James Mortimer - (22/11/2011)
While 1981 may be remembered in New Zealand rugby history for the controversial Springbok tour, that year also saw an intriguing test series in France, where there may have been thoughts of revenge from the All Blacks camp. Only four years earlier the All Blacks had made their first full tour of France, fresh off a 3-1 series success against the British and Irish Lions.
The hosts won the first test 18-13 in Toulouse, but the All Blacks, already with a brilliant record in French territory, were able to square the series with a 15-3 win in Paris.
Over the coming years the All Blacks legacy continued to grow.
In 1978 New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup for the 12th time, a dominating 28-year period of success that still stands as the most successful trans-Tasman run in history.
Later that year All Blacks captain Graham Mourie would lead his team to New Zealand’s first ever touring Grand Slam over the Home Nations.
At the time the achievement was as significant as a World Cup win, so when France arrived in 1979 for their first full tour, New Zealand rugby was in great shape, and this was in evidence as they won the first test 23-9 in Christchurch.
However the second test at Eden Park saw France win 24-19 on Bastille Day, giving Les Bleus their first win on New Zealand soil over the All Blacks.
To put the victory into perspective, only two teams (Australia in 1985 and France again in 1994) have won since at the venue where the All Blacks have won two World Cups.
When the All Blacks left New Zealand for their second tour of France in 1981, not only was their the case of avenging their Eden Park defeat in their most recent clash with Les Bleus – but Mourie’s troops had just lost the Bledisloe Cup.
They were in need of something to revive spirits, but the challenge would be formidable.
France had claimed the 1981 Five Nations title, sweeping all before them to win the Grand Slam.
The late Jacques Fouroux, who in 1977 actually captained France against the All Blacks, became coach of his national team prior to the Five Nations and immediately the “Little Corporal” made an impression on Les Bleus.
Basing their power around a giant pack, yet intertwined with the classical backline brilliance that made France a world power, the All Blacks arrived with an immense challenge.
Mourie would bring Andy Dalton, Murray Mexted and Gary Whetton to combat the French forwards, and would narrowly pip the first contest 13-9 at Stade Toulouse, in a match that would typify the cliché of a rugby arm wrestle.
The second test would see the All Blacks flex their muscles with their prowess out wide, with Stu Wilson crossing for a try, while reliable Lower Hutt born fullback Allan Hewson would kick over two conversions and two penalties as New Zealand won 18-6 in Paris – winning a test series in France for the first time.
Both nations would dominate for the next several years, with the All Blacks regaining the Bledisloe Cup in 1982, beating the Lions 4-0 in 1983, and altogether winning 31 of 40 tests right up till and including the inaugural World Cup.
France would win the Five Nations again in 1983 and 1986 (sharing the title with Ireland and Scotland respectively) and would approach the first World Cup as one of the favourites, not only recording a Grand Slam that year, but beating the All Blacks 16-3 in Nantes prior to the global tournament.
Each side proved their status as the strongest Southern and Northern power of the eighties by meeting in the World Cup final, but the All Blacks would prove too strong, winning 29-9.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
True grit wins the day for relieved All Blacks
DUNCAN JOHNSTONE Last updated 23:19 23/10/2011
OPINION: There's no World Cup glory without guts and the All Blacks oozed plenty of that to end 24 years of agony at Eden Park last night.
All Blacks fans always said a one point win would be enough to satisfy them and that's all Richie McCaw's brave men dished up, grinding past France 8-7.
It was an unlikely scoreline but these finals have a habit of dishing those up.
There had been just nine tries in the six finals up till now and only prop Tony Woodcock and French flanker Thierry Dusautoir could get across the line last night.
The All Blacks had to live without the ball for most of the match and they somehow managed to engineer enough tackling and determination to defend that one point.
Anyone foolishly doubting the French would turn up only had to watch their reaction to the haka. Their advance over the halfway line said it all and the All Blacks missed an opportunity of counter-gamesmanship by not pushing forward themselves.
Clearly stung by their criticism, the French produced some real sting with their play. There was a furious edge from their forwards and their skipper Dusautoir was outstanding. His second half try by the posts had a nightmare feel to it.
And as Kiwis celebrate the end of the drought they should pause a moment to remember that France have been in three finals without any joy.
But they were worthy finalists last night, producing a Herculean contest, particularly in the battle up front.
The All Blacks were struggling for the power and perfection they produced in the semifinal win over the Wallabies.
They started well with a dominant first quarter but didn't get the reward apart from Woodcock's cleverly worked try off a lineout move.
And as Piri Weepu's magic boot repeatedly lost its radar the confidence started to sap from the New Zealanders.
Alarm bells were raised when Aaron Cruden was forced off after 33 minutes and you could see the French sense some trepidation creeping into the All Blacks' game.
Those alarms grew louder when Weepu was subbed off after 49 minutes of erratic play. The little magician had lost his powers and it seemed like that guardian angel that has hovered over the French all tournament was working her own magic.
But the new halfback pairing of Andy Ellis and Stephen Donald held their nerve.
To his credit the much-maligned Donald stepped up to land a crucial penalty early in the second half and his general game was more than tidy enough as the plenty of the play was directed his way around the fringes.
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Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read were huge for the All Blacks and skipper Riche McCaw was magnificent.
Though this wasn't the advertisement for running rugby the superbly staged tournament deserved, it was gripping drama the had the packed stadium on the edge of their seats.
It was a great send off for Brad Thorn - it was just his sort of game!
If it was Graham Henry's send-off too, then what a way to go. He's always been a style master, a promoter of running rugby, but he'll gladly take the cup by one point as by 20, by one try as by four.
The 1987 All Blacks heroes wouldn't be worrying either - it's the scoreboard that matters and finally it reflected that the world's No1 ranked team are world champions as well.
All Blacks are Rugby World Cup champions
All Blacks are Rugby World Cup champions
MARC HINTON AND KEVIN NORQUAY Last updated 23:54 23/10/2011
LATEST: After a year of tragedy; lives lost in Christchurch's devastating earthquakes and in the mine at Pike River, the All Blacks have given New Zealanders cause to celebrate.
If followed a nail-biting 80 minute game in which the French challenged the All Blacks at every opportunity, New Zealand's 8-7 victory was hard fought.
"Marvellous," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said shortly after the win.
"The people have been outstanding in support of this team, in support of this Rugby World Cup. I'm so proud to be a New Zealander standing here."
Henry admitted it had been "terrible" up in the coaches' box as they endured a tension-filled second half in which the French threw everything during another one of those famous World Cup upsets they specialise in.
"You just reflect over the last seven weeks and what the people have done throughout the country. It's quite outstanding," added Henry. "Richie and the boys just hanging in there throughout 80 minutes to win this thing, it's just superb."
Henry also had some special praise for fourth-choice No 10 Stephen Donald who played 46 minutes and kept his cool magnificently.
"Didn't he do well - superb.
"This is something we've dreamed of for a while. We can rest in peace now.
"I am [happy]... I've just got so much respect for what the boys have done over eight years. It's been outstanding."
All Black captain Ritchie McCaw said the country should be proud of this group of men. "I'm absolutely shagged...we had to dig as deep as we have ever dug before...[but] we got there in the end."
French captain Thierry Dusautoir said he was very proud of his boys. "It's a pity. We are disappointed. I am really disappointed."
More than 60,000 at Eden Park celebrated as New Zealand regained the Holy Grail of rugby, last claimed 8892 days ago.
It was a night for celebration as all the pain, all the angst, all the national soul searching of the intervening years poured out into a black-clad celebration as the All Blacks swept aside France, as they had in 1987.
It was a night for revenge, for the settling of scores with a side that had bundled New Zealand out of the Cup in 1999, then again in the 2007 quarterfinals, one of the darkest days in the history of the treasured black jersey.
All Blacks Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock and Zac Guildford were not born when New Zealand last won the Cup, and reserve Victor Vito was just three months old.
For McCaw, it was the ultimate prize at the end of a tournament in which he dragged his aching body through ruck after ruck, tackle after tackle, to finally lay to rest the misery of the quarterfinal loss in Cardiff four years ago.
MARC HINTON AND KEVIN NORQUAY Last updated 23:54 23/10/2011
LATEST: After a year of tragedy; lives lost in Christchurch's devastating earthquakes and in the mine at Pike River, the All Blacks have given New Zealanders cause to celebrate.
If followed a nail-biting 80 minute game in which the French challenged the All Blacks at every opportunity, New Zealand's 8-7 victory was hard fought.
"Marvellous," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said shortly after the win.
"The people have been outstanding in support of this team, in support of this Rugby World Cup. I'm so proud to be a New Zealander standing here."
Henry admitted it had been "terrible" up in the coaches' box as they endured a tension-filled second half in which the French threw everything during another one of those famous World Cup upsets they specialise in.
"You just reflect over the last seven weeks and what the people have done throughout the country. It's quite outstanding," added Henry. "Richie and the boys just hanging in there throughout 80 minutes to win this thing, it's just superb."
Henry also had some special praise for fourth-choice No 10 Stephen Donald who played 46 minutes and kept his cool magnificently.
"Didn't he do well - superb.
"This is something we've dreamed of for a while. We can rest in peace now.
"I am [happy]... I've just got so much respect for what the boys have done over eight years. It's been outstanding."
All Black captain Ritchie McCaw said the country should be proud of this group of men. "I'm absolutely shagged...we had to dig as deep as we have ever dug before...[but] we got there in the end."
French captain Thierry Dusautoir said he was very proud of his boys. "It's a pity. We are disappointed. I am really disappointed."
More than 60,000 at Eden Park celebrated as New Zealand regained the Holy Grail of rugby, last claimed 8892 days ago.
It was a night for celebration as all the pain, all the angst, all the national soul searching of the intervening years poured out into a black-clad celebration as the All Blacks swept aside France, as they had in 1987.
It was a night for revenge, for the settling of scores with a side that had bundled New Zealand out of the Cup in 1999, then again in the 2007 quarterfinals, one of the darkest days in the history of the treasured black jersey.
All Blacks Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock and Zac Guildford were not born when New Zealand last won the Cup, and reserve Victor Vito was just three months old.
For McCaw, it was the ultimate prize at the end of a tournament in which he dragged his aching body through ruck after ruck, tackle after tackle, to finally lay to rest the misery of the quarterfinal loss in Cardiff four years ago.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
How they rated: the All Blacks
Paul Cully
October 17, 2011
Cory Jane was the official man of the match.
