Tri Nations Rugby: All Blacks Emphatic Against Wallabies in Wellington

One word described the All Blacks 33 – 6 victory over the Wallabies at Westpac Stadium, Wellington on Saturday night, emphatic.

It was a dominant All Black side that took to the Wallabies in what was a great spectacle between two teams clearly under pressure from a tough tri-nations campaign. Yes, the Springboks won the tournament but both teams took to the field with a goal to make the game as open and enjoyable as possible for the sell out Westpac Stadium.

From the start, the All Blacks were impressive around the field. Instead of kicking the ball back to the Wallabies, they decided to keep the ball in hand, opening up the game and gave them plenty of opportunities to break the line. Both team exchanged penalties goals up to the 30th minute mark when All Blacks winger Cory Jane claimed a high ball, slightly knocked it forward but regathered in the air to race away and score.

The second half continued with more All Black dominance and possession. The Wallabies struggled to hold on to the ball, the All Blacks pushing the turnover and making good metres with ball in hand. Referee Craig Joubert did struggle with both teams at scrum times, awarding plenty of free kicks and stoppages killing plenty of time. A penalty gave Daniel Carter a kicking opportunity, making the score 19 – 6.

The Wallabies toiled away, trying their hand close to the All Black line but for no result. Again turning the ball over, the All Blacks managed to get ball back down field. In the 75th minute, a vital moment in the match. Midfielder Nonu splitting the Wallabies backline open, pushing past two defenders to score. Carter added the extras, giving the All Blacks a unstoppable 26-6 advantage. It wasn’t all over yet for the All Blacks.

In the dying minutes, the All Blacks attacked from a five metre scrum, spreading the ball wide and Joe Rokokoko displaying one of his trademark dives to add salt to the Wallabies wound. The game coming to an end and the whistle blew, the final scoreline 33 – 6.

Overall for both teams, this was a great game of rugby. The Wallabies weren’t terrible at the end of the day, just struggled to hold on to possession in key parts of the game. Young Wallabies Fullback James O’Connor struggled, seeming a bit confused with ball in hand in parts of the game. The Wallabies forwards who are normally dominant at ruck and scrum time, were outclassed by a better All Blacks pack.

For the All Blacks, it was a dream finish to a very average tri-nations campaign. All around the field there were names to mention. Usually at Fullback, Cory Jane,  out of position on the Wing, was outstanding with ball in hand and in the air. On debut, Tom Donnelly was very good around the field and in the lineouts which in the past few games, had been a low point for the team. First five eighth Daniel Carter controlled the backline well, his tactical kicking very impressive. There were standouts all over the park, in was their best performance by far this season.

The All Blacks answered the critics, and now have a month or so to prepare for their forth outing against the Wallabies, in Japan. Coach Graham Henry will have some selection headaches all around the field, with Cory Janes performance being of note. It will be hard not to select him for the upcoming test matches and end of year tour with his attacking ability. Selection troubles aside, this performance will put a smile on most New Zealanders face after a torrid international season so far.