All Blacks 20 – Australia 6
October 16th, 2011 at 10:50 pm by David FarrarWell a pretty impressive effort to stop the Wallabies from scoring even a single try in 80 minutes. Amazing that this will be the first time in 16 years we actually make a RWC Final. Now we just have to repeat this performance with the French.
I did reflect during the game about how much larger the win margin would have been if Dan Carter had not been injured!
Anyway back to the drinking – have a great night celebrating everyone!
Tags: Rugby World Cup
October 16th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
Well played The All Blacks. Very impressive display.
Don’t be too hard on SBW. In the heat of the game he reverted to his instincts.
He’ll learn from that. He’s a smart kid.
Vote:October 16th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
The French, no problem.
Vote:October 16th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
FUCK YES TIME TO GET DRUNK
Vote:October 16th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
The French, no problem.
Famous last words m’sieu,
Hur hur.
Vote:October 16th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
Reid, les Français ont à peu près autant de chances de gagner que Phil Goff. Qui est aussi un branleur, did you know?
Vote:October 16th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Dominant preformance. We “deserved” a bigger margin but Weepu has a off night. Conrad hardly saw the ball all night, incredibly un-expansive game plan, almost 10 man English rugby.
Vote:Aweome. Very happy.
October 16th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
David, have to agree, but Weepu probably seemed off after Argentina, they were pretty awful positions for him. I thought Jane was a bit of a star. As for all the hype and teenage adoration, I think Sonny-Bill Williams is a logo, he was painted on, and not in a good way.
Vote:October 16th, 2011 at 11:34 pm
The All Blacks were superb; the hunger and commitment at the breakdown was of an almost frightening intensity. Roll on next Sunday!
Vote:October 16th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Next Sunday indeed IV2, and such a contrast to Whales/France, I can’t wait.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 1:12 am
Good game, the score line could easily have been more. But amazing defence from the ABs, and a dominating performance. Here’s hoping we don’t go soft on France – we’ve been here before!!
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 2:43 am
“I did reflect during the game about how much larger the win margin would have been if Dan Carter had not been injured!”
Keep telling yourself that mate- I actually think NZ are playing better World Cup rugby now that he isn’t playing! He hardly set the 2003 or 2007 tournaments on fire either…
Also if we are going to go down the ‘imagine if Dan was playing track’ you might want to mention the several Australian frontliners who are out injured at the moment as well….a bit of balance sometimes doesn’t go astray!
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 4:25 am
Apple growers have an extra reason to celebrate: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5762406/Key-makes-good-on-bet
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 6:58 am
Very well planned.
Very well executed.
Very well done All Blacks – players, coaches and support staff.
Repeat next week please.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 7:19 am
Nah Gillard will sleaze out of her apple date.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 7:20 am
Special mention to Cruden who stepped up played his part very well. Helped by one of the great forward efforts.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 7:40 am
As the Yanks might say: “How do ya like them apples?” Do we even get Australian apples here?
Anyway, that was a very good performance. It just showed again that in the big games the battle up front is where it counts. Thorn and Mealamu were absolutely outstanding. We were a little conservative on attack, but that’s to be expected in a RWC semi.
I wasn’t too worried out the goal kicking, apart from Dagg’s awful attempt at a droppie. Weepu was kicking quite well, but a couple of his attempts were really from too far away, another hit the posts, etc, so nothing to despair over there.
All set for an exciting build-up during the week and an absolutely huge weekend in Auckland.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 7:51 am
Will “Occupy” be protesting the $100k ea per All Black after last night’s 80 min. game as “corporate greed”?
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 8:05 am
Waiting for Labour to bring a complaint re: John Key being prime minister at the time of NZ feeling good about something.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 8:11 am
To jump so high in the air to catch an oval ball;
Vote:To lift the knees at the same time to thwart an oncoming tackler;
To catch the ball in a perfect manner that it was seemingly monotonous;
These are skill sets that are a glory to behold.
To know that upon landing you will be subject to a gruelling crunch tackle.
