Last week I wrote about the new laws not favoring the amateur rugby player, but with a little bit of tinkering, the experiment of faster play will enhance the professional game.

You are always advised to beware a wounded animal and the All Blacks were clearly hurting from their comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Australians two weeks ago.

Their backs were to the wall and in the lead up to the game in Auckland every paper castigated their display, with even former players turning their backs on them.

Coach Graham Henry and his staff would surely have been forced to pick up their P45s if they had lost last Saturdays game.

The New Zealanders turned it around in style, beating the Aussies 39-10 and getting a bonus point with four tries.

Graham Henry must have bought a few pints for his skipper afterwards, as Richie McCaw was outstanding.

The flanker was unable to play the week before due to injury, but he won the battle on the ground against Waugh and Smith and his contribution gave the All Blacks the platform they didn't have in Sydney.

Declan Kidney and Tony McGahan will be hoping David Wallace can do the same job for Ireland and Munster this season.

McCaw wasn't the only reason for the massive turn-around in fortunes. Home advantage was a plus but the contribution of South African referee Mark Lawrence was also important as he penalized the Aussies for collapsing the scrums.

The All Blacks front row was clearly on top in both games but the ref in the first match allowed play to continue even though the scrum had gone down.

Henry must be given credit for the kicking tactics he introduced for last Saturday's game. Halfbacks Dan Carter and Jimmy Cowan kicked cleverly to the corners and put up some telling 'Garryowens' into the wind in the first half.

The kicking wasn't confined to the half backs as full back Mulliaina and wings Kahui and Sivivatu continued to put kicks behind the Aussie defense, forcing them to turn.

The All Blacks could adopt these tactics as they dominated the lineouts with Ali Williams outstanding. They won eight of the Aussie throws and were on top in the scrums.

Mobile prop Tony Woodcock was everywhere and he scored two tries, the second straight off the training ground, with Williams taking a clean line out catch five metres from the Aussie line and flipping the ball to the prop who came right through the middle.

I'm sure Jim Williams will have a word about the woeful Aussie forwards' defense… Woodcock's play reminds me of former All Black captain Wilson Winneray, who was the master of the line out peel, and gave his name to the move called 'Willie Away' which got a lot of tries for the old prop.

The All Blacks were out muscled in the first Tri Nations match against the Aussies but last Saturday they won the physical and mental battle.

They go to Cape Town in two weeks with pride restored.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment