New Zealand Rugby 1-2 punch shades Aussie challenge

By: |
New Zealand Rugby 1-2 punch shades Aussie challenge

They were feisty, enthusiastic and well intentioned but, an New Zealand Rugby 1-2 punch again shaded the strong Aussie challenge during the historic double-header in Sydney last night.

Historic because it was the first occasion where both women’s and men’s teams played on the same night. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have encouraged the double-header format over the Tasman, and Rugby Australia must be commended for this schedule – which should ideally be continued annually or bi-annually.

New Zealand Rugby 1-2 punch shades Aussie challenge

The 1-2 punch came in the form of two International matches. The Wallaroos v Black Ferns women’s team opening the evening, before the Wallabies v All Blacks fixture held both nations full attention. It made for a Super Saturday, with the South Africa v Argentina test played later in Durban.

And each of the New Zealand rugby teams had to persevere against two home sides that gave themselves good chances. It was no ‘walk over’ but each of the Kiwi teams showed less ring-rust to perform over 80 minutes.

The combinations thrown were better, as the World Champions each showed the ability to withstand early pressure – the Wallabies led at halftime – before they got their footwork and hands in order, to display better passing and use of the possession, to both come out victorious.

Aussie teams always play with confidence, and the men looked slick at the beginning of the game. One movement in the 65th minute (see below) showed that they could open up the Kiwi line – but it was a fleeting opportunity.

Not quite able to get the return required to put the All Blacks under pressure for long enough, head coach Michael Cheika lamenting the poor option taking. The Aussie women might too be disappointed, after making a game of it right up to the end of the first half. A period in the second half saw more enterprise from them, until two quick tries smothered out any fire left in the Wallaroos group.

But skill levels displayed by all four sides were world class. Full credit to the players and management for the display this week – and the following game in Auckland on August 25.

Black Ferns confirm number one status

Not playing since last Augusts Women’s Rugby World Cup, the New Zealand women gelled immediately. Each team had some issues with dropped ball, but the width of play from the Black Ferns displayed how eager they were to crack the Wallaroos line.

Renee Wickliffe was energetic, and the backline did well to work well on defence too. Only Mahalia Murphy was able to break the line late in the game. The second half was the Aussie teams better 40 minutes, however territorial advantage saw five tries run in by the World Champions.

Aroha Savage, Aldora Itunu and ‘Woman of the Match’ Kendra Cocksedge were among the more impressive Black Ferns, while a hat-trick of tries for captain Fiaa’o Fa’amausili. The pack were tough, with Charmaine Smith and Eloise Blackwell busting through to ‘part the waters’ for the skipper to score. She complemented her team mates post-match;

“But full credit to the girls who set the platform up front. I was just the lucky one at the end of the drive with three tries.”

Wallaroos 11 – Try: Alisha Hewitt; Penalties: Emily Robinson (2)

Black Ferns 31 – Tries: Kendra Cocksedge, Fiao’o Faamausili (3), Aldora Itunu; Conversions: Cocksedge (3)

At the conclusion of the women’s match, the crowd had swelled to around 30,000. During the interval, another 36,000 flooded into ANZ Stadium, before the men competed.

The one-time Olympic venue is a goliath [which New Zealand Rugby would love to have in Auckland] and even while there were some empty seats, the Sydney locals and traveling All Black fans had the rare opportunity to watch both teams play.

Wallabies 13 – Try: Jack Maddocks; Con: Bernard Foley; Pens: Foley, Reece Hodge

All Blacks 38 – Tries:Aaron Smith, Jack Goodhue, Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Waisake Naholo (2); Conversions: Barrett (4)

From the highlights, the final outcome was a clear example of the finishing ability of the All Blacks. Once they overcame the initial struggle against an ambitious Wallabies outfit, it was one way traffic.

They were tested sure, and at times the challenge seemed to be exactly how the Wallabies might be able to place one hand on the Bledisloe Cup – after 15 years being out of their grasp – but the 23 man All Blacks group, soon swiped it back.

‘Not this time mate’ was the clear message given to Michael Hooper and his side.

Returning All Blacks in sensational form

The big smile of Brodie Retallick was clear for all to see. Missing from the team for an extended period, his Super Rugby tryscoring form transferred onto the International field. A commanding display, he will have cemented a place in kiwi folklore for his ability to sidestep and his post-try celebrations.

Captain Kieran Read also returned to the All Blacks, and by his example, he is very near to his best. With a good number of Super Rugby matches under his belt, read was more involved than his replacement Luke Whitelock (not that the Highlander was absent or less forthright) but the New Zealand rugby 2013 Player of the Year is more mobile and involved in play on the edge of the field.

The New Zealand pack had the better of their opponents. Celebrating Sam Whitelock’s 100th test match, the side withstood the efforts of the Aussie men, but their micro skills were vastly better. Missed tackles, lost lineout throws and losing Israel Folau to injury, counted against the Wallabies.

In the end, the two New Zealand rugby teams had more power than the Australian teams. Even if the Wallaroos/Wallabies came in with confidence, a comment on RadioSport that ‘the All Blacks have built a home inside the Wallabies head’. Belief that they can win is not completely established, which is why all teams in The Rugby Championship will find it hard to beat the All Blacks.

As for the Black Ferns, an unbeaten record over the Wallaroos is a comfortable place to be. The All Blacks are as comfortable, but injury to Rieko Ioane and an unfortunate third concussion to Ryan Crotty, will mean the backline will need to be shuffled before the Eden park double-header again celebrates the strength of New Zealand rugby.

“Main photo credit”
Embed from Getty Images

Post Views: 16

Is Kwagga Smith the Elephant in the Springboks Change Room?
Leinster and Wasps to ‘Kick-off’ European Rugby 2018/19 fixtures