Courage that is admirable.
October 17th, 2011 at 8:39 am
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!!!
HA HA HA
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 8:40 am
Spare is thought for MNIJ. He hasnt posted (that I have seen) since the game and must be on some sort of help line. He will be utterly miserable. But then, what’s new?
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 8:45 am
I was surprised Kahui wasn’t sent off or yellow carded for a lifting tackle on Cooper. So much for refs getting tough on lifting tackes. Cooper was llifted past the 90 degrees, his feet above his head as Kahui drove in. Remarkably, Kahui wasn’t even penalised. Different refs, different interpretations.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 8:46 am
Was a great game – I was off by 1 point in my winning margin prediction. Beale’s absence WAS crucial and more of a gap to the Wallabies than Carter was to the ABs. They monstered at scrum time, line outs were very accurate, sure under the high ball, awesome on defence, accurate in their tactical kicking, a good enough strike rate at penalty kicks and constant pressure forcing Australia on the back foot. All the boys played 100% footy for the full 80 mins. The scoreline if anything flattered Australia. Silencing the arrogant Aussie media has been almost as pleasant as the victory itself oh and knowing that Goff, Mallard and co will be spewing at the political lift this gives Key adds to the pleasure of the moment.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 8:49 am
To quote a comment from another blog . ” Hurricanes 20 -Australia 6 . Nonu 5 , Cruden 3 Weepu 12. Thanks Mark Hammett ” Hammett will be looking for a very large rock to hide under if he has not already done so.
Great team effort. Excellent tactics. Also shows winning is about doing the basics well with the right attitude.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 8:51 am
ross says:- “I was surprised Kahui wasn’t sent off or yellow carded for a lifting tackle on Cooper.”
The difference though ross, is that Kahui’s was a legitimate tackle. He didn’t tackle Cooper in the air, and he didn’t lift him beyond a horizontal position.
Them’s the rules mate.
‘Twas a corker of a tackle but. Give him his due, old Quaid ain’t no woosey. Hopped right up.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 9:01 am
Ross
Vote:Photo of the tackle is on Stuff. There is no comparison.
What has Mark Hammet got to do with the scoreline?
October 17th, 2011 at 9:04 am
Keven Mealamu had what I believe was his best-ever match in a black jersey. Brad Thorn played like a man half his age; what an amazing athlete he is. Cory Jane was brilliant under the high ball. And Aaron Cruden played with poise and confidence belying his age and relative inexperience.
It was a stunning team performance. And the best news of all is that so few All Blacks will be leaving NZ rugby at the end of the tournament; and why would they?
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 9:11 am
Come on DPF – Carter not being there meant nothing and may or may not have contributed more points. Have you forgotten all the tests where his radar was off and he missed kickable goals? We lost a few of those games. He was not infallable. The strength of New Zealand rugby is that we have depth. Our third choice First-five is still world class. Our second and third choice kickers are still 75-80% successful.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 9:12 am
Pleasing to see that Henry has reminded everyone that, whilst this result was an excellent team performance, the job isn’t over.
France is very unpredictable and,as they have demonstrated in the past, they can turn things round from a series of crap performances to suddenly produce the goods when least expected.
Feet need to be kept firmly on the ground. All we have done to date, is to qualify for the final.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@Ross – Kahui hit Cooper in a regulation tackle that involved ZERO lifting. They just flew backwards. There is a world of difference between what Kahui did and what Warburton did. One was text-book, the other was illegal.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 9:15 am
@Elaycee – too true. Much depends on what French team shows up.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 9:16 am
It was the most emotion and determination to win I’ve seen for a long time – and that was in my living room.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Ross
Vote:I’m with Brian Smaller – no comparison between the Warburton and Kahui tackles. Rolland’s mistake was not his ruling but his failure to consult with the nearest AR which is what I do with most dangerous tackles when I contemplate a red card. Red cards are very inflammatory – try red carding a big Tongan when he’s got 15 huge relatives on the sidelines each one of which could do me damage (Im 5’10″ and 82kgs). You do so with certainty although its rare I ref with ARs usually only touch judges but the 2nd opinion demonstrates to the players, coaches and supporters of the team losing a player for the remainder of the game (and often copping a suspension of some kind by the local union’s judiciary) that their player was not sent off without real reason.
