The Year Of The All Blacks-2013

All Blacks vs Ireland 2013

It was a sensational clash, a pulsating contest from start to finish and as entertaining as any in recent memory.

A fired-up Ireland threatened to upset the odds and claim a first ever victory over New Zealand in 108 years of trying only to be denied by an All Blacks side that simply refuses to accept it is beaten.

The stunning finale that propelled the Kiwis to a 24-22 victory was just the last dramatic act in a thriller that captivated the Aviva Stadium and millions of fans beyond. In terms of performance, it may not have been the perfect end to an historic unbeaten season – with no other side in the professional era having completed that feat – but it was a perfect example of what makes this New Zealand team the greatest side in the world.

Mental strength

There was not one point in this game that the All Blacks contemplated defeat. A ferocious opening from Ireland brought due reward in the form of tries for Conor Murray, Rory Best and Rob Kearney but there was not a hint of panic from the visitors. They were out-fought and out-played but had complete faith in their ability to force their way back into the contest. This composure and belief was evident in captain Richie McCaw’s decision to kick for the posts with two second half penalties when his side still trailed by a significant deficit when others would have been inclined to gamble and chase the game.

But that belief and ability to think clearly under pressure was trumped by the sweeping move that turned the game on its head in the dying moments. By this stage the game and ‘perfection’ was on the line with a repeat of last year’s season-ending defeat against England looming large but the All Blacks remained cool-headed as ever. The Kiwis’ enviable skill levels in the loose and physicality at the breakdown came to the fore as they carved their way down field where replacement Ryan Crotty eventually broke Irish hearts by levelling the scores.

But they were not done. New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden missed his first attempt at the conversion with the Irish defence bearing down on him but their charge was ruled premature and he made no mistake with the second attempt. In contrast, Ireland playmaker Jonathan Sexton did not have the benefit of ice in his veins. Handed the chance to take the game away from the All Blacks and the Irish into an eight-point lead late in the second half his form deserted him. McCaw later admitted that had he been on target it would have been ‘game over’ and you couldn’t help but think that Sexton’s apparent decision to take as much time as possible over the kick may have messed with his routine and mental preparation. The kick will haunt him but luckily his talent ensures he will have several chances to erase the memory in the future.

Roll with the punches

For forty minutes Ireland threatened to upset the world order by playing like the All Blacks. Displaying an intensity that was notably absent from their performance against Australia last weekend, Ireland appeared set on banishing the memory of their record 60-0 defeat to the All Blacks in their previous meeting last year. The back-row trio of Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip swarmed all over their All Blacks rivals and denied them time and space. Scrum-half Murray was at his best and centre Brian O’Driscoll, in his last appearance against New Zealand, attacked the challenge as if this game would define his career. But crucially this was controlled mayhem with their discipline – they conceded just one penalty in the first half – a key factor in their first half dominance.

But Ireland failed to press home their advantage after the break and did not even add to their score in the second half. They could not rediscover the ferocity that had fuelled the dreams of packed Aviva Stadium and as the game wore on it was clear their first half endeavour had taken its toll. There was no such drop off from the All Blacks who dusted themselves down and clawed their way back into the game and eventually turned the tables on Ireland. With an increasing amount of possession and territory it was no surprise that Ireland’s penalty count began to climb and the scoreboard was soon telling a different story. It did not come easy, and almost didn’t come at all, and the effort required to turn the game was perhaps best summed up by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen: “We survived a shit storm.”

It ain’t over until it is over

The score was Ireland 22-17 New Zealand. The clock said 79:33. The hosts had the ball on the All Blacks’ 10m line. History was calling for Ireland and a group of players whose industry had rightfully presented them with this opportunity. But they blew their date with destiny in a way that their all-conquering rivals would never have done.

Handed one final lifeline, the All Blacks did what they do best. Twelve phases and 60m later Ireland’s chance had gone. I should be clear to every international side that it takes a performance of 80+ minutes to account for the All Blacks. And if they needed a reminder of the Kiwis’ dogged sporting DNA then they need only have cast their eye back 24 hours to see how the New Zealand rugby league side a last-gasp victory over England in their World Cup semi-final clash at Wembley.

Ireland desperately needed someone to make one big final play as the All Blacks stretched them from one touchline to the other in search of salvation. Unfortunately the obvious candidate – O’Driscoll – was sitting on the sidelines with concussion, cruelly robbed of a chance to steer his side to yet another famous victory. Others such as O’Brien and Heaslip were understandably spent having racked up an incredible 44 tackles between them.