15. Israel Dagg The most dangerous runner on the field, he killed the Wallabies with his long-kicking game from fullback. Won the territorial battle. 8/10
14. Cory Jane Brilliance under the high ball was the feature of the first half, snuffing out Genia's kicking game. Bright on attack too. 8
13. Conrad Smith Hardly touched the ball as the All Blacks turned the game into a contest between the forwards. But solid in defence. 6
12. Ma'a Nonu A quieter than normal performance, which was to be expected in the absence of Dan Carter. 7
11. Richard Kahui Saw little ball but was solid when called upon. Would have enjoyed last act of game, driving an isolated, backpedalling Cooper over the touchline to the delight of the Eden Park fans. 6
10. Aaron Cruden Incredibly assured performance from the youngster. Ran with purpose and had the ball on a string with his kicking, including one composed drop goal. Opposite of Cooper.7
9. Piri Weepu Not his best game and he had an off night with the boot, missing some very kickable penalties. Pace caught up with him and he was replaced before the hour. 6
8. Kieran Read Running into some strong form after his injury lay-off. The man for the hard yards. 7
7. Richard McCaw Showed the world that he is still the boss, indisputably, even on one foot. One fantastic driving tackle on Genia highlighted his effort. 8
6. Jerome Kaino Used his immense strength to pick up and drive back Ioane when a try looked on the cards. 7
5. Sam Whitelock Busy rather than spectacular, although the lineout operated efficiently. Ali Williams made more of an impact from the bench with his powerful carries. 7
4. Brad Thorn Wallabies fans will find the image of a whooping Thorn after a dominant scrum hard to swallow, but he was a strongman all night. 7
3. Owen Franks Gave Kepu and Slipper real problems in the set pieces and smashed McCabe with one huge tackle that led to an All Blacks penalty. A hard nut from the old school. 8
2. Keven Mealamu His best performance of the tournament. Consistently made metres up the middle with his close-to-the-ground running style. 8
1. Tony Woodcock Part of the brutal forward effort that won the game. All Blacks won the scrum, the collisions and the breakdown. 7
RESERVES
Brainless no-arms tackle by Sonny Bill Williams on Cooper reduced his team to 14 men in the dying minutes and could have been costly at another stage. But Andy Ellis and Ali Williams made important contributions in the last half hour, as did Andrew Hore with his strength at the breakdown. 7
October 17, 2011
Cory Jane was the official man of the match.
15. Israel Dagg The most dangerous runner on the field, he killed the Wallabies with his long-kicking game from fullback. Won the territorial battle. 8/10
14. Cory Jane Brilliance under the high ball was the feature of the first half, snuffing out Genia's kicking game. Bright on attack too. 8
13. Conrad Smith Hardly touched the ball as the All Blacks turned the game into a contest between the forwards. But solid in defence. 6
12. Ma'a Nonu A quieter than normal performance, which was to be expected in the absence of Dan Carter. 7
11. Richard Kahui Saw little ball but was solid when called upon. Would have enjoyed last act of game, driving an isolated, backpedalling Cooper over the touchline to the delight of the Eden Park fans. 6
10. Aaron Cruden Incredibly assured performance from the youngster. Ran with purpose and had the ball on a string with his kicking, including one composed drop goal. Opposite of Cooper.7
9. Piri Weepu Not his best game and he had an off night with the boot, missing some very kickable penalties. Pace caught up with him and he was replaced before the hour. 6
8. Kieran Read Running into some strong form after his injury lay-off. The man for the hard yards. 7
7. Richard McCaw Showed the world that he is still the boss, indisputably, even on one foot. One fantastic driving tackle on Genia highlighted his effort. 8
6. Jerome Kaino Used his immense strength to pick up and drive back Ioane when a try looked on the cards. 7
5. Sam Whitelock Busy rather than spectacular, although the lineout operated efficiently. Ali Williams made more of an impact from the bench with his powerful carries. 7
4. Brad Thorn Wallabies fans will find the image of a whooping Thorn after a dominant scrum hard to swallow, but he was a strongman all night. 7
3. Owen Franks Gave Kepu and Slipper real problems in the set pieces and smashed McCabe with one huge tackle that led to an All Blacks penalty. A hard nut from the old school. 8
2. Keven Mealamu His best performance of the tournament. Consistently made metres up the middle with his close-to-the-ground running style. 8
1. Tony Woodcock Part of the brutal forward effort that won the game. All Blacks won the scrum, the collisions and the breakdown. 7
RESERVES
Brainless no-arms tackle by Sonny Bill Williams on Cooper reduced his team to 14 men in the dying minutes and could have been costly at another stage. But Andy Ellis and Ali Williams made important contributions in the last half hour, as did Andrew Hore with his strength at the breakdown. 7
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Steely All Blacks one match away from immortality
James Mortimer - (17/10/2011)
Earlier in the week the Australian media claimed the All Blacks had played their greatest emotional card, with the 1987 World Cup winning team having a special lunch with their current counterparts.
These All Blacks don’t lack for motivation when considering the factors they could use to drive them on when approaching the Final this weekend against France.
There is the small matter of a 24-year winning drought at this tournament, with this now the sixth World Cup since the All Blacks have hoisted the Webb Ellis trophy in triumph.
Add to this being at home amongst their ‘stadium of four million’, the poignant emotion and feeling that is hammered back home every time we think about Christchurch and the devastating earthquakes, not to mention Jock Hobbs special touch in presenting the new All Blacks centurions their caps, Jonah Lomu being hospitalised during the World Cup – and let us not forget the shock when it was revealed Dan Carter was ruled out.
If anything, there was a risk that there was too much emotion or feeling, something that the All Blacks could have succumbed to.
But with a moment of clarity, I personally knew this was not to be the case.
As I was standing during the New Zealand anthem, I must admit – with no embarrassment - that for the first time I was in tears as I was overcome with emotion prior to arguably the biggest All Blacks test I had ever been privledged to watch.
Then it hit me.
The All Blacks, to a man, looked relaxed and composed, some belting out ‘God Defend New Zealand’, while others, as is their want, stood deep within their own thoughts.
However emotion, nervousness, or even the slightest look of apprehension, was not in sight.
These All Blacks were focused.
This team was calm.
They leaked a steely resolve that coach Graham Henry had said was a consistent theme building into the test.
This All Blacks team was always going to be judged on the World Cup, and while Henry and captain Richie McCaw have cautioned they are still to ‘win the damn thing’, they are now on the precipice of adding the one trophy that has alluded them for two decades.
In 2004, when Henry took over as All Blacks coach, there was a small hint of things to come as England – admittedly understrength – but World Champions, arrived in New Zealand and lost 36-3 and 36-12.
The Springboks may have won the Investec Tri Nations that year, but Henry would add to the All Blacks legacy, a word he has spoken of with hushed tones during his long tenure.
Last night’s victory against the Wallabies was the All Blacks 87th test win in 102 matches under Henry - pushing his statistic to 85.7 percent of games won.
It was also the 192nd win on New Zealand soil, a remarkable ledger from 235 matches that has seen the All Blacks colours lowered just 37 times in their own backyard since 1904 - a home winning record of precisely 81.7 percent.
These All Blacks, led initially by Tana Umaga and now captained by Richie McCaw, has given rise to the most experienced New Zealand test team of all time.
Five of the All Blacks ten Tri Nations titles have been won in this period, including a competition record four straight from 2005 to 2008.
The Bledisloe Cup has not been conceded since 2002, the solitary Grand Slam victory achieved by Graham Mourie in 1978 has had three successes added (2005, 2008 and 2010), while records have been re-written with trans-Tasman streaks, home winning runs, while 50 tests against Northern Hemisphere opposition has resulted in just two losses in eight years.
The one thing to all but confirm this team as one of the great All Blacks sides, and one of the best outfits of all time – is the Webb Ellis Cup.
France and eighty minutes now stand between the All Blacks, as they prepare to pass their final barometer.
Earlier in the week the Australian media claimed the All Blacks had played their greatest emotional card, with the 1987 World Cup winning team having a special lunch with their current counterparts.
These All Blacks don’t lack for motivation when considering the factors they could use to drive them on when approaching the Final this weekend against France.
There is the small matter of a 24-year winning drought at this tournament, with this now the sixth World Cup since the All Blacks have hoisted the Webb Ellis trophy in triumph.
Add to this being at home amongst their ‘stadium of four million’, the poignant emotion and feeling that is hammered back home every time we think about Christchurch and the devastating earthquakes, not to mention Jock Hobbs special touch in presenting the new All Blacks centurions their caps, Jonah Lomu being hospitalised during the World Cup – and let us not forget the shock when it was revealed Dan Carter was ruled out.
If anything, there was a risk that there was too much emotion or feeling, something that the All Blacks could have succumbed to.
But with a moment of clarity, I personally knew this was not to be the case.
As I was standing during the New Zealand anthem, I must admit – with no embarrassment - that for the first time I was in tears as I was overcome with emotion prior to arguably the biggest All Blacks test I had ever been privledged to watch.
Then it hit me.
The All Blacks, to a man, looked relaxed and composed, some belting out ‘God Defend New Zealand’, while others, as is their want, stood deep within their own thoughts.
However emotion, nervousness, or even the slightest look of apprehension, was not in sight.
These All Blacks were focused.
This team was calm.
They leaked a steely resolve that coach Graham Henry had said was a consistent theme building into the test.
This All Blacks team was always going to be judged on the World Cup, and while Henry and captain Richie McCaw have cautioned they are still to ‘win the damn thing’, they are now on the precipice of adding the one trophy that has alluded them for two decades.
In 2004, when Henry took over as All Blacks coach, there was a small hint of things to come as England – admittedly understrength – but World Champions, arrived in New Zealand and lost 36-3 and 36-12.
The Springboks may have won the Investec Tri Nations that year, but Henry would add to the All Blacks legacy, a word he has spoken of with hushed tones during his long tenure.
Last night’s victory against the Wallabies was the All Blacks 87th test win in 102 matches under Henry - pushing his statistic to 85.7 percent of games won.
It was also the 192nd win on New Zealand soil, a remarkable ledger from 235 matches that has seen the All Blacks colours lowered just 37 times in their own backyard since 1904 - a home winning record of precisely 81.7 percent.