October 17th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Australia Sux.
And we got twunty. No hard feelings, cobbers.
Conservatives can be funny.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 9:38 am
Kiwi in america says:- “Rolland’s mistake was not his ruling but his failure to consult with the nearest AR which is what I do with most dangerous tackles”
You only need to consult it you are unsure. Simple.
Both Rolland and Joubert are exceptionally clear and accurate referees who have the testicular fortitude to back themselves.
Kudos to both of them.
______________________________________________________________________
Pete, is schadenfreude the conservative idea of humour?
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@Brian Smaller – agree 100%.
The key difference between the two tackles is simple – Kahui drove Cooper backwards.
Its how you’re supposed to tackle.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 10:36 am
Weepu had a 50/50 kicking night. Carter hasn’t been that much better in the last year so I don’t think the AB’s lost too much from that. Likely another six points I’d think.
They all played well but particular kudos from me goes to Corey Jane, for being perfect receiving kicks and Cruden for defending where Australia had obviously thought he might be a weakness – that kept Australia in close where NZ forwards desire for the ball defanged them.
The only times Australia looked dangerous was when their plan went to hell and they found room in broken play.
No he wasn’t. He was lifted horizontal and driven back rather than down. The ref made a few calls I think went the wrong way in scrums and rucks but not enough to change the game. I saw no notable errors in officiating in that game.
On the topic I’m pretty sure McCaw was taking a calculated risk when he gave Australia their first three points having decided Australia was looking very threatening that there’d be not much harm in risking a penalty to slow their ball down.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 10:42 am
It’s been kind of amusing watching NZ players try out drop kicks in competitons this past year and very weird to see multiple efforts from the All Blacks. That’s evolution in action – compelled by history to make use of it because at the World Cup it’s been a decider (or not where it might have been in some cases) NZ Rugby has reluctantly learned a skill it hasn’t liked in a long time.
It’s not for nothing that being a ‘drop-kick’ has been NZ idiom for a fool in years past. I wonder how far it’ll go?
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 10:45 am
Agree with most of the comments on the Kahui tackle ( it was OK ). Here is a reasonable photo of it
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/8827731/Australia-6-New-Zealand-20-match-report.html
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 11:02 am
P.G, did you manage to score three times?
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 11:04 am
The big thing for me last night was that AB scrum – truly fearsome, best Ive seen in years. Those last few scrums were of such constrained and targeted fury, it was a beautiful thing to watch.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 11:13 am
The Ref didn’t maintain the 10 metre rule, consequently as we all witnessed, Australia were in an off side position in the backline for most of the game snuffing out the AB backline.
Vote:I am expecting a first class performance from the ref in the final or else the IRB can forgot about London.
The 10 metre rule has to be strenously enforced as well as any forward passes pinged, no excuses, we are all watching this time.
October 17th, 2011 at 11:18 am
Scott Chris
Vote:You missed my point. I consult not because I’m unsure but because it aids in the management of the emotions of the red carding – had Rolland gone through the motions of consulting even knowing with certainty that the tackle was indisputably within the guidelines as being red cardable, the bleating by the Welsh would’ve been blunted somewhat.
October 17th, 2011 at 11:28 am
kiwi in america says:- “You missed my point.”
I take your point. Sounds like a good man managerial practice.
I tend to stick up for refs, as they have a very difficult and thankless job, as I am sure you are aware.
edit: especially ruling on the obscure and arcane ruck and maul laws
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 11:30 am
Kevin H is right – my only real complaint with Joubert was the Aussies were offside a few times and he didnt ping them. On balance an excellent reffing job. Watching the Wallabies not cope with the Boks scrum I felt they would crumble under the pressure All Blacks would bring to bear and so it was – such dominance over a top 3 team is rare and it was the platform from which the All Blacks were able to dominate play.