It just was not to be. Ireland fell to their knees while New Zealand struggled to find the energy to celebrate but their fatigue will be short-lived with a beach awaiting. However, Ireland’s scars – both physical and mental – are sure to linger a lot longer.

What a game, what a year it has been for the All Blacks.

Blackprint for Success

A thrilling clash, described by victorious New Zealand captain Richie McCaw as “a hell of a Test match”, underlined the All Blacks’ class but England also emerged with immense credit having pushed the world’s best side all the way. But what decided the contest?

Red zone return

New Zealand’s ability to execute under pressure has long stood them apart from the rest of the world and that ruthless streak was evident again in this nail-biter. Match stats reveal that both sides made eight trips into the opposition 22 and while New Zealand came away with points on four occasions, England only did so once. The home side’s relatively low return is thanks largely to their bullish tactics in the first half as they chased the game and a crucial call from captain Chris Robshaw did eventually lead to a try and spark a tremendous and gutsy comeback that almost won them the game. But no side going against the All Blacks can afford to be so wasteful when handed such precious field position especially when your pack has worked so hard to earn it. England have a set of forwards at their disposal with the ability to strike fear into any of their rivals but they still do not have the game-breaking back division to compliment them or capitalise on any dominance up front.

The world’s best player?

New Zealand fly-half and reigning International Rugby Board Player of the Year Dan Carter rightly took centre stage ahead of the clash at Twickenham on the occasion of his 100th Test match appearance but it was the front runner for this year’s honour that dominated the game itself. All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read delivered yet another outstanding all-action display to propel his side to victory and bolster his claims to the title of the world’s best player. As impressive his match stats – a try, 45m with ball in hand, 11 tackles – they do not do him justice and not even a first half yellow card could tarnish his game. He has a priceless ability to read the game and this, along with his incredible work rate and skill, ensures he is a near-constant presence. His influence makes him a target for the opposition and he attracted the attention of England’s Chris Ashton, Billy Vunipola and Lee Dickson in the lead up to the opening try of the game but they were left dumbfounded, like the capacity crowd, as the Kiwi slipped a delightful scoring pass to winger Julian Savea. Read is just as devastating in defence with Tom Wood, Dan Cole and Courtney Lawes seen to almost bounce off their rival at just one of many bruising breakdown battles. Is there a better player in the game right now?

Hartley the beating heart?

Dan Carter was not the only player celebrating a career milestone with England hooker Dylan Hartley given the honour of leading the side out on his 50th international appearance. He celebrated with another rugged and tone-setting display and was at the heart of England’s comeback after they had gifted New Zealand a substantial lead. A typically brutal tackle on All Blacks flanker Richie McCaw brought a premature end to Hartley’s game and England appeared to lose their way in his absence. An otherwise formidable lineout began to creak with replacement hooker Tom Youngs failing to find his man on three occasions and the momentum that the ferocious England pack had worked so hard to generate began to dissipate. England’s bench has provided fresh impetus in recent weeks but in this instance it had the wrong kind of impact. England had the lead and the match within their grasp but their failure to maintain that effort offered New Zealand hope and they pounced with a game-clinching second score for Julian Savea.

Riders on the storm

Twelve months ago New Zealand were swept aside – or ‘donkey-licked’ as coach Steve Hansen recalled – by a rampant England side spearheaded by a warrior-like Tom Wood and a wrecking ball centre pairing of Brad Barritt and Manu Tuilagi that was sorely missing from this latest clash. The All Blacks had little answer to the onslaught and while this game was apparently not about revenge – at least publicly – there was a clear determination on the part of the visitors to ensure lightning did not strike twice. A relatively inexperienced England side, that clearly and with good cause does not fear the All Blacks, threw everything they had at New Zealand and that effort, bolstered by a vociferous Twickenham crowd that so often is not a factor, rocked their rivals – but no more. This All Blacks side is not just physically strong but also mentally strong having carved their way through the international calendar for the last few years. They push the game and the Laws to the limit to preserve their status and while England were good, they were just not good enough.

