Well it couldn’t have been closer for the Wallabies on Saturday night. Despite having 62 per cent of the possession, and spending 52 per cent of the game in the All Blacks half, Australia were defeated in the final play of the game.
Tries from Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley and Adam Ashley-Cooper in his 100th Test, were cancelled out by Corey Jane, Dane Coles, Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa, who crossed on the final siren to give replacement fly half Colin Slade the opportunity to convert and break Wallaby hearts.
The Wallabies can take a huge amount from this game, and not only the pride in knowing that once again they came within touching distance of beating the reigning World Champions.
Embattled coach Ewen McKenzie sensationally resigned after the match, leaving the Wallabies in an even deeper mess than before, despite this spirited performance.
Tactically, Australia and McKenzie got it right, and the players played their hearts out for their coach, the forwards creating a perfect platform for the talented backline to fire.
This performance should have given the side a huge confidence lift ahead of the Spring Tour, making McKenzie’s resignation all the more unbelievable.
The Wallabies looked fantastic going forward, especially off set pieces from the lineout. The flat running lines of Tevita Kuridrani, the frequent incursions to the midfield of fullback Israel Folau and the quick ball movement from either side of the pitch, caused the All Blacks problems in defence all night.
The Wallaby forwards were exceptional, every ruck was hit with the upmost intensity, their illustrious opposition struggling to impose themselves at the breakdown.
The atmosphere prior to kick off was one of confidence from the numerous, boisterous All Black fans – and nervous apprehension from the home fans.
The first half performance however was great. It successfully banished all thoughts of the tumultuous fortnight that preceded this contest.
Gradually, the All Black fans – who made up roughly half the 45,186 attendance – slowly retreated into their shells, and those in green and gold found their voice.
The high intensity game the Wallabies pursued throughout the first half was always going to be hard to maintain, and the tempo gradually started to slide throughout the second half.
As they struggled to maintain their game, Australia were given a huge boost when on the hour mark Patrick Tuipulotu was sin binned for taking Rob Simmons out in the air.
However, what should have been a blessing for the Aussies turned into a curse as the All Blacks used the adversity to spark into life, as is so often the case when winning sides are cornered and seemingly on the run.
The tiring Wallabies couldn’t capitalise against the 14 men in black, and it was instead the undermanned New Zealanders who crossed for a try, scrum half Aaron Smith taking advantage of a distracted defence to take a quick penalty and dart over the line.
The Wallaby forwards appealed that the penalty wasn’t taken from the mark, but with Craig Joubert happy, the damage was done.
The atmosphere, exceptional throughout the game, was truly incredible at the death as the fans in black urged their team home.
Despite Nic White nailing a 45-metre penalty goal to extend the Wallabies lead to six with three minutes to go, the All Blacks had the momentum.
After some ferocious defence from Australia to win the ball back, New Zealand were gifted possession from an ill-advised box kick from White, and it seemed inevitable that they would cross the line.
The roar as the All Blacks crossed nearly raised the roof. Relief for New Zealand, despair for the Wallabies and McKenzie, who came so close to scoring a superb upset victory and put a line under a difficult end to the Rugby Championship campaign.
Where the Wallabies go from here though, well now that’s anyone’s guess.
DT
Guest
Well, I was suss on that tap kick at the time and more so on replay. The NRC may use the 'tabletop' rule, which I agree works well, but Joubert was applying the 'Knights of the round table' rule on Sat. Smith took the tap 5 to 8 metres from the spot. Unlike other refereeing decisions that are a matter of interpretation of the law of the game, this was just a plain old screw up by Joubert. Smith was smart enough to capitalise on his confusion. If he had gone to the correct mark, the Wallabies would have been better prepared. No doubt.
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
Sorry Shane, I said that the defence were distracted, if anything the only two people on the field who weren't distracted were Smith and Joubert. I didn't have the headphones to hear whether or not he said it was ok to play or not, but I'm happy assume it was ok seeing as he never called it back. It a sad almost like some NRC rules crept in a little... Quick taps and not kicking for goal much... I liked it!
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
Not really, the ABs were poo, the Wallabies played out of their skin and still lost. The worry for ABs is how to get up for all games .. The breakdown needs work too...
AndyS
Guest
I also don't think Joubert was distracted, but it certainly wasn't discussed. Joubert indicated he was going back to the penalty, walking back telling the Wallabies to retire then turning to walk/trot backward as Smith ran up and took the tap. He never stopped and I can't say I saw him mark a spot, but Smith presumably guessed right and Joubert was happy to let him run through the mark without stopping. I've seen him pull plenty back just like it because he hadn't specifically indicated the mark or didn't feel it was on that exact spot - let's hope he and the rest of the refs are consistent in being that relaxed from now on.
