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One of the more compelling aspects of watching rugby this year has been how well the All Blacks have managed the challenge of being a man down.
This was exemplified in the game against England on the weekend – they put on a clinic of how to manage the 14 versus 15-man game, coming out of the penalty period further ahead on the scoreboard than when they went into it.
Looking back over the year’s rugby internationals the All Blacks have been comparatively naughty boys, being punished with seven yellow cards in total across the 12 games thus far.
On four occasions they’ve actually turned the disadvantage into an advantage, earning extra points during the downtime. Once they’ve come out even, and only twice have they actually ended up on the wrong side (which happened to be in the same game – the drawn Test against the Wallabies).
Their aggregate score across the seven yellow cards is a healthy 27-9 and no team has yet (this year) scored a try against the 14-man All Blacks.
Be it focus, be it leadership, be it intensity, but bloody heck, if I was the opposition I’d almost be hoping that the ref keeps his hands out of his pockets and just gives a penalty.
New Zealand’s yellow card results this year
June 21: New Zealand versus England
Wyatt Crockett yellow at 72 minutes, score was 29-13.
Try to Julian Savea at 80+1 minutes – score during yellow period 7-0.
August 16: New Zealand versus Australia
Crockett yellow at 38 minutes, score was 9-3.
Penalty to Kurtley Beale at 44 minutes – score during yellow period 0-3.
Beauden Barrett yellow at 69 minutes – score was 12-9.
Penalty to Beale at 69 minutes – score during yellow period 0-3
August 23: New Zealand versus Australia
Richie McCaw yellow at 12 minutes, score was 6-3.
Traded penalties at 13 and 17 minutes – score during yellow period 3-3.
Owen Franks yellow at 76 minutes, score was 44-20.
Try to Steven Luatua at 80 minutes – score during yellow period 7-0.
October 18: New Zealand versus Australia
Patrick Tuipulotu yellow at 58 minutes, score was 25-15.
Try to Aaron Smith at 68 minutes – score during yellow period 7-0.
November 8: New Zealand versus England
Dane Coles yellow at 56 minutes, score was 16-14.
Penalty to Barrett at 65 minutes – score during yellow period 3-0.
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.