Keep them guessing

While an injury-ravaged England struggled to conjure opportunities with yet another scrappy score their only try of this contest, New Zealand continue to ooze class and creativity. The stage was set for All Blacks playmaker Dan Carter to steal the show and he certainly left his mark with one pin-point cross-kick to winger Charles Piutau and another delicate chip over the England defence that was gobbled up by centre Ben Smith – but injury brought a premature end to his game. However, the All Blacks are blessed with many players who can turn a game with one being veteran centre Ma’a Nonu. Behind but not beaten, the visitors sensed the game was still there to be won and hammered a tiring England midway through the second half. They stretched them one way and then the other, peppering the defence with a hypnotic blend of power, pace and guile. Piutau went close in one corner – denied by an excellent tackle from Mike Brown – but the All Blacks did not dwell on the setback with the ball immediately worked wide again with Nonu’s eventual sublime offload to winger Julian Savea for the All Blacks’ second try the decisive moment of the game. While New Zealand appear to have such talent on tap, England’s well appears dry.

All Blacks prevail over French in Paris

MARC HINTON IN PARIS

Last updated 11:14 10/11/2013

Twelve down, two to go. The All Blacks' quest for the perfect test year hit some predictable French resistance at a packed Stade de France, but got home 26-19, largely thanks to a star performance from rookie wing Charlie Piutau.

The 21-year-old Auckland wing was, as the French would say, ''tres magnifique'' as he scored one try and created the other that proved just enough to keep this winning streak of the All Blacks for 2013 alive.

Coach Steve Hansen had admitted before the match that he would have picked the impressive youngster ahead of the much more experienced Cory Jane. As it was Julian Savea got sick, and both ended up playing.

But Piutau demonstrated just why his coach has so much faith in him in his first season of test rugby. He's a heady and confident performer, and it's no stretch to say his twin pieces of brilliance won this test for the All Blacks in an otherwise tight contest.

The New Zealanders have now won all 12 of their tests for 2013 - and 31 of their last 33 since 2011 - including a four-game sweep of the French. Now only England and Ireland, over the next fortnight, stand between the All Blacks and professional rugby's first perfect year.

But gee it was close. The French, who have now lost eight of their last nine tests, played a lot better than that record suggests and threw the kitchen sink at the Blacks in front of a sellout crowd of around 81,000 at their home citadel.

All week the New Zealanders had talked about the challenge they figured was coming, and they were right. The French brought plenty to the heavyweight contest and very nearly pinched a draw as they finished the match pounding the All Blacks' line.

But this is an All Blacks outfit with all sorts of resolve, and they needed it as they dug in for a defensive stand at the end that denied a furious French finish.

"That probably summed up the rivalry between New Zealand and France - two proud nations and there was no quarter given today," said All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw afterwards.

He was right. This was not the free-flowing, fast-paced All Blacks of the Rugby Championship. They had to make a lot of tackles to win this match, hit a lot of rucks and chase a lot of Frenchmen.

But, wearing black armbands to honour Peter Fatialofa, they found yet another way to win a test this year, and keep that quest alive.

It was certainly a less than impressive opening 40 minutes from the All Blacks who spent much of the half under pressure and were extremely lucky to end it level at 9-9, Dan Carter's trio of penalties cancelling out the three from Morgan Parra.

Though honours were even on the board, it was the French who would have gone into the sheds feeling much the better about the flow of the game. The All Blacks had gone agonisingly close to the game's opening try in the early minutes, but it was Les Bleus who looked much the more likely to cross thereafter.

The match never really settled into any rhythm, with the penalties continuing to flow at scrum time - now officially a blight on the game - and after that sharp start, the New Zealanders always seemed to be hurried and lacking accuracy.

The All Blacks were unlucky not to spring out to an early lead when from a scrum Ma'a Nonu thrust through in midfield and quick ball wide had Cory Jane reaching out to force it just before he was bundled into touch. Replays showed Jane had almost executed his lunge brilliantly. Almost.

Unfortunately for the wing, in his comeback test for 2013, the ball just slipped out of his fingers as he extended out in mid-air and he was denied the five-pointer.

Thereafter it was mostly all the French as their dangerous ball-runners - the likes of the always dangerous Wesley Fofana, Brice Dulin and Maxime Medard - had the All Blacks making a lot of desperation tackles, and conceding the odd desperation penalty.

It all changed after the break though when the All Blacks came out a much more purposeful unit. Steve Hansen's words no doubt ringing in their ears.

After early penalties were traded, the in-form Piutau struck in the 46th minute with a very well conceived seven-pointer that took the All Blacks out to 19-12.

