Sunday, June 15, 2008
New Zealand punish England 37-20 in Auckland
One positive for England was debutant winger Topsy Ojo touching down twice with two well taken tries, but in reality, neither came from great English play.
We're disappointed with the end result and really, when you analyze it, they were better with the ball than we were and that was the difference,'' Rob Andrew, tour coach and England's elite rugby director, told the BBC.
England took an early 6-3 lead after a powerful start from the forwards which saw Olly Barkley kicking two penalties either side of Carter's first score. New Zealand then took control as Conrad Smith and Carter touched down during an 11-minute period during which the hosts scored 20 points.
It was clinical finishing by the All Blacks, who scored some classy tries, making the defence look amateurish, with Maa Nonu in particular enjoying running at Charlie Hodgson.
The late try by Ojo improved a score that perhaps threatened to get out of control at one stage, but the victory was there for the men in black, who controlled things from virtually ten minutes into the game after seeing off the English powerful onslaught.
"The boys agree this was the most physical game of the year so far," All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said. "It was a tough test. Parts of our game were good. We took some opportunities when we got them and overall we're happy."
The second test is at Christchurch next Saturday, where England will surely have to work hard on their defence if they want to keep out the pace and power of the New Zealand backs in particular.
Note: All the tries from the game are included in this clip.
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All Blacks Haka vs England - 1st Test
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All Blacks Haka vs England - 1st Test
Posted at 10:34 am | 46 comments
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Viewing 46 comments
ed June 15, 2008 9:18 am
england were completely outclassed, epic performance by the all blacks. tho i think england can take some positives out of it. btw nonus break was amazing but his passs to muliaina was a mile forward, love the nz commentary to it "nothing wrong with the pass, flat at best" ha!
Brian June 15, 2008 9:23 am
ahaha yea I hear you about nonu. I think they should of started with Tait at full back personally. I think that Brown was too slow atleast this match. Strettle put in a very electric peformance alongside ojo. Tindal hodgson and barkely never really got it together quite frankly. My proposed next team:10. Barkley11. Strettle12. Noon13. Tait14. Ojo15. Balshaw (HA) -- i mean Brown
David June 15, 2008 10:27 am
say what you like about those English, but their forwards can mix it with anyone.
Sharky June 15, 2008 10:36 am
Yeah I thought Ian Jones (I think it was him) saying 'nothing wrong with the pass' sounded pretty much Clinton saying 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman'.But anyway, great break, lethal as always in the midfield. Good to see him playing well. At the start I thought we were seeing a special performance by England, and as a neutral, it was disappointing that they couldn't stay in the game. Well done AB's. Not the most convincing, but some classic tries nevertheless. That kick through for Smith's try was superb, as was the bounce. :)
gfhmon June 15, 2008 11:15 am
I thought Conrad Smith was outstanding in that match. I honestly think he could be the key to NZs success at the World Cup. Hope he stays fit. And I didn't really think England were that bad considering its the end of the season, theres no real cohesion and its not really the strongest team. The commentary was awful 'at best'.
KILL KILL KILL YOUR June 15, 2008 11:35 am
Hodgson= woeful defence. Brown = slow. We just need to find players who can fill the voids displayed by both of these players, i mean they are good at club level but at internationals it's not good enough. I would feel much more confident with Tait at fullback, Barkley at 10 and Flood at 12 because they have all displayed strong defence at international level and tait, although with little fullback experience, is gas and could mould well into the position for the future, I know perhaps he shouldn't start agains't the AB's but he has to start somewhere.
Osprey Rich June 15, 2008 12:31 pm
Is it Tindall with the two footed lunge at Conrad Smith during the first try, pretty poor if it was. England as usual solid up front but clueless behind. The speed of handling from Nonu et all was fantastic. He seems to have got his head together as far as discipline goes. Both Englands tries were lucky but finished off well, great debut for Topsy Ojo. I really hope Cipriani comes back because with out him the future looks a bit bleak for England.