Sunday avo nap time – getting to bed at 3am two nights in a row is playing havoc with my sleep – you’re lucky in NZ.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 11:30 am
Stunning win!!!!!!!!!
Vote:Enjoyed the game and skill level was tops.
But what was with SBW,what a wanker,detracted from the game.
Hope Henery stands him down.
A loser in a team of winners.
October 17th, 2011 at 11:34 am
dagg was awesome – not keen on him at first receiver though, leave it to cruden.
Vote:jane hasnt made a mistake since the late 90s. great game
smith didnt get a lot of opportunities but good on defence
nonu did his thing
kahui was good
cruden was excellent – thank god colin “started 5 super rugby games at 10″ slade is injured
piri was a bit off, although hes sick and had a shitty week.
read – great aucklander. future captain. makes a difference having a world class number 8! first one since zinny
Sir Richard McCaw – what do you say? amazing. legend.
Kaino – what a fucking beast! best 6 since michael jones.
thorn – peaking at the right time. massive game. will do the same again next week and go out a legend.
whitelock was good
owen “dimes fav all black” franks was phenomenal. hes only about 23/24. we are lucky
kev – amazing game. always made ground. threw into the line outs well.
woodcock – back to form! well done to the coaches for sticking by him and not listening to the inbreds who demanded a cantab in there.
October 17th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Craig Joubert to referee the final this Sunday.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Spent most of it with his face about a foot off the ground, good man who knows front rowers are never going to run more than a metre standing up.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Fentex- “I’m pretty sure McCaw was taking a calculated risk when he gave Australia their first three points having decided Australia was looking very threatening that there’d be not much harm in risking a penalty to slow their ball down.”
Fentex- Did you happen to see Steve Hansen bleating to the media at a press conference last week demonising Pocock?? Hansen was basically ordering the referee to penalise Pocock and that slowing the ball down ‘isn’t in the spirit of the game’ etc etc
I guess the concept of irony is lost on one-eyed All Black supporters…
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
KevinH says:- “The Ref didn’t maintain the 10 metre rule, consequently as we all witnessed”
Ummm which 10 meter rule are you referring to there Kevin, and by inference KIA…..?
17.4 OFFSIDE AT THE MAUL
16.5 OFFSIDE AT THE RUCK
“…..offside line runs through the hindmost foot of the hindmost player in the maul……and ruck….”
http://www.irblaws.com/downloads/EN/Law_16_EN.pdf
The 10 meter rule is more to do with penalties and general play kicks. Hope you haven’t been misleading those Americans you’ve been reffing KIA.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Don’t mistake me for someone who has complained about Pocock. I know Rugby teams cheat, it was why I stopped playing in High School.
My temper was too quick to play Rugby as I’d likely be in a punch up every game off the ball (having grown early and quick I was a forward when young before the truly big lads out grew me and I became a center) for all the jersey tugging and the like.
If Rugby players didn’t cheat there’s be half as many turnovers in every game. Refs are there to keep a reasonable lid on the game, they can’t screw it pressure cooker tight against all infractions.
I find it hard to conceive of perfectly enforcable rules that would leave the game worthwhile playing.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
A good call by Greg Growden: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/rugby-world-cup/cmon-australia-lets-get-behind-our-neighbours-20111016-1lrqd.html
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
The 10 meter rule is more to do with penalties and general play kicks.
10m rule for penalties, free kicks and for lineouts.
Vote:It’s a different (and dated) concept altogether for general play kicks.
5m rule for scrums (except halfback).
October 17th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Pete George
Yes yes Pete. Let’s just keep it simple eh? I did say “more to do” not “solely to do”
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
lilman says;- “But what was with SBW,what a wanker,detracted from the game.”
So you’ve never seen a rugby player make a mistake before? We’re talking about ingrained league technique here. He had 7 minutes to make an impression, and went over the top.