These All Blacks, led initially by Tana Umaga and now captained by Richie McCaw, has given rise to the most experienced New Zealand test team of all time.
Five of the All Blacks ten Tri Nations titles have been won in this period, including a competition record four straight from 2005 to 2008.
The Bledisloe Cup has not been conceded since 2002, the solitary Grand Slam victory achieved by Graham Mourie in 1978 has had three successes added (2005, 2008 and 2010), while records have been re-written with trans-Tasman streaks, home winning runs, while 50 tests against Northern Hemisphere opposition has resulted in just two losses in eight years.
The one thing to all but confirm this team as one of the great All Blacks sides, and one of the best outfits of all time – is the Webb Ellis Cup.
France and eighty minutes now stand between the All Blacks, as they prepare to pass their final barometer.
All Blacks power into World Cup final
Sportal.co.nz - (16/10/2011)
All Blacks power was turned onto full velocity as they beat Australia 20-6 to claim a place in next week's Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park in Auckland.
Australia were guilty of succumbing to outstanding pressure mounted by the home team, rarely managing to complete meaningful assaults and conceding turnover after turnover.
Australia's Eden Park bogey was extended while New Zealand claimed a first World Cup victory over their trans-Tasman neighbours after their losses in 1991 and 2003.
It wasn't the most flowing of contests, it was all to do with power, brute power in the traditional New Zealand sense. Nothing demonstrated that more than a pile-driving New Zealand scrum in the 71st minute which destroyed the Australian scrum resulting in a penalty which halfback Piri Weepu, who was called back onto the field as a blood bin replacement for Andrew Ellis, goaled for the winning advantage.
Considering his foot had been under intense scrutiny throughout the week before the game captain Richie McCaw belied any concerns with a vigorous demonstration of his right to still be regarded as the best flanker in the world. He had an improved Kieran Read and the admirable blindside flanker par excellence Jerome Kaino as outstanding assistants.
Whether covering in defence or leading the way in driving play the trio set an example and the tight core did their job superbly. To see prop Owen Franks tying down dangerous halfback Will Genia and wing Digby Ioane up was a demonstration of New Zealand's application. Hooker Keven Mealamu was a low-slung runner with ball in hand as he inched over the advantage line with lock Brad Thorn close behind.
Weepu was again outstanding and while landing four penalty goals he achieved 100 points in Test matches.
Wing Cory Jane had few chances to run but was magnificent under high kicks both offensively and defensively.
Australia were forced into basic errors as the result of the intensity of New Zealand's defence. Ioane dropped the ball in one instance and was then guilty of running into one of his own players accidentally in front of him. In a later move wing James O'Connor attempted a miracle off-load only to conceded the ball to New Zealand. Errors were there from the start of the match for the Australians.
New Zealand could hardly have imagined a better opening when Australian first five-eighths Quade Cooper begun the game by putting the kick-off straight into touch. The result was instant pressure being applied with fullback Israel Dagg twice making telling breaks the second of which resulted in the opening try, after five minutes to second five-eighths Ma'a Nonu.
The New Zealand forwards were like lions unleashed, hammering into rucks and mauls, getting the low drive on the Australians and creating quick ball which halfback Piri Weepu released with ease.
Australian flanker David Pocock was penalised twice in the first 12 minutes for breakdown infringements with Weepu converting one penalty in the 12th.
But Australia struck back when Weepu failed to find touch with James O'Connor finding room for fellow wing Digby Ioane to race to the line, just being held up short by rapid All Blacks defence and it was McCaw's turn to be penalised in the 16th minute for O'Connor to land the goal.
It appeared New Zealand had decided to deliberately target Cooper, wherever he was in his covering role he was peppered with high kicks and All Blacks chasers bearing down on him with telling effect.
Australia had a solid period on attack around the 30th minute but all they got from it was a Cooper dropped goal. New Zealand got back onto attack and a basic penalty from a high kick being knocked on and then touched by fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper resulted in a penalty goal for Weepu in the 35th minute.
Scorers:
Australia 6 (James O'Connor pen; Quade Cooper dropped goal) New Zealand 20 (Ma'a Nonu try; Piri Weepu 4 pen; Aaron Cruden dropped goal). HT: 6-14
All Blacks power was turned onto full velocity as they beat Australia 20-6 to claim a place in next week's Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park in Auckland.
Australia were guilty of succumbing to outstanding pressure mounted by the home team, rarely managing to complete meaningful assaults and conceding turnover after turnover.
Australia's Eden Park bogey was extended while New Zealand claimed a first World Cup victory over their trans-Tasman neighbours after their losses in 1991 and 2003.
It wasn't the most flowing of contests, it was all to do with power, brute power in the traditional New Zealand sense. Nothing demonstrated that more than a pile-driving New Zealand scrum in the 71st minute which destroyed the Australian scrum resulting in a penalty which halfback Piri Weepu, who was called back onto the field as a blood bin replacement for Andrew Ellis, goaled for the winning advantage.
Considering his foot had been under intense scrutiny throughout the week before the game captain Richie McCaw belied any concerns with a vigorous demonstration of his right to still be regarded as the best flanker in the world. He had an improved Kieran Read and the admirable blindside flanker par excellence Jerome Kaino as outstanding assistants.
Whether covering in defence or leading the way in driving play the trio set an example and the tight core did their job superbly. To see prop Owen Franks tying down dangerous halfback Will Genia and wing Digby Ioane up was a demonstration of New Zealand's application. Hooker Keven Mealamu was a low-slung runner with ball in hand as he inched over the advantage line with lock Brad Thorn close behind.
Weepu was again outstanding and while landing four penalty goals he achieved 100 points in Test matches.
Wing Cory Jane had few chances to run but was magnificent under high kicks both offensively and defensively.
Australia were forced into basic errors as the result of the intensity of New Zealand's defence. Ioane dropped the ball in one instance and was then guilty of running into one of his own players accidentally in front of him. In a later move wing James O'Connor attempted a miracle off-load only to conceded the ball to New Zealand. Errors were there from the start of the match for the Australians.
New Zealand could hardly have imagined a better opening when Australian first five-eighths Quade Cooper begun the game by putting the kick-off straight into touch. The result was instant pressure being applied with fullback Israel Dagg twice making telling breaks the second of which resulted in the opening try, after five minutes to second five-eighths Ma'a Nonu.
The New Zealand forwards were like lions unleashed, hammering into rucks and mauls, getting the low drive on the Australians and creating quick ball which halfback Piri Weepu released with ease.
Australian flanker David Pocock was penalised twice in the first 12 minutes for breakdown infringements with Weepu converting one penalty in the 12th.
But Australia struck back when Weepu failed to find touch with James O'Connor finding room for fellow wing Digby Ioane to race to the line, just being held up short by rapid All Blacks defence and it was McCaw's turn to be penalised in the 16th minute for O'Connor to land the goal.
It appeared New Zealand had decided to deliberately target Cooper, wherever he was in his covering role he was peppered with high kicks and All Blacks chasers bearing down on him with telling effect.
Australia had a solid period on attack around the 30th minute but all they got from it was a Cooper dropped goal. New Zealand got back onto attack and a basic penalty from a high kick being knocked on and then touched by fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper resulted in a penalty goal for Weepu in the 35th minute.
Scorers:
Australia 6 (James O'Connor pen; Quade Cooper dropped goal) New Zealand 20 (Ma'a Nonu try; Piri Weepu 4 pen; Aaron Cruden dropped goal). HT: 6-14
Sunday, October 9, 2011
All Blacks grind down gutsy Pumas
LIAM NAPIER Last updated 22:33 09/10/2011
RWC 2011 - All Blacks vs Argentina QF4: Argentina v New Zealand
Match Scorecard
New Zealand33
Tries: Kieran Read (1), Brad Thorn (1)
Conversions: Aaron Cruden (1)
Penalty goals: Piri Weepu (7)
Argentina10
Tries: Julio Farias Cabello (1)
Conversions: Felipe Contepomi (1)
Penalty goals: Marcello Bosch (1)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand may be into the semifinals but they could be down to their third-choice pivot after Colin Slade suffered a groin complaint at Eden Park, the same injury that robbed Dan Carter of any further participation in this tournament.
That was the primary talking point a crowd of 57,912 will ponder post-match.
Anxious memories of that shocking night in Cardiff four-years ago will have crept into the consciousness of some, as the All Blacks struggled to shake off the Pumas, who were never expected to get close, until the closing stages.
This was not the complete performance second centurion Mils Muliaina would have wanted as he entered the record books alongside underpowered captain Richie McCaw, clearly plagued by his ongoing foot problem.
Veteran fullback Muliaina, replaced by Isaia Toeava after 50-minutes, was almost brought to tears during the national anthem.
Slade kick-started a shaky beginning by dropping a regulation pass which forced Conrad Smith to scramble back and save a try.
It summed up Slade's short and erratic evening.
He was unable to ease the nerves left by Carter's void and cement his place as the first-choice playmaker. He was replaced by Manawatu's Aaron Cruden, who linked confidently in his unexpected cameo.
Missing evasive fullback Israel Dagg and powerful utility Richard Kahui, the All Blacks were ragged, disjointed and nervous for large periods.
They looked like a team that had made constant backline changes throughout pool play.
Cohesion was absent, highlighted by their inability to finish chances, other than No.8 Kieran Read and lock Brad Thorn's late scores.
Graham Henry's men weren't able to dictate terms and implement their high-tempo game, a worrying sign ahead of the semifinal against Robbie Deans' Australia.
World No 7 Argentina, keen to engage in the close-quarter combat, put the customary squeeze on at the breakdown.
Their illegal slowing tactics went unpunished by Welsh referee Nigel Owens too long before halfback Nicolas Vergallo was yellow carded with 20-minutes to play.
However, for much of the contest the All Blacks failed to adapt and allowed themselves to be frustrated with the infringing.
To their credit, the Pumas' abrasive and committed defence was tough to crack.
It denied Read as he was pushed out in the corner. Two Cory Jane breaks went unconverted in the first quarter and McCaw placed the ball on an Argentinean boot, rather than at the base of the post, in the second-half.
Luckily, man-of-the-match halfback Piri Weepu stepped up to save the day with seven coolly struck penalties.
He took much of the directional duties with Slade prone and Cruden new to the systems.