Sharky June 15, 2008 12:57 pm
Sorry gfhmon, but it's not exactly New Zealand's strongest side either! lol
el ninio June 15, 2008 1:27 pm
did any1 notice anthonay tuitukae (spelt wrong)sick defense he wqas making big hits all match
decepti0n June 15, 2008 1:45 pm
Hah yeah, Tuitavake had some massive hits, especially one where he came flying in on someone trying to struggle to their feet
macrod June 15, 2008 3:22 pm
England simply never in the game apart from first 5 min. Never mind at least Scotland won good bet for next RWC
Anonymous June 15, 2008 3:35 pm
smh @ the one-eyed NZ commentator saying Nonu's pass was 'flat' and that he's stepped up his distributionthe pass was 2 metres forward!
Anonymous June 15, 2008 3:37 pm
a seecond/third string England side with a backline who'd never played together before v a NZ first team + the ref in their pocket.
Evo June 15, 2008 4:02 pm
I don't see why the commentator is saying Care's kick was "a nothing kick" he saw the space was there and went for it. I never knew that Ojo was that quick! He really left Sivivatu behind for his first try.
Rancid June 15, 2008 4:14 pm
Not the best result, but there's a few positives to be taken from the game.Where is Simpson Daniel, does anyone know? He's not injured is he?
flyingoutside June 15, 2008 4:52 pm
Simpson-Danial is injured last i saw.And hodgson should be brought out to a field and shot
halfback999 June 15, 2008 4:53 pm
I agree with Evo about Care's kick...how is it a "nothing kick"? Sivivatu was clearly out of position and was punished for it. Brilliant, heads-up, rugby in my opinion
Chazza June 15, 2008 5:26 pm
Dave I think that he is around the high ten secs early elevens, around 10.9 he is pretty fast.
adedayo adebayo June 15, 2008 5:47 pm
I always love it how most England supporters expect wins as soon as a team is announced. Give it time and this team could be as good as Woodwards Warriors of 03. The two England tries showed they can make the most of the oppositions mistakes, they just need to be able to create their own. Positives can be drawn. Remember as well, they didn't get any talking to at half time from Johnno. Just wait for Autumn internationals and six nations. Cipriani will only add to the side. Charlie Hodgson is a great club player, just like Andy Goode, but hes not an international performer. Its a shame but its true. I'm looking forward to seeing the line-up for next Saturday. At least England really know what they're up against.
joe June 15, 2008 5:55 pm
isnt commentary meant to be unbiased? there's no way that could be described as unbiased, how the ref didnt see that pass i dont know. NZ deserved to win mind
Anonymous June 15, 2008 7:38 pm
As a New Zealander even I have to comment about the forwards of England, they were dominating us from all angles. If it weren't for our highly experienced world class backs we would not of had a hope in hell in that game.
Anonymous June 15, 2008 7:40 pm
gfhmon said... I thought Conrad Smith was outstanding in that match. I honestly think he could be the key to NZs success at the World Cup. Hope he stays fit. And I didn't really think England were that bad considering its the end of the season, theres no real cohesion and its not really the strongest team. The commentary was awful 'at best'.You seem to be forgetting that the All Blacks have lost 10 players since our 2007 world cup campaign, and not just bench players. Nick Evans, Luke Mcalister, Doug Howlett, Carl Haymen, Aaron Mauger and Chris Jack to name a few.
englishrose June 15, 2008 9:50 pm
to be fair, nz lost half those players cos european club rugbys so much better, ur fault really. and saturdays team was far from englands strongest. havin to play hodgson instead of cipriani is like nz playin richie mcaw at fly- half, hopeless. bt even comin from an englishman, nice to see nonu playin well, and not gettin binned which makes a nice change.
noizy June 15, 2008 10:32 pm
...the pass was 2 metres forward!Well, yes, but it was thrown backwards out of Nonu's hands. The ball travelled forwards thanks to momentum. This isn't a forward pass. See this video for a practical demonstration.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgMlDy2jP9s
View Video
View Video
Angry Fan June 15, 2008 10:48 pm
Tell you what would be interesting... the england pack and the Saxons backline, would be an improvement on the dross going forward Saturday. How many times can the all blacks get away with cheating also, its like any referee that does there games gets selective vision. McCaw was rucking on the england side at one point!
