainly wasn't the type of conditions conducive to his (or Beales) style of play - quick changes of direction at pace. But Folau did break some tackles when he did get the ball but as I say, the conditions didn't really allow. Ben Smith was also quiet on Saturday night and I wonder how much Hansen pondered bringing Dagg back in. Finally, the same advantage the AB's have (i.e planning for the same players) is also the case for the Wallabies. They are certainly weaker without Nonu and his barging runs or impeding dummy runs. I think Toomua is very aware of how Nonu "makes room" when he is the dummy runner, though he won't have to worry as much about that this weekend. ABs have made the right choice selecting Crotty and Fekitoa at 12, though in there lays an opportunity. I wish Link had selected Phipps at 9 and while I still think Foley is our future long term 10, I can understand that he doesnt want to chop and change at this stage. Beale didn't play that badly - he just didn't stand out. The only other change for mine would be Ben Robinson for Cowan. Like last week, there is a quietly growing confidence in the direction the gold thread is taking at the moment. But even if they don't get the win, they should continue to back the style they are playing. It paid off eventually for the Tahs.