Without his assured guidance the All Blacks were in strife. He is now more crucial than ever to the hopes of ending 24-years of angst.
The tenacious Pumas made the most telling statement of the first spell when No 8 Leonardo Senatore stepped Read and broke McCaw's covering tackle, possibly confirming the influential pair's lack of fitness.
That movement finished with blindside flanker Julio Farias Cabello busting through wing Sonny Bill Williams for the surprising opening try. Felipe Contepomi gave his side a shock 7-6 lead after 31-minutes, but Weepu put the hosts back in-front, 12-7, at halftime.
McCaw came off as precaution with eight minutes to play when the game was safe. He had plenty to think about on the bench, with the Wallabies now intent to crack the 17-year Eden Park fortress.
Result:
New Zealand 33 (Kieran Read, Brad Thorn tries; Piri Weepu 7 pen, Aaron Cruden con) Argentina 10 (Julio Farias Cabello try; Felipe Contepomi con, Marcelo Bosch pen). HT: 12-7
RWC 2011 - All Blacks vs Argentina QF4: Argentina v New Zealand
Match Scorecard
New Zealand33
Tries: Kieran Read (1), Brad Thorn (1)
Conversions: Aaron Cruden (1)
Penalty goals: Piri Weepu (7)
Argentina10
Tries: Julio Farias Cabello (1)
Conversions: Felipe Contepomi (1)
Penalty goals: Marcello Bosch (1)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand may be into the semifinals but they could be down to their third-choice pivot after Colin Slade suffered a groin complaint at Eden Park, the same injury that robbed Dan Carter of any further participation in this tournament.
That was the primary talking point a crowd of 57,912 will ponder post-match.
Anxious memories of that shocking night in Cardiff four-years ago will have crept into the consciousness of some, as the All Blacks struggled to shake off the Pumas, who were never expected to get close, until the closing stages.
This was not the complete performance second centurion Mils Muliaina would have wanted as he entered the record books alongside underpowered captain Richie McCaw, clearly plagued by his ongoing foot problem.
Veteran fullback Muliaina, replaced by Isaia Toeava after 50-minutes, was almost brought to tears during the national anthem.
Slade kick-started a shaky beginning by dropping a regulation pass which forced Conrad Smith to scramble back and save a try.
It summed up Slade's short and erratic evening.
He was unable to ease the nerves left by Carter's void and cement his place as the first-choice playmaker. He was replaced by Manawatu's Aaron Cruden, who linked confidently in his unexpected cameo.
Missing evasive fullback Israel Dagg and powerful utility Richard Kahui, the All Blacks were ragged, disjointed and nervous for large periods.
They looked like a team that had made constant backline changes throughout pool play.
Cohesion was absent, highlighted by their inability to finish chances, other than No.8 Kieran Read and lock Brad Thorn's late scores.
Graham Henry's men weren't able to dictate terms and implement their high-tempo game, a worrying sign ahead of the semifinal against Robbie Deans' Australia.
World No 7 Argentina, keen to engage in the close-quarter combat, put the customary squeeze on at the breakdown.
Their illegal slowing tactics went unpunished by Welsh referee Nigel Owens too long before halfback Nicolas Vergallo was yellow carded with 20-minutes to play.
However, for much of the contest the All Blacks failed to adapt and allowed themselves to be frustrated with the infringing.
To their credit, the Pumas' abrasive and committed defence was tough to crack.
It denied Read as he was pushed out in the corner. Two Cory Jane breaks went unconverted in the first quarter and McCaw placed the ball on an Argentinean boot, rather than at the base of the post, in the second-half.
Luckily, man-of-the-match halfback Piri Weepu stepped up to save the day with seven coolly struck penalties.
He took much of the directional duties with Slade prone and Cruden new to the systems.
Without his assured guidance the All Blacks were in strife. He is now more crucial than ever to the hopes of ending 24-years of angst.
The tenacious Pumas made the most telling statement of the first spell when No 8 Leonardo Senatore stepped Read and broke McCaw's covering tackle, possibly confirming the influential pair's lack of fitness.
That movement finished with blindside flanker Julio Farias Cabello busting through wing Sonny Bill Williams for the surprising opening try. Felipe Contepomi gave his side a shock 7-6 lead after 31-minutes, but Weepu put the hosts back in-front, 12-7, at halftime.
McCaw came off as precaution with eight minutes to play when the game was safe. He had plenty to think about on the bench, with the Wallabies now intent to crack the 17-year Eden Park fortress.
Result:
New Zealand 33 (Kieran Read, Brad Thorn tries; Piri Weepu 7 pen, Aaron Cruden con) Argentina 10 (Julio Farias Cabello try; Felipe Contepomi con, Marcelo Bosch pen). HT: 12-7
Monday, October 3, 2011
Experimental All Blacks overpower Canada
Experimental All Blacks overpower Canada
October 2, 2011 - 6:25PM
New Zealand 79 Canada 15
An experimental New Zealand team, missing injured star men Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, wrapped up their World Cup pool play unbeaten after outpowering Canada 79-15 here on Sunday.
MATCH STATS
The All Blacks, who also beat Pool A opponents Tonga (41-10), Japan (83-7) and France (37-17), will now face Argentina in next week's quarter-final in Auckland.
Colin Slade was given the number 10 shirt after Carter was earlier ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury, and oversaw a successful early running game from the home side before being moved to the wing to allow Piri Weepu on and then hobbling off in the 65th minute.
McCaw's replacement at openside flanker, Victor Vito, had an enormous game alongside the irrepressible Jerome Kaino and was part of a pack that destroyed the Canadian scrum, a ploy that yielded four tries on against-the-head ball.
There was also a welcome first World Cup appearance for Zac Guildford, who last month had admitted to a drinking problem, the winger scoring four tries and setting up two more tries in this 12-try to two romp.
Canada took the lead with a second-minute Ander Monro penalty but the All Blacks machine got rolling when Slade broke the line and threw out a beautiful 20-metre pass to the fast-advancing Guildford, easily riding Trainor's tackle to touch down in the corner.
The All Blacks attacked Canada at set-piece, Vito the recipient of a ball that popped out of a retreating scrum, the first from a raft of similar scenarios.
Slade missed the conversion but hit a penalty to stretch his side's lead.
Guildford was instrumental in the third try, drawing the defence and passing to Israel Dagg for a simple run-in.
The Canadians looked ragged around the breakdown and when Conrad Smith snatched up a turnover, Jimmy Cowan kicked ahead and Guildford got his second when Trainor made a terrible hash of the clearance.
On the half-hour mark, fullback Mils Muliaina, winning his 99th cap, crossed the whitewash after Guildford was played into space by Kieran Read from another scrum taken against the head.
Guildford grabbed his hat-trick with five minutes of the first-half to play, Sonny Bill Williams splitting the defence and putting in a little dink kick retrieved by Muliaina, who offloaded to the winger.
Trainor bundled over for a well-deserved Canada try on the stroke of half-time to make it 37-8, Ander Monro having missed the conversion.
The Canadian winger then got his brace early in the second period, collecting a loose ball that had been hacked on by Monro.
Cowan hit straight back, Smith played into the gap by a smart Williams offload before passing to the scrum-half.
Kaino crunched his way over after the Canadian scrum again wilted and Williams also scored soon after following some slick hands.
A raft of replacements and positional changes played havoc with any continuity.
Kaino soon got his second from a pushover, Guildford grabbed his fourth and Vito completed his brace with time running out, Weepu kicking four conversions.
NEW ZEALAND 79 (Zac Guildford 4, Jerome Kaino 2, Victor Vito 2, Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Mils Muliaina, Sonny Bill Williams tries Colin Slade 4, Piri Weepu 4 cons Slade pen) bt CANADA 15 (Conor Trainor 2 tries Ander Monro con pen) at Westpac Stadium. Referee: Romain Poite. Crowd: 37,565.
October 2, 2011 - 6:25PM
New Zealand 79 Canada 15
An experimental New Zealand team, missing injured star men Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, wrapped up their World Cup pool play unbeaten after outpowering Canada 79-15 here on Sunday.
MATCH STATS
The All Blacks, who also beat Pool A opponents Tonga (41-10), Japan (83-7) and France (37-17), will now face Argentina in next week's quarter-final in Auckland.
Colin Slade was given the number 10 shirt after Carter was earlier ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury, and oversaw a successful early running game from the home side before being moved to the wing to allow Piri Weepu on and then hobbling off in the 65th minute.
McCaw's replacement at openside flanker, Victor Vito, had an enormous game alongside the irrepressible Jerome Kaino and was part of a pack that destroyed the Canadian scrum, a ploy that yielded four tries on against-the-head ball.
There was also a welcome first World Cup appearance for Zac Guildford, who last month had admitted to a drinking problem, the winger scoring four tries and setting up two more tries in this 12-try to two romp.
Canada took the lead with a second-minute Ander Monro penalty but the All Blacks machine got rolling when Slade broke the line and threw out a beautiful 20-metre pass to the fast-advancing Guildford, easily riding Trainor's tackle to touch down in the corner.
The All Blacks attacked Canada at set-piece, Vito the recipient of a ball that popped out of a retreating scrum, the first from a raft of similar scenarios.
Slade missed the conversion but hit a penalty to stretch his side's lead.
Guildford was instrumental in the third try, drawing the defence and passing to Israel Dagg for a simple run-in.
The Canadians looked ragged around the breakdown and when Conrad Smith snatched up a turnover, Jimmy Cowan kicked ahead and Guildford got his second when Trainor made a terrible hash of the clearance.
On the half-hour mark, fullback Mils Muliaina, winning his 99th cap, crossed the whitewash after Guildford was played into space by Kieran Read from another scrum taken against the head.
Guildford grabbed his hat-trick with five minutes of the first-half to play, Sonny Bill Williams splitting the defence and putting in a little dink kick retrieved by Muliaina, who offloaded to the winger.
Trainor bundled over for a well-deserved Canada try on the stroke of half-time to make it 37-8, Ander Monro having missed the conversion.
The Canadian winger then got his brace early in the second period, collecting a loose ball that had been hacked on by Monro.
Cowan hit straight back, Smith played into the gap by a smart Williams offload before passing to the scrum-half.
Kaino crunched his way over after the Canadian scrum again wilted and Williams also scored soon after following some slick hands.
A raft of replacements and positional changes played havoc with any continuity.