Anonymous June 16, 2008 12:30 am
I'm a from Nz and I thought it was a alright game but I have to admit that the ref gave the All Blacks a good head start with some of his stupid calls.37-20 is a bit of a thrashing but it could of been more but I think the English done good to keep the All Blacks at bay for the last 10-15min.
boomshanka June 16, 2008 12:46 am
+ves for England were the lineouts , some occasional forward play and Topsy Ojo (great name).The rest was All Black ... England showed a lack of desire (esp in the backline).If they sort that out next weekend should be a fantastic confrontation.go the ABs
Chazza June 16, 2008 4:37 am
English Rose, I am sure that Richie Mccaw is better than you in fly half he is a great all round player. true Hodsgon isnt the best england have to offer but againts one of the worlds best teams he was alright, execpt his defense that was crap.
Don June 16, 2008 5:55 am
Topsy Ojo...nigerian by birthHA! Had to put it out there...YAH!
hackneygriffin June 16, 2008 9:06 am
Don what's your point?Far more positives from an English point of view than the scoreline would suggest. The back row were fantastic, every bit as good as their opposite numbers. And the set piece was top class. Re-watching it really highlights how useless Hodgson was in defence, really let the team down. Would have been interesting if McCaw had seen yellow for his ridiculous killing of English ball in the first half, and if there had been a little more consistency from the referee. But really with a gaping hole in your defensive line and players like Nonu (momentum is one thing... but that pass was a mile forward, and after the world cup whining about forward passes that came from NZ it's a bit fucking rich to dismiss it) and Thorne who only need half an invitation anyway England were always going to be in trouble. The restart was key. The AB's really nailed these and England failed to cope with Carter's high balls or put pressure on after their own kicks. Needs addressing in the week.
Anonymous June 16, 2008 10:28 am
topsy ojo didn't half take his chance aint nigerian by birth was born in tottenham london nigerian parents but didnt he burn mils and sivivato finaly englnad have a finisher
Anonymous June 16, 2008 5:44 pm
I'll start by pointing out that im english, great game by NZ but oh my the consistency from the referee was so poor could have been a ccouple of yellows for nz, some of the pens at the breakdown against england were a joke.I am not saying that had they been diffren that england would have won Nz out classed england in the backs but as a forward myself its just so annoying to see all that work by the pack go to wast due some bad calls by the ref and shocking back line play (if you can call it play) by england.Lets hope its barkley at 10 and flood at 12 for next weeks game, oh and please tait for 15 !
Anonymous June 16, 2008 5:49 pm
oh and one last one lol Care instead of wigglesworth!(if hod's not playing then theres np need for wiggles to be there to hold his hand)
Anonymous June 16, 2008 7:35 pm
Nonu's pass is forward. As always, the ABs score a try with a forward pass, and the referee doesn't give a fuck...
Anonymous June 16, 2008 7:38 pm
englishrose said... to be fair, nz lost half those players cos european club rugbys so much better, ur fault really. and saturdays team was far from englands strongest. havin to play hodgson instead of cipriani is like nz playin richie mcaw at fly- half, hopeless. bt even comin from an englishman, nice to see nonu playin well, and not gettin binned which makes a nice change.June 15, 2008 11:50 PMWhat do you mean? You lost two players, Wilkinson and Cipriani, which is one position you lost out on and you're saying that England wasn't at full strength? If we had all our All Blacks back and lost only Daniel Carter the score would be a lot higher than 37-20, infact I wouldn't be in the least bit suprised if it was more than 60-0.Your comment on that our clubs suck? Crusaders (my home team, was born in Christchurch) are the best provincial team in the world, most of the All Blacks come from there and we have the highest success rate of any tournaments (7 out of 12 wins). So we are far from useless.
durrie June 17, 2008 9:05 am
Hahaha...Noizy, thanks for the physics lesson dude but this is a rugby blog...rules is rules and Nonu's pass was forward...http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/LawsRegs/0/LAW12_4526.pdfAB's showed their class out back once again but the pack were abysmal at times and need to work heavily on the lineouts.England had plenty to be encouraged by IMO...all they need is a 10 who can tackle and a propper fullback and there was nothing in that game...The ref was all over the shop IMO. Thought Sheridan's yellow was harsh but the ref's inconsistency there after was the worst part with AB's making the exact same infringement many times after Sheridan was binned and some were not even penalised...???
