New Zealand 47 Tonga 9
Attendance: 50985 (Half-time: 14 – 3)
New Zealand – Tries: Cane, Milner-Skudder 2, Nonu, B Smith, Williams and Woodcock. Cons: Carter 6
Tonga – Pen: Morath: 3
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In a much improved performance tonight from the New Zealand All Blacks, they were victorious in their final Pool C clash in the Rugby World Cup game played at St James Park, Newcastle 47-9
Celebrating the 100th test cap for valiant second-five Ma’a Nonu, his side rebounded from a series of dour results to capitalize in the second half against a torrid Tonga side who played a sterling opening 60 minutes, only to be overrun by their Pacific neighbours with five tries scored to end the match in compelling fashion.
In a seven try exhibition that was played in front of a warm crowd, thepopular All Blacks opened the scoring early but were halted by a well-drilled defence from Tonga. That constrained the much heralded All Blacks side and the task was made harder after 35 minutes when stand-in skipper Kieran Read was sent off for a Yellow Card offence.
In that ten minute period, nothing went right for the New Zealand side but they preserved their line and by the 60th minute; back to a full compliment and with good use of the substitutions, normal All Black standards were thankfully restored. The leading rugby side in World Rugby regained their composure and in fans eyes, will have shown their real form (to a degree) A number of good attacking moves showed the sides potential, something that has been missing for the last two games.
After the final whistle was blown, there were handshakes and pats on the back for a job well done for the pre-tournament favourites.
The Tongan side did very well to go into the halftime break at only 14-6 behind, but could not hold down the emerging confidence of the All Blacks. That was made more difficult when replacement prop Paula Ngauamo was given a Yellow Card for a dangerous tackle on Dan Carter. A hush went over the ground when Carter looked injured, but thankfully he rose to his feet and that would have been great relief to that player [World Rugby’s leading points scorer] and to the many New Zealand rugby fans in attendance.
The only concern from the game has been a suspected hamstring injury to longtime prop forward Woodcock, and at the time of publishing the injury may see his position in the squad in doubt. Last Word On Sports will report any update on this key player for the side.
A much improved effort from the All Blacks definitely, they must now turn their focus on a quarterfinal beckoning next week against a side to be determined – Ireland play France on Sunday in the final act of Pool D at this tournament. The loser of that clash will be the second qualifier and will then travel to Cardiff to face the All Blacks next week.
After today, the New Zealand side go in with a degree of confidence, only just though but still the group will feel like that they are now in a position to influence their path more, towards a possible semifinal and maybe a chance to defend the title they won in 2011.
Man of the Match Nehe Milner-Skudder scored two tries, with cameo performances from Dan Carter [6/7 conversions] Sonny Bill Williams and rounded off with centurion Ma’a Nonu crossing for the most popular try of this teams campaign so far. Injured captain Richie McCaw awarded Nonu his 100th test cap post-game in a sentimental and emotive ceremony, for one of the ‘most improved’ All Blacks players over his illustrious career.
Onwards to Cardiff, and for many, further matches at this 2015 Rugby World Cup.
“Main photo”