Kaino soon got his second from a pushover, Guildford grabbed his fourth and Vito completed his brace with time running out, Weepu kicking four conversions.
NEW ZEALAND 79 (Zac Guildford 4, Jerome Kaino 2, Victor Vito 2, Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Mils Muliaina, Sonny Bill Williams tries Colin Slade 4, Piri Weepu 4 cons Slade pen) bt CANADA 15 (Conor Trainor 2 tries Ander Monro con pen) at Westpac Stadium. Referee: Romain Poite. Crowd: 37,565.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
McCaw hails clinical All Blacks
Former All Blacks captain Jock Hobbs presented Richie McCaw with a special cap to mark his 100th appearance
AUCKLAND, 24 Sept. - New Zealand captain Richie McCaw hailed his team's performance after the All Blacks swept to a 37-17 victory over France at Eden Park on Saturday.
Tries from number 8 Adam Thomson and wing Cory Jane put the All Blacks in control before full back Israel Dagg struck either side of half-time.
The French hit back through Maxime Mermoz and Francois Trinh-Duc but the Kiwis confirmed their superiority with a fifth try from Sonny Bill Williams.
McCaw - who was awarded a special cap to mark his 100th international appearance - said: "We realised we had to take a step up this week.
"We had to absorb a fair bit early on and I was proud of the way the boys did that. When we got the opportunity we put the points on the board.
"The boys held their cool and when we had a chance we took it. I'm very happy with the way things went."
Thrilling burst
Fly half Morgan Parra saw a drop kick crash off an upright after three minutes as France pinned the All Blacks back in the early stages.
But New Zealand weathered the storm and went ahead in the ninth minute when Thomson got on the end of a move inspired by a Ma'a Nonu burst and sidestep to touch down at the corner. Fly half Dan Carter missed the conversion.
Jane extended the lead after 17 minutes when he took a superb pass from Piri Weepu to scythe through the French rearguard for try No.2. This time Carter made no mistake with his kick.
Les Bleus were in disarray four minutes later when Dagg took Carter's pass in acres of space and crossed under the posts to make it 17-0. Carter again added the extras.
New Zealand replaced Jane with Williams after 34 minutes.
Stunning drop goal
France got on the scoresheet with a penalty from Dimitri Yachvili as half-time approached.
Dagg scored his second try within a minute of the restart after a sweeping move. Carter landed his third conversion of the evening to put the All Blacks 26-3 in front.
The fly half made it four kicks from five attempts when he sent over a long-range penalty.
France hit back when centre Mermoz intercepted a Carter pass to race home. Yachvili's conversion took his side's points tally into double figures.
But Carter banged another stunning drop goal through the posts to take him to 109 points for the tournament.
Replacement Trinh-Duc scored a second try for the French in the 75th minute only to see Williams race through to dive over at the other end almost immediately.
AUCKLAND, 24 Sept. - New Zealand captain Richie McCaw hailed his team's performance after the All Blacks swept to a 37-17 victory over France at Eden Park on Saturday.
Tries from number 8 Adam Thomson and wing Cory Jane put the All Blacks in control before full back Israel Dagg struck either side of half-time.
The French hit back through Maxime Mermoz and Francois Trinh-Duc but the Kiwis confirmed their superiority with a fifth try from Sonny Bill Williams.
McCaw - who was awarded a special cap to mark his 100th international appearance - said: "We realised we had to take a step up this week.
"We had to absorb a fair bit early on and I was proud of the way the boys did that. When we got the opportunity we put the points on the board.
"The boys held their cool and when we had a chance we took it. I'm very happy with the way things went."
Thrilling burst
Fly half Morgan Parra saw a drop kick crash off an upright after three minutes as France pinned the All Blacks back in the early stages.
But New Zealand weathered the storm and went ahead in the ninth minute when Thomson got on the end of a move inspired by a Ma'a Nonu burst and sidestep to touch down at the corner. Fly half Dan Carter missed the conversion.
Jane extended the lead after 17 minutes when he took a superb pass from Piri Weepu to scythe through the French rearguard for try No.2. This time Carter made no mistake with his kick.
Les Bleus were in disarray four minutes later when Dagg took Carter's pass in acres of space and crossed under the posts to make it 17-0. Carter again added the extras.
New Zealand replaced Jane with Williams after 34 minutes.
Stunning drop goal
France got on the scoresheet with a penalty from Dimitri Yachvili as half-time approached.
Dagg scored his second try within a minute of the restart after a sweeping move. Carter landed his third conversion of the evening to put the All Blacks 26-3 in front.
The fly half made it four kicks from five attempts when he sent over a long-range penalty.
France hit back when centre Mermoz intercepted a Carter pass to race home. Yachvili's conversion took his side's points tally into double figures.
But Carter banged another stunning drop goal through the posts to take him to 109 points for the tournament.
Replacement Trinh-Duc scored a second try for the French in the 75th minute only to see Williams race through to dive over at the other end almost immediately.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Lucky 13 for All Blacks against Japan
DAVID LONG Last updated 21:54 16/09/2011
The 13-try, 83-7 rout did little to enhance the reputation of rugby as a global sport and for most of the game the only thing left to ponder was how close the All Blacks would get to reaching triple figures going into the pool clash with France on Saturday next week.
Having had to play France and New Zealand first up, the World Cup truly starts for Japan tomorrow when they can turn their attentions to winnable games against Tonga and Canada.
Those are the two games that will define Japan's tournament, not a hiding like this.
It's easy to understand John Kirwan's logic in selecting a B-team for this game and keeping his best players ready for the latter matches, but it did turn their clash with the All Blacks into a one-sided farce.
It took just three minutes for the onslaught to begin, with Conrad Smith scoring his 21st try in his 50th test, making best use of a break from Victor Vito.
Try second came in the 15th minute, with Richard Kahui going in on the right wing after most of the Japanese defence was sucked in trying to halt a rapidly-moving rolling maul on the right.
Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis and Colin Slade all scored tries later in the half as the game became anything but a contest.
Sonny Bill Williams came on for Cory Jane early in the second-half and went onto the wing.
Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams (twice), Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu and Adam Thomson all scored second half tries for the All Blacks while wing Hirotoki Onozawa was able to pick up a try to at least stop Japan being completely embarrassed.
Result:
New Zealand 83 (Richard Kahui 2, Sonny Bill Williams 2, Conrad Smith, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Adam Thomson tries; Colin Slade 9 con) Japan 7 (Hirotoki Onozawa try; Murray Williams con). HT: 38-0.
The 13-try, 83-7 rout did little to enhance the reputation of rugby as a global sport and for most of the game the only thing left to ponder was how close the All Blacks would get to reaching triple figures going into the pool clash with France on Saturday next week.
Having had to play France and New Zealand first up, the World Cup truly starts for Japan tomorrow when they can turn their attentions to winnable games against Tonga and Canada.
Those are the two games that will define Japan's tournament, not a hiding like this.
It's easy to understand John Kirwan's logic in selecting a B-team for this game and keeping his best players ready for the latter matches, but it did turn their clash with the All Blacks into a one-sided farce.
It took just three minutes for the onslaught to begin, with Conrad Smith scoring his 21st try in his 50th test, making best use of a break from Victor Vito.
Try second came in the 15th minute, with Richard Kahui going in on the right wing after most of the Japanese defence was sucked in trying to halt a rapidly-moving rolling maul on the right.
Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis and Colin Slade all scored tries later in the half as the game became anything but a contest.
Sonny Bill Williams came on for Cory Jane early in the second-half and went onto the wing.
Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams (twice), Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu and Adam Thomson all scored second half tries for the All Blacks while wing Hirotoki Onozawa was able to pick up a try to at least stop Japan being completely embarrassed.
Result:
New Zealand 83 (Richard Kahui 2, Sonny Bill Williams 2, Conrad Smith, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Adam Thomson tries; Colin Slade 9 con) Japan 7 (Hirotoki Onozawa try; Murray Williams con). HT: 38-0.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Richard Kahui shines in mixed ABs opening
DUNCAN JOHNSTONE Last updated 22:33 09/09/2011SharePrint Text Size This content requires the Flash Player. Download Flash Player. Already have Flash Player? Click here.
New Zealand41
Tries: Israel Dagg (2), Richard Kahui (2), Jerome Kaino (1), Ma'a Nonu (1)
Conversions: Daniel Carter (3), Colin Slade (1)
Penalty goals: Daniel Carter (1)
Tonga10
Tries: Alisona Taumalolo (1)
Conversions: Kurt Morath (1)
Penalty goals: Kurt Morath (1)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Error: Cannot find match file.
Played at 8.30PM NZT
New Zealand out-manoeuvred the islanders with six tries on a glorious night, attempting to provide a spectacle of running rugby that has become their signature.
It wasn't always perfect. There was a sloppy second half where several opportunities went begging. They even conceded a try as Tonga bravely battled back.
And whether this New Zealand approach survives sterner tests remains to be seen in this seventh edition of the global event. But for an opening match, it certainly added to the festival feel the city had enjoyed all day long.
This was always going to be a New Zealand win. It was just a question of how big? In the end it probably wasn't big enough for everyone in the crowd of 60,214 jammed into the ground.
But the All Blacks will be quietly happy with this start. They will realise the limitations of the opposition but also be chuffed with the way some of the players clearly on trial stood up. They seemed to get some answers in areas they wanted solutions most.
The classy Kahui was probably top of that queue as Graham Henry looks for the right mix of his back three.
Kahui looked very comfortable playing out of position from his normal centre's role. He roamed dangerously all night, scored two tries and had a hand in two others. He mixed his deceptive running with some real power that might just be the formula the selectors are looking for in their wings.
On the other wing Isaia Toeava overcame a tentative start to contribute to the free-running affair for his 61 minutes of action while Israel Dagg chimed in from all over the paddock.
And the muscular midfield worked a treat, clearly giving the All Blacks options there.
Sonny Bill Williams enjoyed a bit of freedom and his trademark offloads freed up plenty of play for those alongside him.
The All Blacks handled the infamous Tongan physicality and in imposed their own power game on the men in red up front. Jerome Kaino was outstanding with his buckling defence and direct approach with the ball in hand.
And stand-in No 8 Victor Vito certainly didn't take a backward step which will have pleased the coaching staff given the strain on the back row resources at the moment.
We wait to see what the rest of the squad do in next Friday's second pool match against Japan for there are certain to be a raft of changes for that lightweight challenge.
But the marker has been laid down in some of the key areas to be sorted out over the opening phase of the tournament.
As for Tonga, they were largely disappointing with their lack of attack. The prospect of a fiery start never emerged. In fact they rarely fired a shot apart from a spell of forward exchanges on the All Blacks line in the second half.
Ad Feedback Yes, they stalled the All Blacks with a plucky third quarter and then had their say with a try to replacement prop Alisona Taumalolo to reward some better forward effort.
But unless Tonga can step things up they will be in danger against Canada, possibly even against Japan and most certainly against France.
When Irish referee George Clancy blew the opening whistle to start this seventh World Cup there was an almost eerie silence over the ground, in contrast to the buzz of excitement that enveloped the stadium during a marvellous opening ceremony.
Ali Williams rose to take a clean catch and the All Blacks' campaign was finally under way.
It didn't take long for the points to start mounting.
In the fourth minute Tonga were penalised at the breakdown and Dan Carter kicked the first points of the tournament with a simple 18m goal.
Ten minutes and 38 seconds into the match Israel Dagg had the first try, benefitting from some slick work from Richard Kahui who featured twice in the buildup coming off his right wing.
Kahui had his turn soon after as Williams produced a thrilling backhanded offload to Isaia Toeava and there was Kahui popping up on his opposite wing again and producing a delightful sidestep to dance over.
Toeava and Williams helped Dagg to his second try off a turnover courtesy of a turnover engineered by Andrew Hore.
Kahui showed his sheer grunt to get over for his second when he was given a bit of space by Dagg.
The Tongans finally got on the board with the last act of the half when Kurt Morath landed a 40m penalty.
The All Blacks made a bit of a sloppy start to the second spell but a slick pass from Ma'a Nonu gave Toeava a direct route to the corner. But his touchdown was blotted by a boot in touch according to the TMO.
Kaino made no mistake to cap his night with a deserved try off a chip and regather from Kahui.
Tonga had their best period of the match as they camped right on the New Zealand line and after a series of scrums and rucks, replacement prop Alisona Taumalolo eventually burrowed his way over.
The All Blacks had the final say with Nonu starting and finishing a 50m try that sent the big crowd off a bit happier.
There's work to be done. But the All Blacks are off the mark and the tournament is under way.
New Zealand 41 (Israel Dagg 2, Richard Kahui 2, Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu tries; Dan Carter 3 con, pen; Colin Slade con.) Tonga 10 (Alisona Taumalolo try, Kurt Morath con, pen). HT: 29-3
New Zealand41
Tries: Israel Dagg (2), Richard Kahui (2), Jerome Kaino (1), Ma'a Nonu (1)
Conversions: Daniel Carter (3), Colin Slade (1)
Penalty goals: Daniel Carter (1)
Tonga10
Tries: Alisona Taumalolo (1)
Conversions: Kurt Morath (1)
Penalty goals: Kurt Morath (1)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Error: Cannot find match file.
Played at 8.30PM NZT
New Zealand out-manoeuvred the islanders with six tries on a glorious night, attempting to provide a spectacle of running rugby that has become their signature.
It wasn't always perfect. There was a sloppy second half where several opportunities went begging. They even conceded a try as Tonga bravely battled back.
And whether this New Zealand approach survives sterner tests remains to be seen in this seventh edition of the global event. But for an opening match, it certainly added to the festival feel the city had enjoyed all day long.
This was always going to be a New Zealand win. It was just a question of how big? In the end it probably wasn't big enough for everyone in the crowd of 60,214 jammed into the ground.
But the All Blacks will be quietly happy with this start. They will realise the limitations of the opposition but also be chuffed with the way some of the players clearly on trial stood up. They seemed to get some answers in areas they wanted solutions most.
The classy Kahui was probably top of that queue as Graham Henry looks for the right mix of his back three.
Kahui looked very comfortable playing out of position from his normal centre's role. He roamed dangerously all night, scored two tries and had a hand in two others. He mixed his deceptive running with some real power that might just be the formula the selectors are looking for in their wings.
On the other wing Isaia Toeava overcame a tentative start to contribute to the free-running affair for his 61 minutes of action while Israel Dagg chimed in from all over the paddock.
And the muscular midfield worked a treat, clearly giving the All Blacks options there.
Sonny Bill Williams enjoyed a bit of freedom and his trademark offloads freed up plenty of play for those alongside him.
The All Blacks handled the infamous Tongan physicality and in imposed their own power game on the men in red up front. Jerome Kaino was outstanding with his buckling defence and direct approach with the ball in hand.
And stand-in No 8 Victor Vito certainly didn't take a backward step which will have pleased the coaching staff given the strain on the back row resources at the moment.
We wait to see what the rest of the squad do in next Friday's second pool match against Japan for there are certain to be a raft of changes for that lightweight challenge.
But the marker has been laid down in some of the key areas to be sorted out over the opening phase of the tournament.
As for Tonga, they were largely disappointing with their lack of attack. The prospect of a fiery start never emerged. In fact they rarely fired a shot apart from a spell of forward exchanges on the All Blacks line in the second half.
Ad Feedback Yes, they stalled the All Blacks with a plucky third quarter and then had their say with a try to replacement prop Alisona Taumalolo to reward some better forward effort.
But unless Tonga can step things up they will be in danger against Canada, possibly even against Japan and most certainly against France.
When Irish referee George Clancy blew the opening whistle to start this seventh World Cup there was an almost eerie silence over the ground, in contrast to the buzz of excitement that enveloped the stadium during a marvellous opening ceremony.
Ali Williams rose to take a clean catch and the All Blacks' campaign was finally under way.
It didn't take long for the points to start mounting.
In the fourth minute Tonga were penalised at the breakdown and Dan Carter kicked the first points of the tournament with a simple 18m goal.
Ten minutes and 38 seconds into the match Israel Dagg had the first try, benefitting from some slick work from Richard Kahui who featured twice in the buildup coming off his right wing.
Kahui had his turn soon after as Williams produced a thrilling backhanded offload to Isaia Toeava and there was Kahui popping up on his opposite wing again and producing a delightful sidestep to dance over.
Toeava and Williams helped Dagg to his second try off a turnover courtesy of a turnover engineered by Andrew Hore.
Kahui showed his sheer grunt to get over for his second when he was given a bit of space by Dagg.
The Tongans finally got on the board with the last act of the half when Kurt Morath landed a 40m penalty.
The All Blacks made a bit of a sloppy start to the second spell but a slick pass from Ma'a Nonu gave Toeava a direct route to the corner. But his touchdown was blotted by a boot in touch according to the TMO.
Kaino made no mistake to cap his night with a deserved try off a chip and regather from Kahui.
Tonga had their best period of the match as they camped right on the New Zealand line and after a series of scrums and rucks, replacement prop Alisona Taumalolo eventually burrowed his way over.
The All Blacks had the final say with Nonu starting and finishing a 50m try that sent the big crowd off a bit happier.
There's work to be done. But the All Blacks are off the mark and the tournament is under way.
New Zealand 41 (Israel Dagg 2, Richard Kahui 2, Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu tries; Dan Carter 3 con, pen; Colin Slade con.) Tonga 10 (Alisona Taumalolo try, Kurt Morath con, pen). HT: 29-3
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Big names miss New Zealand World Cup squad
August 23, 2011 - 12:46PM
Sitiveni Sivivatu has missed the cut. Photo: Getty Images
The All Blacks 30-man squad to contest the Rugby World Cup was unveiled today by coach Graham Henry.
Captained by Richie McCaw at his third World Cup, the squad features a 16-forward, 14-back split.
The contentious winger positions have been won by Zac Guildford, Cory Jane and Isaia Toeava, leaving no room for Hosea Gear and Sitiveni Sivivatu.
The most notable inclusion in the forwards is Wellington loose forward Victor Vito, who is selected ahead of Waikato's Liam Messam.
John Afoa is the fourth prop, selected ahead of Wyatt Crockett while Anthony Boric - who has been sidelined for two months with injury - wins the fourth locking spot ahead of Jarrad Hoeata.
McCaw, first five-eighth Dan Carter, hooker Keven Mealamu, fullback Mils Muliaina and lock Ali Williams will take part in their third consecutive tournament.
Seven players will contest their second tournament - hooker Corey Flynn, midfielder Ma'a Nonu and lock Brad Thorn played in the 2003 campaign; while prop Tony Woodcock, halfback Andy Ellis, centre Conrad Smith and outside back Isaia Toeava played in Rugby World Cup 2007.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said he was pleased with the strength of his squad.
"Firstly, I would like to congratulate all those players selected. It's an incredibly exciting time for the team and a unique opportunity to represent New Zealand at home. The players will be facing the ultimate rugby challenge - playing for the most coveted trophy in world rugby, the Rugby World Cup," he said.
"At the same time I want to pay tribute to those players who have missed out on selection. It was an incredibly difficult process; all the players who missed selection are not only outstanding players but special people. We are close as a group which made this selection all the more difficult."
Henry said the side had "generally" been picked on form.
"We believe there is a good balance; a blend of experienced All Blacks -with nine players who have played more than 50 Tests - while at the other end of the scale we have seven players who have played fewer than a dozen tests who bring youthful enthusiasm to the side.
"There is also a balance in the fact that we have players who are specialists in their position while others have utility value and can cover a number of positions, so we have the players to cover any possibilities which may be thrown up during the tournament."
The All Blacks squad is in Brisbane preparing for the final match of the Tri Nations against Australia on Saturday.
Squad:
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava, Corey Jane, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Andy Ellis
Forwards: Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Richie McCaw (capt), Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Anthony Boric, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Ben Franks, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Corey Flynn
Sitiveni Sivivatu has missed the cut. Photo: Getty Images
The All Blacks 30-man squad to contest the Rugby World Cup was unveiled today by coach Graham Henry.
Captained by Richie McCaw at his third World Cup, the squad features a 16-forward, 14-back split.
The contentious winger positions have been won by Zac Guildford, Cory Jane and Isaia Toeava, leaving no room for Hosea Gear and Sitiveni Sivivatu.
The most notable inclusion in the forwards is Wellington loose forward Victor Vito, who is selected ahead of Waikato's Liam Messam.
