Tri Nations Rugby: All Blacks vs Wallabies Thriller at Eden Park

Most people wrote them off, even I as an avid All Blacks supporter did the same, but they finally delivered in a supreme tussle, beating the Wallabies 22 – 16 at a windy Eden Park in Auckland.

The match had everything, numerous penalties, missed tackles, battles for territory and plenty of tactical play. The All Blacks lucky to escape at the end with the opening points of the 2009 Tri Nations and one up in the Bledisloe Cup series. They even continued their impressive winning streak at Eden Park, their last defeat against France in 1994.

Berrick Barnes got the Wallabies off to a magnificent start, crossing the line before the five minute mark, the try then converted to put them out to a 7 – 0 lead.  Matt Giteau then kicked a penalty, stretching their lead to 10 – 0. The Wallabies dominated the first quarter with some impressive attack and the All Blacks falling off tackles.

Steven Donald finally got the All Blacks on the board with a penalty bringing them back within seven points. The Wallabies then bombed a certain try near the line with a miss pass between Berrick Barnes and George Smith which could have had a huge impact on the game. Giteau did hit back with a penalty goal, putting the lead out to ten points again.

The All Blacks then finally got the ball rolling with a some dominating play near the Wallabies goal line, captain Richie McCaw eventually crashing over to get them back in to the game. The Wallabies going to the shed at halftime leading 13 – 10.

Donald gained more confidence in the second half, slotting a early penalty to tie the game. The match got tighter as field position seemed to be the game winner, both teams trading penalty for penalty. A Donald penalty with twenty minutes left and another eight minutes from time, sealed it for the All Blacks.

It was a great opening match in the Tri Nations series, both teams extremely tight in the forwards and both teams looking to attack. The All Blacks kicking game was impressive, halfback Jimmy Cowan directed play well in the first half and when Piri Weepu came on in the second spell, he did the same even though he over cooked a kick from deep in his own half to the Wallabies dead ball line, bringing a scrum back which the Wallabies could have launched a attack from.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was a happy man returning to the All Blacks captaincy and displayed a impressive effort on the field. Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock looked gutted, explaining his teams reasons as coming down to ill discipline, letting the All Blacks back into the game.

Next up, the Tri Nations series heads to Bloemfontein,South Africa with the All Blacks taking on the Springboks in game two. It will be a absolute thriller like this one was. Finally a decent game of rugby!