The fact that it happened at a crucial part of the game is just the way the cookie crumbles.
Kicks get charged down, passes get intercepted, people drop balls over the line. That’s just rugby.
Has it occurred to you that Jane and Kahui played well because they have to to keep SBW on the bench?
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Re Sonny Bill Williams- I agree with Lilman completely. In my younger days when I supported the All Blacks they were humble,dignified men who wouldn’t cheapen the All Black jersey by running onto the park and spending five minutes doing pathetic ‘Gangsta’ handshakes with their teammates. I honestly thought he was an embarrassment to our country.
Vote:Then he gets sent from the park for a cheap shot after five minutes …..
All Blacks used to be made of better stuff than that…
October 17th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
In my younger days when I supported the All Blacks they were humble,dignified men
That would seem to be SBW every time he opens his mouth, though.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
Pretty good summation of each individuals game by each AB there dime.
On Woodcock, there’s little doubt that he’s the best loosehead scrummager & a real tough guy. He’s gotten a few games in a row under his belt now which is always good for big men.
Read should be better now also. He is a special player, someone over the last couple of years who is fulfilling his potential….unlike say, Pierre Spies who is still a player who has only delivered spasmodically & rarely, if ever, on the big occasion.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Scott Chris – Good summation on SBW. Not sure why everyone’s so quick to put the boot in.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Still no sign of Big Bruv then? I hope he’s OK; the disappointment of the All Blacks winning must be tough for him to take
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
The player is lifted and then forced or `speared’ into the ground (red card offence)
- The lifted player is dropped to the ground from a height with no regard to the player’s safety (red card offence)
- For all other types of dangerous lifting tackles a yellow card or penalty may be considered sufficient.”
Part 3 of the rule applies to all other cases of ‘lifting’ unless your name is Kahui, Kaino or an All Black. That rule definitely covers the challenges by both players – no form of lifting is allowed.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
> Photo of the tackle is on Stuff.
Yes and I’ve seen it. As I said, Cooper was lifted, and lifting is a big no-no. Cooper’s feet were above his head! So why no penalty or yellow card?
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
> The key difference between the two tackles is simple – Kahui drove Cooper backwards.
You’re saying that lifting is OK. Hmmm the law makers disagree.
Vote:October 17th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Scott Chris – you went all pedantic on the 10 metre rule, and then complained when someone else was more pedantic than you? Interesting.
Vote:October 18th, 2011 at 6:45 am
Scott Chris
Vote:I wasn’t commenting on the 10 metre rule – I’m fully aware of the laws. It was encroachments by the Australian defenders getting ahead of the offside line at mauls and rucks. Scrums and lineouts are pretty easy to police – I use the upraised hand to signal when attacking and defending players can move from the 10 and 5 respectively. Its rucks and mauls that require constant policing and its best done with constant communication with particularly the defending players just off the ruck. Top level international games like Sunday’s semi are played at such a pace and intensity that it takes a superhuman effort by refs to control and police it. Joubert IMHO did a pretty good job but missed a few – the Australian defenders always push to edge of the gain line envelope.
October 18th, 2011 at 8:09 am
PaulL:- “and then complained when someone else was more pedantic than you?”
Aha! Well, you see Paul, my interpretation of the laws is a *liberal centrist* one.
Pete’s was *conservative centrist*, and now he’s in league with the devil Dunne, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass for a little point scoring.
But seriously, for most open play in rugby, there is *no* 10 meter rule. That’s the point I was making. Things change for set scums and lineouts, but I’ve found that the best approach in explaining rugby laws is to use the old KIS rule.
Vote:October 18th, 2011 at 8:29 am
ross [in response to an earlier comment 'The key difference between the two tackles is simple – Kahui drove Cooper backwards'] says: “You’re saying that lifting is OK. Hmmm the law makers disagree”
Comprehension not your strong point? No-one said that lifting was OK.
There was no penalty / no yellow card because there was no offence committed. But if you think different, watch the replay again – perhaps the ref will change his mind the next time you watch it…..
Vote: