Well, Eden Park sure didn’t live up to the hype.
Ireland surged from the kick-off. After a kicking duel early, they settled into the game, were strong in the collisions and dominant at the breakdown. The try to Keith Earls was superbly worked and well finished; a nice step meant Jordie Barrett, isolated on the flank, could only hang on as the Irish veteran crossed the chalk.
I have to confess to having concerns at the ease with which the All Blacks were being turned over and admiration for the Irish counter-ruck. They were also getting in behind the defensive line. Another sluggish start for the All Blacks capitalised on by the men in emerald and the television was copping a verbal barrage from myself and some erstwhile friends.
We needn’t have been so despondent. At around the 20-minute mark the switch was flicked and some strong rush defence saw spilled ball neatly claimed, and the scoreboard started racking up points. The All Blacks forwards came into their own, hitting hard and early in defence and carrying strongly across the gain. That and some deft kicking split the edges and points accumulated.
The All Blacks scrum and lineout were not just solid but weaponised, and we saw the best second quarter from the All Blacks in recent memory. The game was effectively gone. That hadn’t occurred to the visitor though, who piled pressure on the All Blacks line. The All Blacks defence held, and it was the much-maligned Scott Barrett leading the tackle count. Rieko Ioane, often criticised for his defensive positioning, chimed in with try-savers.
Beauden Barrett had a great game apart from a couple of aimless kicks, ran well and distributed well, and his grubber for Quinn Tupaea only matched by big Pita Gus Sowakula’s first try in black. It was refreshing to see a back row strong in their core and combination.
My feeling was one of triumph and relief. However, even in that emotion there was some caution. Ireland created opportunities they were unable to convert, had periods of domination and did not get the rub of the green from the referee that may have seen them go a lot deeper into the contest.
Ireland will be better in Dunedin. Joey Carbery is a decent replacement despite Jonathan Sexton’s resume. If they can play how they did in that opening quarter, sustain that advantage, shore up their set piece and get in behind the All Blacks more often, they will be the threat recent history has proven them to be.
The All Blacks will have David Havili and Jack Goodhue back, but Sam Cane has said Will Jordan may be another week. Frankly, Jordan would have been the only change I would have made, in his best position, except reversing the hookers and maybe debuting Folau Fakatava at his home ground for Finlay Christie. The latter is a big call after an energetic display from Christie, but I’m a fan of Fakatava’s promise.
Maybe save the third Test for any changes. Let’s use this group that showed such promise to bury the series before the exposure these tours usually bring. Both the back row and midfield should benefit from more time in the saddle together.
Frankly, they deserve it.
Fox
Roar Guru
He still has a niggle in that foot injury JD so Foster says but nearly there. Maybe test 3 we shall see.
Faith
Roar Rookie
Well, they did go with DP ... I think he was the closest like for like with SB at 6. Now let's see what happens to scrum and lineout dominance ...
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Too many opensides Faith, 3 in fact. Last weekend saw a more balanced back-row and paid dividends. This is an area where Ireland made gains initially and will lift for; depowering it would be a mistake...
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Not very dragon-esqe is it?
TheReds
Roar Rookie
Who cares about AFL. Union is one of the best sports in the world with soccer and cricket. Australia should invest more in it. No one cares about AFL outside Australia.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
I do like the "Jordan instead of Ennor" thought. Adds a bit more late on and as you say LF can cover centre. Ive liked QT for some time. He is now starting to play like I thought he had in him. He still makes the odd error but his decision making is good. He's only 23 I think so some more maturing in the 12 role still to come.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
He kicks around 73% in tests Faith and I think JB is at around 80% lately so maybe 1-2 points a test.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Barrett played well against England. The problem was that nobody was doing Sam Cane's job which wasn't his fault. BTW I think my post made clear that I'm open to the possibility that Akira might have improved. We'll know more if he plays on Saturday.
OtakiCraig
Roar Rookie
Not sure what game you were watching? Coldie spent his head stuck in a ruck, along with the rest of the forwards
OtakiCraig
Roar Rookie
I had the feeling he was pulling his head in not to get into a fight. I heard he had been spoken too not to be a hot head, just play the game the coach wants?
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep true OB, which does show the strength within. I've noticed Eztebeth is still there, after being a tad outplayed by his partner de Jager.
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Problem is Paulo the red dragons is not known for taking teams to the cleaners after so many changes to the opposition team...
KiwiHaydn
Roar Rookie
Big call. I remember SBW getting a red card in that game too.
Tom
Guest
Wondered where you got to thought you were back in Hawaii
WEST
Roar Guru
Bench :silly: problem we have is to many openside flankers. Papalii can play both blindside & openside. So someone will have to go to the bench or swap around? Not sure if Akira is back? See we’re back to number 2 on the rankings :silly: yay
Fox
Roar Guru
Barrett was ordinary at 6 in WC semi and was good against Ireland. Player learn and get better JD and you cannot deny that Akira has a serious skillset.
Digby
Roar Guru
Doris was one player I was excited to see live but he really didn’t turn up on Saturday
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I agree jcmasher, JB has to stay at 15. Help us with a miracle if they opt for BB taking the kicks, Jordan can cut back of his wing and mix things up to keep Ireland on the back foot.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Nicely written mate. I think the changes will be due more to injury but they also need some depth. Ireland will be hurting after last week and the anti might just get raised a bit. The real issue if JB doesn’t play and BB stays at 10 is about who kicks so maybe Jordan to wing and leave JB at 15
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Agreed, except for Christie. Time to give the heir apparent some experience, he is ready.