Anonymous June 17, 2008 2:23 pm
Anonymous said... What do you mean? You lost two players, Wilkinson and Cipriani,______________________________ok before you say somthing i think you should know what your talking about these are afew players who are out of the england squad for NZ due to injurys. . .. . Nick EasterPhil Vickery Simon ShawDan HipkissPaul SackeyLewis Moody Josh Lewsey James Simpson-Daniel oh AND Wilkinson and Cipriani.And thats just of the top of my head. .. so just a few more then 2. . . . .
Anonymous June 18, 2008 8:35 am
a seecond/third string England side with a backline who'd never played together before Ah this was only the 2nd time this AB backline had been together as prev either smith and nonu were paired with Tana in the midfield not togetherv a NZ first team injury: Tony Woodcock, Bren lenard, Jo RokFrom RWC (as unlike Eng this is our first test series since): Aaron Mauger, Jerry Collins, Luke Mc, Chris Jack, Anton Oliver, Carl Haymen, Doug H, Byron KWith 716,505 reg players over 1900 clubs (Eng) vs 136,059 over 173 clubs (NZ)you should be able to fill that team 10x over+ the ref in their pocket.Ref was definately rubbish but neither team was innocent at the breakdown hence the 2 yellow cards
Anonymous June 18, 2008 11:36 am
ok before you say somthing i think you should know what your talking about these are afew players who are out of the england squad for NZ due to injurys. . .. . Nick EasterPhil Vickery Simon ShawDan HipkissPaul SackeyLewis Moody Josh Lewsey James Simpson-Daniel oh AND Wilkinson and Cipriani.And thats just of the top of my head. .. so just a few more then 2. . . . .Half those players don't even start, which means they arn't important to the squad. We lost our main squad, the majority of our STARTING squad. The only important player you lost was Phil Vickery.
Ave88 June 18, 2008 8:39 pm
Smith has been an outstanding center for years now. I think he doesnt get enough credit, he really is very good. probably in the top 3 best outside centers in the world.
Johnny Wilinson June 20, 2008 8:28 am
you poms do realise the game was well and truly over before nonu strolled thru ur so called defence at the start of the 2nd half? Go home and don't bother comming back, we will come to Twikenhem later in the year and roll yous in front of 'her majesty'
DUDENESS June 25, 2008 8:17 am
few things to say:-i was at this game, BLOODY AWESOME-that pass was not forward-england, stop complaining about losing players to injury, you europeans are buying away our talent: nick evans, carl hayman, chris jack, luke mcalister, doug howlett, anton oliver, aaron mauger and byron kelleher.-pissed off that adam thomson and jimmy cowan didn't play. adam thomson has the skills of a flanker and the speed of a winger, it shuda bin 6. thomson 7. mccaw 8. so'oialo, kaino or lauaki. also andy ellis takes too long to get the ball out, he gets tackled too often whereas jimmy cowan gets rid of it quick and is scary.-the guy behind me was SOO angry that stephen donald was coming on :P
Anonymous August 06, 2008 7:32 am
The laws of rugby (and league) allow a flat pass to move forward in flight due to the momentum of the passer ... this is the law under which Nonu's pass falls and which makes it a legitimate pass. It was a close call but a fair one.
jonno March 30, 2009 8:34 pm
you seem to forget that because there is only 4 or 5 teams per country in the super 14, there is bound to be better quality. some teams in england dont have a single international player where as in nz/aus/rsa, you have about 5 or 6 regular internationals to the best teams in the world per club!
Anonymous June 11, 2011 11:24 am
ummm, all those english players who were injured or not playing that you named area all first 22 players who make a big difference, josh lewsey was probably top 3 best fullbacks in the world at the time....
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