Fullback Israel Dagg had started the move when he fielded a high kick and swept out a crisp wide pass off his knees. The ball found Ben Smith who spotted all sorts of space and put through a kick that went exactly where it was meant to. The rest was all Piutau as the young Aucklander won the initial race, toed through and then pounced as he hit paydirt.

The contest then came alive as the tries positively flowed. Piutau went close to a second from a little Nonu nudge through, but couldn't quite force. Then, just past the three-quarter mark, Kieran Read was put clear by a peach of a Piutau offload in the tackle to extend the lead to 26-12.

Game safe? Maybe not. The French struck back quickly, fullback Brice Dulin slipping an Israel Dagg tackle to cross for a seven-pointer to keep home hopes alive heading into the final 10 minutes.

The French had one last chance as they poured on to attack late. A lunge for the line from No 8 Damien Chouly went close, and then from a scrum option off a late penalty, the All Balcks escaped via a penalty for an incorrect feed.  

Piutau was the standout All Black, but Ben Smith was also sharp, Dagg had a very solid game and Dan Carter got through 52 quality minutes before being subbed. Up front Brodie Retallick and Kieran Read were the workhorses, while the scrum spent a lot of the match under a good deal of pressure.

New Zealand 26 (Charles Piutau, Kieran Read tries; Dan Carter 4 pens, con; Aaron Cruden con) France 19 (Brice Dulin try; Morgan Parra 4 pens, con). HT: 9-9

The All Blacks Top 20

JAMES MORTIMER    20.NOV.2013GETTY IMAGES

Allblacks.com looks at the top 20 after the World Champions defeated England 30-22, to make it 13 from 13 in the Test season to stand on the verge of a perfect calendar year, still to be achieved in the professional era.

1. The All Blacks prevented back-to-back wins for England, achieved just once in 2002/2003 by the Red Rose.

2. The above also stands as the English record for consecutive wins, the All Blacks is nine.

3. The eight-point win was the All Blacks 17th in 23 Tests at Twickenham against England.

4. For the first time in history four centurions played in a national starting XV.

5. It was Steve Hansen’s 25th win after 27 Tests, giving the head coach a 92.6 % winning record.

6. Since 1905 the All Blacks have lost only eight of 80 Tests in the UK against the Home Nations.

7. It was Richie McCaw’s 111th Test victory, still the only player in history to crack a century of wins.

8. Never before in rugby history had four centurions entered the club in one day of internationals, with Gethin Jenkins (wales), Sergio Parisse and Martin Castrogiovanni (both Italy) also celebrating 100 Tests for the country (not including British and Irish Lions caps).

9. Carter was the 27th player in rugby history to play 100 Tests.

10. By wins these All Blacks are the most successful World Champions (by term so far), but by winning percentage the 1987 team were unbeaten until August 18, 1990 – over three years the first World Cup holders lost just one of 19 Tests (compared to one from 27 from today’s side.

11. That will be the last time barring a miracle we see Dan Carter playing rugby for six months, while already the countdown is on for the return of Conrad Smith.

12. The All Blacks have been fielding the most experienced sides in history outside of Rugby World Cups, while maintaining an average age never surpassing 27-years.

13. The World Champions have been behind in key statistics for most Tests this season, but have always kicked more than any other side they have come up against, not to mention being able to score more points.

14. For 17 straight Tests the All Blacks have scored at least two tries, while scoring at least 23 points.

15. The 30 points scored by New Zealand over the weekend was the most points conceded at Twickenham by England since the All Blacks won 32-6 in 2008.

16. Playing their 512th Test against Ireland, the All Blacks will be chasing their 390th win overall.

17. While seeking the first perfect season in the pro era, the All Blacks will also be looking to record win number 180 from 217 Tests played since the 1996 season.

18. Salesi ‘Charles’ Tu’ipulotu Piutau was the newest All Black on the starting team over the weekend, Test player number 1122 for New Zealand.

19. In 13 Tests this year the All Blacks have scored 430 points, achieving an aggregate score of 33-17, while scoring 48 tries at a rate of 4-1 per match.

20. Beyond a 10-10 draw in 1973, Ireland haven’t tasted success against the All Blacks in 27 Tests. 

New Zealand beats Australia 41-33 in Bledisloe Cup

New Zealand beats Australia 41-33 in Bledisloe Cup

9:55 PM Saturday Oct 19, 2013

DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) Flyhalf Aaron Cruden scored one try, made another and kicked 18 points as New Zealand beat Australia 41-33 in a Bledisloe Cup rugby test on Saturday.