AndyS
Guest
I wouldn't put any money on Genia not making exactly the same kick. He also has a fondness for the boot, despite being charged down plenty.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Don't think that Smith took advantage of a distracted referee. Smith asked Joubert he could take the tap from where he was & Joubert said yes play it. What Smith took advantage of was a tiring Wallaby defence who were too slow to react.
BetterRedThanDead
Guest
Indeed, and it is all that wallabies supporters have wanted over the last few years. Not to win all the time, but to play well, with heart and make a proper account of themselves. And so they did. Well done, it was fantastic to see. Onwards and upwards.
Jono
Guest
Exactly. The Wallabies also nearly botched the one man advantage against the Boks and were saved by a surprise lack of composure in a penalty kick for touch that meant Habana had couldn't rejoin the team. The ABs crushed the Wallabies at Eden Park when Simmons went off and in Argentina Phibbs and then Hooper going off resulted in the Pumas turning the game around and winning. It's easy to just blame White for his terrible box kick or Foley for missing a tackle, but in like you said in those final minutes the ABs turned up the heat and played well. The Wallabies wilted and it wasn't for the first time. They have done it all RC and have been quite lucky that last night they were still playing for an undefeated season at home.
Ajax
Guest
Great game, but the writing was on the wall when they were down to 14 and outscored us in that period... Lets face it, in 2 games, we have had 30 minutes total where we one extra player and we still couldnt nail the win. All Blacks played very well in those crucial final minutes.
The Twins
Roar Rookie
really....and of course you forget the ABs were 14 men at one stage and still the Wallabies couldn't capitalise on the advantage...seems to be a Wallaby thing....give the ABs credit, they gel'ed and came right back at the Wallabies and what is more...when Phipps was substituted by White, I knew he would stuff up....why anyone things he is a good halfback is beyond me...the guy is a muppet..
Grahame
Guest
Like the All Blacks were worried when it was a 12-12 draw in the first Bledisloe. Only for the All Blacks to come back a week later to pummel the Wallabies a record 51-20 at Eden Park.
AJ
Guest
I agree Krasnoff. Not only is his bench suspect but he then doesn't use it even when Foley was out on his feet. If he wasn't using the bench why did he replace Phipps? I do feel sorry for McKenzie but he has a lot to answer for.
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
I thought Genia looked pretty good when he came on for Brisbane City last night Canetragic, but I was also impressed with Nick Frisby, who started the NRC game. Seems like there are plenty of options at scrum half for the new coach to consider...
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
Definitely Bazza, the atmosphere in the ground was that of supreme confidence by those wearing black, which gradually dissipated when they realised the Wallabies were here to fight for the win. It made for a brilliant atmosphere. I thought the Wallabies held onto the ball well last night and subsequently the All Blacks slightly struggled to get into the game. They showed their undoubtable class though by always being in it and made the most of the opportunity gifted to them by White when he kicked the ball away... It was a huge brain fade, but well done to both sides.
Canetragic
Guest
So did I - so all credit to the Wallabies - they came to play. White may find that box kick costs him when Genia gets back into form
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
I agree Armand van Zyl, it was a performance that could have silenced the naysayers, although the resignation of McKenzie has thrown the door right back open for scorn to be poured onto the set up.
krasnoff of noosa
Guest
McKenzie has done the right thing by falling on his sword, but unfortunately for the wrong reason. This action should have nothing to do with so-called ‘character assassination’, but everything to do with the fact that McKenzie failed to put a winning team together (less than 50% wins). He frittered away the impetus created by the winning super 15 champions and was unable to select a bench combo that would have provided group impetus to close out big matches. This stuff about Patston/Beale is just bubble and froth. The positive here is that the Wallabies now have a platform to go for gold—providing the ARU select an intelligent capable leader to replace McKenzie.
Robert
Guest
The ABs will now be worrying how a third string (or is it 4th string) Wallaby side came so close to beating them.
Armand van Zyl
Roar Guru
Australia can be proud of the Wallabies.
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
To be honest, I did take this game for granted. Lots to work on for the all blacks but opposition now need to simply not kick the ball away and the all blacks struggle. Not sure about numerous comments that the gold deserved to win, if they had, they would have and they should not take away anything from their large improvement. EOYT will be telling for both teams now.