John Afoa is the fourth prop, selected ahead of Wyatt Crockett while Anthony Boric - who has been sidelined for two months with injury - wins the fourth locking spot ahead of Jarrad Hoeata.
McCaw, first five-eighth Dan Carter, hooker Keven Mealamu, fullback Mils Muliaina and lock Ali Williams will take part in their third consecutive tournament.
Seven players will contest their second tournament - hooker Corey Flynn, midfielder Ma'a Nonu and lock Brad Thorn played in the 2003 campaign; while prop Tony Woodcock, halfback Andy Ellis, centre Conrad Smith and outside back Isaia Toeava played in Rugby World Cup 2007.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said he was pleased with the strength of his squad.
"Firstly, I would like to congratulate all those players selected. It's an incredibly exciting time for the team and a unique opportunity to represent New Zealand at home. The players will be facing the ultimate rugby challenge - playing for the most coveted trophy in world rugby, the Rugby World Cup," he said.
"At the same time I want to pay tribute to those players who have missed out on selection. It was an incredibly difficult process; all the players who missed selection are not only outstanding players but special people. We are close as a group which made this selection all the more difficult."
Henry said the side had "generally" been picked on form.
"We believe there is a good balance; a blend of experienced All Blacks -with nine players who have played more than 50 Tests - while at the other end of the scale we have seven players who have played fewer than a dozen tests who bring youthful enthusiasm to the side.
"There is also a balance in the fact that we have players who are specialists in their position while others have utility value and can cover a number of positions, so we have the players to cover any possibilities which may be thrown up during the tournament."
The All Blacks squad is in Brisbane preparing for the final match of the Tri Nations against Australia on Saturday.
Squad:
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava, Corey Jane, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Andy Ellis
Forwards: Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Richie McCaw (capt), Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Anthony Boric, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Ben Franks, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Corey Flynn
Monday, August 15, 2011
'Great Redeemer' Henry seeking redemption
MARC HINTON Last updated 08:30 14/08/2011
JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media
DRY AS A DEAD DINGO: All Blacks coach Graham Henry is looking to make amends big-time at the 2011 RWC
All Blacks coach Graham Henry opens up to Marc Hinton on the agony of 2007, how it changed him as a coach and why he's better prepared to deliver the holy grail this time around.
Sometimes with the All Blacks coach it's hard to chip past the veneer of the old headmaster who often meets queries of a more reflective nature with a mix of indifference, humour and hubris. And then sometimes you strike gold with Graham Henry and he gives you a peek inside his intriguing mind.
It's fair to say it was the latter Henry who sat down with the Sunday Star-Times in a rare moment of introspection in the leadup to the Rugby World Cup. Yes, he bared some of that old soul of his and the result was a compelling narrative from a coach who may have an unparalleled record in the professional era, but really is just one of us. He hurts, he bleeds, he even sheds a tear or two.
Henry may be close to the most misunderstood man in New Zealand. A lot of people simply don't get his sense of humour. Sometimes it's so dry that if you waved a match in its direction it would burst into flames. Often people mistake his comedy for arrogance. Sure, like us all, he has an ego lurking within, but for the most part this is a fellow who can laugh at himself – and often does.
He's also incredibly busy (he often rises at 4.30am), not the most organised man in the world and now he's reached pensioner status (four grandkids, one more on the way), er, certain facts don't lodge in his mind as well as they might have in his younger days. Whenever you chat with him now you need to be ready to jump in with a name or fact as he negotiates the haze of his recall.
But this is no old fool. Far from it. His mind remains sharp for the stuff that counts. He knows his rugby, and more importantly knows his rugby players. He has a feel for what works and what doesn't work with the modern footballer, honed on having coached 133 test matches.
It's a well of knowledge that no other coach in world rugby can call upon. And it could just be the difference between the All Blacks ending an agonising 24-year wait for Rugby World Cup glory this September and October in our own backyard. Of course Henry has already had one shot at the damn thing, failing abysmally when his All Blacks tumbled out in that Cardiff quarter-final. Most, including Henry himself, presumed that earliest ever RWC exit would be the end of his time with this team.
But in their wisdom the New Zealand Rugby Union – where Henry has some fairly staunch allies – decided to give him another chance. To ignore the claims of people's champion Robbie Deans and for the first time reappoint a failed world cup coach.
That's as good a place as any to start with Henry now. What made him want to stand again? What were his driving forces for an unprecedented second term?
"There's no doubt I wouldn't be sitting here if we'd won the Rugby World Cup in 2007," he says. "The reason I re-stood was because I didn't want to run away. In my position you put a lot of pressure on people to perform, particularly the young people who play. You expect them to show a lot of backbone and do the business.
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"When we got beaten in the world cup [quarter-final] I could have run away, but I fronted because I thought that was the right thing to do."
You wonder if that took some guts, given the general post-world cup unease.
Henry shrugs off suggestions it was a brave move. Just a necessary one. "I didn't think for a minute I'd get reappointed," he confides. "When I had the interview [wife] Raewyn had come down to Wellington with me and I came back to the hotel after and said `it's all over'. It was a surprise to me."
CARDIFF IS a permanent scar on the Henry psyche. He admits as much as he harks back to that fateful evening in the principality he once ruled like a king.
"It always stays with you, and rightly so. It was massive. The first thing you feel is how to handle this as best you can for the people involved. I think we handled it bloody well. We didn't make any excuses, we took it on the chin and got on with life. That was very important for the young guys involved.
"Obviously it hurt, and still hurts. It was a difficult situation but I'm proud of the way we handled it as a group."
The next question is just how much does that 2007 failure fuel Henry now, especially with potential redemption finally at hand?
He makes one thing clear first: every All Blacks test carries its own pressure. Every one offers the chance to add to a rich legacy. "Winning a Rugby World Cup is not part of our legacy and that hurts. So it's part of your motivation. But every time the All Blacks put on that black jersey it's bloody important. It's not about revenge; it's about doing the business. But those things that happened in the past fuel you."
Like most New Zealand rugby coaches, Henry remembers the defeats more than the wins. So even though he has as incredible 86.2% success rate with the All Blacks (81 of 94 tests), and he's swept the Lions, won three Grand Slams and the Tri Nations five times in seven tilts, it's moments like Cardiff or the Boks sweep of '09 or, even further back, the agonising 1-2 series loss to the Wallabies with the Lions that lodge in the craw. "You remember those times because they hurt and they're very big learning experiences. That's probably natural," he says. Not coincidentally the theme, if you like, of this year's campaign is around learning from the mistakes of the past.
But here's where it gets interesting. Henry wouldn't swap the massive expectation the All Blacks face from their public for anything.
"It's inspirational," he says. "I don't think the All Blacks would be the world's winningest team in any sport, which is correct by a considerable margin, if we didn't have that expectation. So although it adds pressure, it's great pressure. I don't think we as New Zealanders actually appreciate what this team has done. I'm not talking about in my time, I'm talking about over 110 years. It's phenomenal."
HENRY BLAMES the media for this. And he gives me a bit of a glare to reinforce that. Clearly he feels we all take the All Blacks' unrivalled record a bit for granted.
"I don't think the expectation is a negative. It's a real positive. We wouldn't achieve what we do without the public having that expectation."
Henry, with the help of his capable assistants, is succeeding at getting his messages through to the players. They've won 22 of their last 23 tests, for goodness sake. He reckons the key is assembling the right intelligence – "if you've got no information to get across you're wasting your bloody time" – and then applying it sensibly.
He breaks the game-plan down into a two-part equation. Around 75% is constant things such as scrums, lineouts, restarts. Then there's 25% which he calls "the improvement area" and which can make the All Blacks the best in the world.
"That's my job," he explains. "I bring the 25% and the players then throw that out what they don't need and they finish up with 12.5%. That's fine. That's the process.
"The first step is getting the new ideas, the second getting the alignment and the third is making that a viable part of your game. To be viable it has to be simple because when you're running round at 100 miles an hour and making decisions the simpler the better."
Henry relates a funny story at corporate functions. It involves his old skipper Tana Umaga querying him about why he gave team talks close to games. Henry hoped they might be "helpful".
Umaga disabused him of that notion. "I was depressed for a week after that," says the coach with a grin.
So the red-faced, clipboard-thruster in the ads is just a work of fiction? Overplayed, says Henry.
"In the amateur days when there was a bank teller and a farmer and a builder and you brought them together for two training runs and a game the coach's influence was as a button pusher today you're living together for a week, and they get motivated by the environment and the collective challenge to do something special. The old bash on the changing-room walls to do the business is well gone."
That's Henry for you. Old school meets modern times.
MASTER AND COMMANDER
Graham Henry's test coaching recor:
Wales 1998-2002
Played 36 won 22, lost 13, drew 1
Winning percentage 61.1%
British & Irish Lions 2001
Played 3 won 1, lost 2
Winning percentage 33.3%
All Blacks 2004-11
Played 94 won 81, lost 13
Winning percentage 86.2%
Where Henry sits in All Blacks history:
Best coaching records since 1949 (with win ratio)
Fred Allen 1966-68 14 tests, 14 wins 100%
Graham Henry 2004-11 94 tests, 81 wins 86.2%
Alex Wyllie 1988-91 29 tests, 25 wins 86.2%
John Mitchell 2001-03 28 tests, 23 wins, 1 draw 82.1%
Neil McPhail 1961-65 20 tests, 16 wins, 2 draws 80%
Brian Lochore 1985-87 18 tests, 14 wins, 1 draw 77.7%
JASON OXENHAM/Fairfax Media
DRY AS A DEAD DINGO: All Blacks coach Graham Henry is looking to make amends big-time at the 2011 RWC
All Blacks coach Graham Henry opens up to Marc Hinton on the agony of 2007, how it changed him as a coach and why he's better prepared to deliver the holy grail this time around.
Sometimes with the All Blacks coach it's hard to chip past the veneer of the old headmaster who often meets queries of a more reflective nature with a mix of indifference, humour and hubris. And then sometimes you strike gold with Graham Henry and he gives you a peek inside his intriguing mind.
It's fair to say it was the latter Henry who sat down with the Sunday Star-Times in a rare moment of introspection in the leadup to the Rugby World Cup. Yes, he bared some of that old soul of his and the result was a compelling narrative from a coach who may have an unparalleled record in the professional era, but really is just one of us. He hurts, he bleeds, he even sheds a tear or two.