Cruden's first shot at goal, from more than 50 meters at Dunedin's indoor stadium, was a disaster, barely reaching the height of the crossbar and falling well short of the posts. He shrugged off that embarrassment to kick seven of his next nine attempts as New Zealand beat Australia for the third time this season and won its 30th straight test at home.

Cruden contributed a pin-point crossfield kick to create a try for flanker Sam Cane, then scored a try of his own as New Zealand opened a 30-19 lead by halftime. Winger Julian Savea and captain Kieran Read also touched down for the All Blacks while Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Toomua and Tevita Kuridrani scored tries for Australia.

Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper, treated as a pantomime villain by New Zealand crowds who boo his every action, restored himself a little in their affections with one of his best performances against the All Blacks.

Cooper kicked three penalties, three conversions and a dropped goal for 18 points, defended stoutly and provided the pass that led to Ashley-Cooper's try just before halftime.

Toomua and Kuridrani both scored their first test tries for Australia who outscored New Zealand by two tries to one in the second half and played with both spirit and enterprise.

Saturday's match bridged a gap in both teams' seasons between the end of the Rugby Championships, which New Zealand won for the second straight year, and the All Blacks and Wallabies' tours to Japan, Britain and Europe.

New Zealand had already won the three-test Bledisloe Cup series by beating the Wallabies twice during the Rugby Championships and, with the impending tours and players keen to avoid injury, the defensive intensity of Saturday's match was low. The five tries and 67 points scored gave the match the flavor of a festival game but it was fast-paced and action-packed, enthralling a crowd of just less than 30,000.

New Zealand remained unbeaten in 2013 ahead of a tour on which it will play tests against Japan, France, England and Ireland. Late injuries to captain Richie McCaw and winger Cory Jane disrupted its preparation but it was again able to produce an outstanding display of backline skill.

"It was a great match. I think both teams just wanted to keep on playing," stand-in captain Read said. "It's awesome to win a match like this and we had to work hard which is what you want in these games.

"I guess when we got down their end we got points and that was the key to it. It was great that we could stick at it for 80 minutes."

Coach Steve Hansen had hoped New Zealand would maintain the standard it set in its 38-27 win over South Africa in Johannesburg two weeks ago, which clinched the Rugby Championships. That match was hailed as one of the best ever played and it was unlikely, particularly with the intrusion of injuries, that New Zealand would replicate that form.

It was still able to produce some sublime tries Cane's and Cruden's were its best though the defense was more porous than it has been this season.

"It wasn't perfect but you wouldn't expect it to be with where we've been and what we've done in the past three weeks," Hansen said.

Australia had the first lead of the match with a penalty to Cooper after three minutes. Cruden's first, failed penalty attempt went astray but it claimed the lead with a try after 10 minutes to powerful winger Julian Savea who linked on the blindside with fullback Israel Dagg.

Cruden converted for a 7-3 lead and the All Blacks didn't trail for the remainder of the match. Cruden and Cooper swapped penalties through the middle of the second half then Cane scored a breathtaking try which epitomized New Zealand's skill and daring.

Cruden put in a crossfield kick which Savea caught on the fly and Dagg continued the movement before passing to Cane who scored. With Cruden's conversion, New Zealand led 20-9.

Cruden then scored a brilliantly skillful try of his own after strong leadup work by Cane, Keven Mealamu, Woodcock and Read. Backrower Liam Messam ran into space out wide, sawing infield in search of support and handing the ball to Cruden whose try and conversion made the lead 30-12.

All Blacks Rise Another Level

By Gregor Paul in Dunedin

9:19 PM Saturday Oct 19, 2013

NEW ZEALAND 41
AUSTRALIA 33

Anything the All Blacks can do, the All Blacks can do better. Brilliant against South Africa, they were somehow at a level above tonight.

Absorbing, relentless, brutal, deft, subtle, flexible, direct, brave - they were all of that and more.

They were, unquestionably, impossible to defend against: the point of attack was wherever they wanted it to be.

They were a threat when they defended; they were a threat when they kicked and they were most definitely a threat when they passed and ran.

And here's the crazy thing - Australia played better than they have all year. But what were they to do? They fronted, they gave all they had, cleverly attacked the right channels, recycled, tackled and still got blown off the park. They scored tries not many other teams would have had the flair or imagination to sniff out and yet they were always chasing without ever convincing they were going to quite get there. But the All Blacks will need to be wary - the Wallabies used Israel Folau well, Will Genia came good and they are on the right track.

But there is still a gap between them which begs the question: how good are these All Blacks? Definitive statements on that will have to wait, but when they score 30 points in a half while conceding the territory and possession stakes by a distance, then they cleanly have a fair idea what they are doing with the ball.

It's the clinical and ruthless way that they attack which sets them apart. So often the lament in the modern game is of chances missed: of precision only up to a point. The All Blacks haven't left much, if anything on the field this season and were operating at an incredible one attack-one try ratio that left the Wallabies dazed.

The movement, the awareness, the skill, the speed - it was devastating. The pressure the All Blacks exerted was total. Kieran Read and Sam Cane were immense at stopping Wallaby runners on the gainline, lifting and driving them back and then this black wave would swarm over the ball and they'd be off. Defence one second, attack the next and runners were everywhere, queuing up, knowing the man in possession would have the ability to make the pass before, through or after contact.

Cane needs particular mention because he filled every inch of his No 7 shirt. He graduated from being in all the right places to being in all the right places and doing all the right things.

He had both presence and presence of mind to own the contact zones and perhaps, finally, demand to be seen as Sam Cane rather than the bloke standing in for Richie McCaw.

The physical contest wasn't really anything of the sort - that's the best way to sum it up. The world knows the Wallaby tight five love nothing more than a girls night in, with a weepy movie and a bottle of Chardonnay - but they ditched the handbags and got stuck in. That they came off second best was down to the technical excellence of the All Blacks.

They held their line to the point where they would isolate a ball carrier, double team and keep him off the ground. Charlie Faumuina was frighteningly good at it, twice stripping the ball in a flash.

It was demoralizing for Australia. All that effort, all those phases and only as they turned to chase back did they realise they had been pawns in the All Blacks' game-plan: that all the time, the All Blacks were keeping them where they wanted them, just biding their time to pounce.

What also helped in that regard was the tenacity of New Zealand's scrambling defence and solidity in the tackle when they needed it.

No one did more on that front Charlie Piutau. Early in the game he managed to halt Israel Folau twice in 20 seconds.

Not only was his defence outstanding, but so too was his wider contribution. He danced away from the touchlines when he had to, chased high balls and was always on hand.
The power and work-rate of Ma'a Nonu was a big part of the offering as was the composure and spark of Israel Dagg.

New Zealand 41 (J. Savea, S. Cane, A. Cruden, K. Read tries; A. Cruden 3 pens, 2 cons; B. Barrett pen) Australia 33 (A. Ashley-Cooper, M. Toomua, T. Kuridrani tries; Q. Cooper 3 cons, 3 pens, DG)

Australia hit back just before halftime with a try to Ashley-Cooper, created by a long and accurate pass from Cooper, who also converted.

Toomua scored after Kuridrani intercepted a pass from Savea in the 47th minute, cutting the lead to 33-26 and inflaming Australia's hopes of an upset. But Read's 54th minute try, after brilliant interpassing by Brodie Retallick, Cruden and Ma'a Nonu put New Zealand ahead 38-26 and snuffed out the Australian challenge.

"We're obviously bitterly disappointed with the result," said Australian captain James Horwill, who was replaced early in the second half. "We came here to win and we never like to lose but we're proud of the effort the boys put in. We went out swinging and that's what we wanted to do."

_____

New Zealand 41 (Julian Savea, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Kieran Read tries; Cruden 3 conversions, 4 penalties; Beauden Barrett penalty), Australia 33 (Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Toomua, Tevita Kuridrani tries; Quade Cooper 3 conversions, 3 penalties, dropped goal). HT: 30-19.

All Blacks: Bench play vital role in stunning All Blacks' win

By Wynne Gray

5:30 AM Monday Oct 7, 2013

As predicted, NZ reserves had major influence on test outcome.

Impact from the bench, former All Black coach John Mitchell predicted, might prove to be the critical difference in the Rugby Championship shootout.

Mitchell and the NZRU do not see eye to eye but his conjecture proved right on the money with current supremo Steve Hansen.

"We emptied our tank and theirs because we think we have one of the best benches in the world," Hansen said after the pulsating 38-27 victory against South Africa.