Henry may be close to the most misunderstood man in New Zealand. A lot of people simply don't get his sense of humour. Sometimes it's so dry that if you waved a match in its direction it would burst into flames. Often people mistake his comedy for arrogance. Sure, like us all, he has an ego lurking within, but for the most part this is a fellow who can laugh at himself – and often does.
He's also incredibly busy (he often rises at 4.30am), not the most organised man in the world and now he's reached pensioner status (four grandkids, one more on the way), er, certain facts don't lodge in his mind as well as they might have in his younger days. Whenever you chat with him now you need to be ready to jump in with a name or fact as he negotiates the haze of his recall.
But this is no old fool. Far from it. His mind remains sharp for the stuff that counts. He knows his rugby, and more importantly knows his rugby players. He has a feel for what works and what doesn't work with the modern footballer, honed on having coached 133 test matches.
It's a well of knowledge that no other coach in world rugby can call upon. And it could just be the difference between the All Blacks ending an agonising 24-year wait for Rugby World Cup glory this September and October in our own backyard. Of course Henry has already had one shot at the damn thing, failing abysmally when his All Blacks tumbled out in that Cardiff quarter-final. Most, including Henry himself, presumed that earliest ever RWC exit would be the end of his time with this team.
But in their wisdom the New Zealand Rugby Union – where Henry has some fairly staunch allies – decided to give him another chance. To ignore the claims of people's champion Robbie Deans and for the first time reappoint a failed world cup coach.
That's as good a place as any to start with Henry now. What made him want to stand again? What were his driving forces for an unprecedented second term?
"There's no doubt I wouldn't be sitting here if we'd won the Rugby World Cup in 2007," he says. "The reason I re-stood was because I didn't want to run away. In my position you put a lot of pressure on people to perform, particularly the young people who play. You expect them to show a lot of backbone and do the business.
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"When we got beaten in the world cup [quarter-final] I could have run away, but I fronted because I thought that was the right thing to do."
You wonder if that took some guts, given the general post-world cup unease.
Henry shrugs off suggestions it was a brave move. Just a necessary one. "I didn't think for a minute I'd get reappointed," he confides. "When I had the interview [wife] Raewyn had come down to Wellington with me and I came back to the hotel after and said `it's all over'. It was a surprise to me."
CARDIFF IS a permanent scar on the Henry psyche. He admits as much as he harks back to that fateful evening in the principality he once ruled like a king.
"It always stays with you, and rightly so. It was massive. The first thing you feel is how to handle this as best you can for the people involved. I think we handled it bloody well. We didn't make any excuses, we took it on the chin and got on with life. That was very important for the young guys involved.
"Obviously it hurt, and still hurts. It was a difficult situation but I'm proud of the way we handled it as a group."
The next question is just how much does that 2007 failure fuel Henry now, especially with potential redemption finally at hand?
He makes one thing clear first: every All Blacks test carries its own pressure. Every one offers the chance to add to a rich legacy. "Winning a Rugby World Cup is not part of our legacy and that hurts. So it's part of your motivation. But every time the All Blacks put on that black jersey it's bloody important. It's not about revenge; it's about doing the business. But those things that happened in the past fuel you."
Like most New Zealand rugby coaches, Henry remembers the defeats more than the wins. So even though he has as incredible 86.2% success rate with the All Blacks (81 of 94 tests), and he's swept the Lions, won three Grand Slams and the Tri Nations five times in seven tilts, it's moments like Cardiff or the Boks sweep of '09 or, even further back, the agonising 1-2 series loss to the Wallabies with the Lions that lodge in the craw. "You remember those times because they hurt and they're very big learning experiences. That's probably natural," he says. Not coincidentally the theme, if you like, of this year's campaign is around learning from the mistakes of the past.
But here's where it gets interesting. Henry wouldn't swap the massive expectation the All Blacks face from their public for anything.
"It's inspirational," he says. "I don't think the All Blacks would be the world's winningest team in any sport, which is correct by a considerable margin, if we didn't have that expectation. So although it adds pressure, it's great pressure. I don't think we as New Zealanders actually appreciate what this team has done. I'm not talking about in my time, I'm talking about over 110 years. It's phenomenal."
HENRY BLAMES the media for this. And he gives me a bit of a glare to reinforce that. Clearly he feels we all take the All Blacks' unrivalled record a bit for granted.
"I don't think the expectation is a negative. It's a real positive. We wouldn't achieve what we do without the public having that expectation."
Henry, with the help of his capable assistants, is succeeding at getting his messages through to the players. They've won 22 of their last 23 tests, for goodness sake. He reckons the key is assembling the right intelligence – "if you've got no information to get across you're wasting your bloody time" – and then applying it sensibly.
He breaks the game-plan down into a two-part equation. Around 75% is constant things such as scrums, lineouts, restarts. Then there's 25% which he calls "the improvement area" and which can make the All Blacks the best in the world.
"That's my job," he explains. "I bring the 25% and the players then throw that out what they don't need and they finish up with 12.5%. That's fine. That's the process.
"The first step is getting the new ideas, the second getting the alignment and the third is making that a viable part of your game. To be viable it has to be simple because when you're running round at 100 miles an hour and making decisions the simpler the better."
Henry relates a funny story at corporate functions. It involves his old skipper Tana Umaga querying him about why he gave team talks close to games. Henry hoped they might be "helpful".
Umaga disabused him of that notion. "I was depressed for a week after that," says the coach with a grin.
So the red-faced, clipboard-thruster in the ads is just a work of fiction? Overplayed, says Henry.
"In the amateur days when there was a bank teller and a farmer and a builder and you brought them together for two training runs and a game the coach's influence was as a button pusher today you're living together for a week, and they get motivated by the environment and the collective challenge to do something special. The old bash on the changing-room walls to do the business is well gone."
That's Henry for you. Old school meets modern times.
MASTER AND COMMANDER
Graham Henry's test coaching recor:
Wales 1998-2002
Played 36 won 22, lost 13, drew 1
Winning percentage 61.1%
British & Irish Lions 2001
Played 3 won 1, lost 2
Winning percentage 33.3%
All Blacks 2004-11
Played 94 won 81, lost 13
Winning percentage 86.2%
Where Henry sits in All Blacks history:
Best coaching records since 1949 (with win ratio)
Fred Allen 1966-68 14 tests, 14 wins 100%
Graham Henry 2004-11 94 tests, 81 wins 86.2%
Alex Wyllie 1988-91 29 tests, 25 wins 86.2%
John Mitchell 2001-03 28 tests, 23 wins, 1 draw 82.1%
Neil McPhail 1961-65 20 tests, 16 wins, 2 draws 80%
Brian Lochore 1985-87 18 tests, 14 wins, 1 draw 77.7%
Monday, August 8, 2011
Another Black night across ditch for Wallabies
Click for more photosEden Park hoodoo remains as All Blacks ruthless in 30-14 win
To the victors go the spoils ... the All Blacks celebrate with the Bledisloe Cup. Photo: Getty Images
SMASHED. Swamped. Made to look second rate. And there goes the Bledisloe Cup for the eighth year running.
The All Blacks' extraordinary quarter-century dominance over the Wallabies at Eden Park continued untroubled last night when they took control of this Tri Nations Test in minutes, then stubbornly refused to allow their rivals back into the game.
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After all the bluff and bluster about the new-generation Wallabies suddenly worrying the All Blacks, their first meeting of the year was a demoralising affair from an Australian point of view. The raging World Cup favourites were simply too physical and too clinical for an often-frazzled opposition.
At the start of the Test, the All Blacks conducted their provocative ''slit across the throat'' haka, and this appeared to have the desired effect of unsettling their opponents.
Right from the kick-off, the All Blacks succeeded in carving up the Wallabies, who were soon floundering and forced to play frenetic, disorganised, catch-up football.
For the Wallabies to have any chance at Eden Park, they had to start well. Instead, they were abominable, and paid a dreadful price when finding themselves 17 points behind after just 26 minutes.
The Wallabies put the hobbles on their own legs by allowing the All Blacks midfield to break through and make an enormous amount of ground virtually every time they were in possession in the opening quarter.
Wallabies players fell off tackles, giving the All Blacks confidence and a surge of energy. They were everywhere in numbers, while the visitors were often restricted to scrambling, one-out play.
The Wallabies were lucky to have only two tries scored against them before the break, so dominant were the All Blacks in attack.
After just eight minutes, the All Blacks were 10-0 ahead. Wallabies flanker David Pocock was caught on the wrong side of the breakdown and the home team took advantage when winger Sitiveni Sivivatu got through a Rocky Elsom tackle. Sivivatu then cleverly popped the ball up to flanker Jerome Kaino, who warded off more Wallabies tacklers before putting centre Ma'a Nonu through. There was a brief surge of excitement for the Wallabies midway during the half when they went through 14 phases of play, often pushing it to the wings. But it was soon clear the All Blacks were more effective in defence, knowing precisely what the Wallabies playmakers, in particular Quade Cooper, were up to.
The All Blacks were decidedly more aggressive in their play, often stunning the Wallabies with their belligerent approach, which lead to scuffles aplenty - something which does not often happen in trans-Tasman matches. But the All Blacks knew they could unnerve the Wallabies youngsters by being arrogant - and it worked. They enjoyed a near-perfect first half that also involved their hooker Keven Mealamu scoring a burrowing try.
Adding to the Wallabies' woes was James O'Connor's wayward kicking - he missed his first three penalty shots.
There was some rejoicing in the 52nd minute when the Wallabies were able to make something out of virtually nothing, when fullback Kurtley Beale charged away from the tackle area and sucked in a few defenders before giving winger Digby Ioane space. Ioane picked the right moment to swerve in and out to get around Mils Muliaina to at last put the Wallabies on the scoreboard.
But as usual, their heads turned into pumpkins. The Wallabies relaxed, and wasted the moment. At a time when they had to rally, the All Blacks scored immediately from the kick-off, when their centre Conrad Smith seized the ball and then Sivivatu beat four Wallabies to score.
It was a horrid red-face moment for the Wallabies and ended what little hope they had left of winning the Test.
NEW ZEALAND 30 (Keven Mealamu, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu tries Daniel Carter 3 cons 2 pens drop goal) btAUSTRALIA 14 (Rocky Elsom, Digby Ioane tries Quade Cooper 2 cons) at Eden Park. Referee: Craig Joubert.
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