Beauden Barrett found some gold nuggets when he came on for the injured Aaron Cruden and the coach delivered higher praise for Steven Luatua who was used on the blindside and then lock in a busy last quarter.

The All Blacks were stunned when Bryan Habana scored twice inside the opening quarter.

A double response came from Liam Messam whose selection has never been watertight and who came under further heat this week with confirmation Jerome Kaino was returning to New Zealand. Messam surged over for his first with help from Chiefs teammate Brodie Retallick and then, crucially, skipped over when the match had run well into halftime.

The Boks clocked off and the All Blacks dialled in after Kieran Read pilfered the ball from a breakdown. His teammates kept the ball moving until Andrew Hore offloaded the last vital transfer for Messam on a damaging cut run to the line.

It was a crucial blow to the Boks' morale and an example of the work ethic and All Black skill components. Their widespread athletic flair is a shade up on the Boks who have dextrous forwards like Francois Louw to offload out of the tackle but also a few clunkers.

In the same move which delivered Messam's double, five eighths Aaron Cruden caught and passed so quickly under pressure that he sucked in a defending forward.

Later there was a telling grubber kick out of defence by Sam Whitelock which changed the momentum and Read showed his class to claim the last vital try. Defensive heroes from both sides littered Ellis Park but Julian Savea's race back to clobber Willie Le Roux then Barrett's desperate chase and ankle tap on the same player were vital All Black gems.

It was compelling rugby. It was a test in which the All Blacks matched everything thrown at them.

Altitude, counter-attack, forward menace - they brought their combat kit with all the physical and mental weapons needed to confront the Springbok armoury.

Two decades ago Warwick Roger wrote Old Heroes which was a compelling account about his teenage connection to the 1956 series in New Zealand as the All Blacks clashed with the Springboks. In 2013 the country has some New Heroes, a group who kept cool as they journeyed to the red-hot atmosphere of Ellis Park and claimed their prize in the heart of enemy territory.

Thrilling All Blacks claim title

 By Patrick McKendry

6:37 AM Sunday Oct 6, 2013

All Blacks 38
Springboks 27
The All Blacks have defended their Rugby Championship title with a victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park this morning in a pulsating test which featured several moments of controversy.
The result means the All Blacks have yet to be beaten in the Championship's two year history. In what is likely to be their toughest test of the year, they stood up to the physicality of the Boks and in the end had too much skill and fitness for the home side.
Skipper Richie McCaw, back from his knee injury suffered four weeks ago, played the full 80 minutes with fellow loose forwards Kieran Read and Liam Messam, who scored two tries, also playing starring roles.
One of the biggest talking points could be the mistake by All Blacks manager Darren Shand, who mistakenly put Keven Mealamu's name on the team sheet instead of Dane Coles', the hooker taking the field in the second half when replacing Andrew Hore.
A match official took the field to alert referee Nigel Owens of the discrepancy, with Shand telling Owens it was merely a "complete typo''.

In a thrilling test in front of a crowd of almost 64,000, the lead changed hands several times, with the Boks, who needed to score a four-try bonus point and deny the visitors anything in order to win the Championship, holding a 15-7 lead in the first half.
In the end it was replacement first-five Beauden Barrett who had the honour of sealing the competition win with his individual try, one of five by the All Blacks, with 20 minutes remaining.

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The All Blacks showed courage and determination in the hostile arena, with the Boks enjoying periods of dominance. The home side scored four tries, including a double in the first quarter by Bryan Habana. It is the first time since 2010 that the All Blacks have conceded four tries in a test. They also had to cope with the sinbinnings of Messam and replacement prop Ben Franks in the second half.
Messam saw yellow for a ruck infringement, Franks for a swinging arm to prop Connie Oosthuizen's jaw.
However, despite the disadvantage, the All Blacks refused to concede anything.

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``That's a hell of a match to win. I haven't seen the Springboks play a match like that for a long time,'' McCaw said.
Habana's double gave the Boks the advantage after Ben Smith went through or past three defenders to score the All Blacks' first try.
However, Messam struck back with the help of a Brodie Retallick shove over the line and the loose forward scored a superb second after the halftime hooter which got the All Blacks back to a 21-15 lead.
A Willie le Roux try gave the Boks the lead again before Barrett, who replaced an injured Aaron Cruden, kicked a penalty as the lead continued to seesaw.
Barrett was at fault for Jean de Villiers' try, the Boks skipper running through him and Ma'a Nonu, but the Taranaki first-five struck back with a brilliant individual effort, which he converted, and then made an incredible run to get back and tackle Le Roux after an intercept.
It is the first time since 1997 that the All Blacks have won at Ellis Park.
All Blacks (Liam Messam 2, Ben Smith, Beauden Barrett, Kieran Read tries; Aaron Smith 3 cons, Beauden Barrett pen, 2 cons)
Springboks (Bryan Habana 2, Willie le Roux, Jean de Villiers tries; Morne Steyn pen, 2 cons)
Halftime: 21-15

Rugby: Boks shortened up by big display

By Gregor Paul 

New Zealand 29
South Africa 15

It must be terrifying for rugby's chasing pack that the All Blacks can dust off the Springboks these days without Richie McCaw, Dan Carter or Israel Dagg.

And it wasn't so much dust them off, either. This was emphatic. A better team playing better rugby getting the result they deserved.

The Boks will agitate for days, weeks, maybe even months to come that they were hampered by an unjust red card.

There's certainly merit in debating whether it was just or not, but they will be wasting their time, quite spectacularly missing the point, if they think that was the difference. They weren't going to win with 15 men - for the simple reason that no side is ever going to be able to come to Eden Park and win by only running into contact not space.

It was always a little hard to be carried away by the Boks' optimism about their chances. Their confidence had been fuelled by hammering Australia, but seriously, that really doesn't count for much.

There was never any prospect of the All Blacks capitulating at the coalface.

That's not how it works and the All Blacks gave one of the great defensive
performances.

Their structure held and towards the end of the game, they were smashing the Boks for fun. The ease with which the All Blacks absorbed the Boks cast them in the role of George Foreman in the Jungle: they slugged away at the All Blacks, every blow followed with a whispered inquiry if that was all they had.

All of which made it feel like there is a never ending well of self-belief, courage and composure embedded in this All Black camp - epitomised by outstanding captain Kieran Read.

He gave the ultimate 'follow me' performance. He was everywhere, he was low in the carry, driven, hard, resolute and calm - and almost scored a hat-trick.

If the Boks thought they had seen a crack with the absence of McCaw, they didn't so much as get the crow bar out the tool bag.

Not far behind the skipper were Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick - a lock pairing with edge and authority. The latter discovered a fearsome running game.

Beauden Barrett is on the hero list. Thrust into battle after 20 minutes, he made a big statement about his big future.

The focus shouldn't be on individuals, though, as this was a night where the All Blacks inspired with their collective effort.

Not only was their defence superb, they went well at scrum and lineout, held the Boks to just one rolling maul and didn't give much away at the breakdown. When it came to the actual playing of the game, the bit the Boks always forget is just as important, the All Blacks were light years ahead. They created space and exploited space. The Boks wanted to keep running into contact and more often than not, they would run once too often, spilling the ball.

It was the All Blacks who were missing their big names, scrambling around with the kids from their bench, but it was the All Blacks who were more accurate and aware.

The Boks were of course restricted in what they could do because they were reduced to 14 men.

Was it unfair? Probably. Reckless, brilliant, deliberate - or possibly even a bit of all three, the intent of Bismarck du Plessis's thunderous hit on Daniel Carter will be debated for weeks yet.

He deserves the benefit of the doubt on the first yellow card. Carter was fair game, du Plessis was onside, he timed it beautifully and he clobbered his man. The head coming through was a bit ugly, but he did use his arms and rugby has to be careful that it doesn't react automatically to big hits that really do need to be part of the game.

But his second infringement was bad. A deliberate elbow to Liam Messam had intent. It was Messam who was at the core of the scrap that ensued after the Carter tackle and du Plessis clearly hadn't forgotten.

And those exchanges in the seconds after that first incident were further indication of why this Springbok side fancies itself. They think they are big enough and bad enough to bludgeon and bully their way to the top of rugby's pecking order but their chronic lack of footballing skills will always leave them vulnerable.

The challenge they presented last night was exclusively physical. There's almost 20 years of history that says that's not enough to gain a win at Eden Park.

New Zealand 29 (K. Read 2, B. Retallick tries; D. Carter con; B. Barrett 2 cons, pen) South Africa 15 (B. du Plessis, P. Lambie tries; M. Steyn con, pen).