Saturday, August 22, 2009
The All Blacks beat the Wallabies to retain the Bledisloe Cup
Trailing 12-3 at half time, the All Blacks came back to score the only try of a fiercely contested match, keeping their hopes alive of contesting the Tri Nations, but effectively destroying the Wallabies hopes for this years tournament.
Maa Nonu scored for the ABs 16 minutes from the end as they came back strongly in the second half, dominating territory and possession, with two tries being disallowed.
Dan Carter was, as expected, vital to the All Blacks as he proved the difference with his calming influence and quality goal kicking.
He is now just 12 points away from Andrew Mehrtens Tri Nations points scoring record of 338.
Australian flyhalf Matt Giteau kicked all of their points, with six penalties from six attempts, but they struggled to create a try to keep them ahead.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry was proud of his players after the tight and tense win.
"I was just very proud of the character shown by the players tonight," Henry told a press conference.
"It was just mental toughness, because we didn't get the roll of the dice.
"The Australians are a very good side and they really stretched us tonight and there was just a feeling of pride after the game for what the guys achieved.
"Our guys showed a huge amount of intestinal fortitude. It just shows the guys have got the guts to hang in and keep going."
"You've just got to keep believing," All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said.
"That was a hell of a test match, we really had to dig deep for that. There were times at the end when we let them back in but that's what test rugby is all about."
Posted at 3:49 pm | 128 comments
|
|
Viewing 128 comments
Minh August 22, 2009 2:51 pm

Go All Blacks!!!
Minh August 22, 2009 2:51 pm

Go All Blacks!!!
creggs08 August 22, 2009 3:04 pm

but credit were it is owed and the ABs deserve it!! they cam eback very well in the 2nd half to win the match!!
good to see carter back!! missed some sitters though but id say hes already out practeing them!!
good luck to him!!
creggs08 August 22, 2009 3:04 pm

but credit were it is owed and the ABs deserve it!! they cam eback very well in the 2nd half to win the match!!
good to see carter back!! missed some sitters though but id say hes already out practeing them!!
good luck to him!!
poopaul August 22, 2009 3:31 pm

The big question is CAN THE ALL BLACKS CATCH THE SPRINGBOKS NOW!!!!?
poopaul August 22, 2009 3:31 pm

The big question is CAN THE ALL BLACKS CATCH THE SPRINGBOKS NOW!!!!?
poopaul August 22, 2009 6:45 pm

poopaul August 22, 2009 6:45 pm

Anonymous August 22, 2009 7:35 pm

Anonymous August 22, 2009 7:35 pm

Huh!! the 3rd August 22, 2009 7:51 pm

Although I was backing Aus, I think ABs winning was better for the competition as they can possibly catch SA. As long as Aus beat them twice that is. Stirlo was a huge loss. Carter looked good overall without having to do much.
So far though, I recall SANZAR fans slamming the 6N for its lack of entertainment, yet we had to wait until the 5th game for a decent match, yet still only 1 try (I know tries aren't everything and don't necessarily make a great game, so please don't accuse me, I am a Munsterman after all. We only started scoring tries recently).
More to do with SA's strategy I guess than anything.
Huh!! the 3rd August 22, 2009 7:51 pm

Although I was backing Aus, I think ABs winning was better for the competition as they can possibly catch SA. As long as Aus beat them twice that is. Stirlo was a huge loss. Carter looked good overall without having to do much.
So far though, I recall SANZAR fans slamming the 6N for its lack of entertainment, yet we had to wait until the 5th game for a decent match, yet still only 1 try (I know tries aren't everything and don't necessarily make a great game, so please don't accuse me, I am a Munsterman after all. We only started scoring tries recently).
More to do with SA's strategy I guess than anything.
goodNumber10 August 22, 2009 8:07 pm

Lot's of passion but I'm sorry some of the handling was very pedestrian for this level, and the young Australian backs went for the chip through on too many occasions.
Having said that great break and pass by sivatu.
Also I have to say the Australian commentators were absolutely dismal, they have no clue about the rules and are so biased.
Love em or hate them at least Barnes and co are pretty even in their comments on all play.
goodNumber10 August 22, 2009 8:07 pm

Lot's of passion but I'm sorry some of the handling was very pedestrian for this level, and the young Australian backs went for the chip through on too many occasions.
Having said that great break and pass by sivatu.
Also I have to say the Australian commentators were absolutely dismal, they have no clue about the rules and are so biased.
Love em or hate them at least Barnes and co are pretty even in their comments on all play.
Anonymous August 22, 2009 10:03 pm

Anonymous August 22, 2009 10:03 pm

Thabo August 22, 2009 11:53 pm

Thabo August 22, 2009 11:53 pm

Swampy August 23, 2009 12:19 am

there has not been one four try bonus point! Everyone says that northern hemisphere rugby is dull but england scored more tries against france in this years six nations than australia and nz put together have scored in the entire tri nations !!! six nations kicks the tri nations pratentious arse!
Swampy August 23, 2009 12:19 am

there has not been one four try bonus point! Everyone says that northern hemisphere rugby is dull but england scored more tries against france in this years six nations than australia and nz put together have scored in the entire tri nations !!! six nations kicks the tri nations pratentious arse!
gregnz August 23, 2009 12:23 am

where are the highlights already?
gregnz August 23, 2009 12:23 am

where are the highlights already?
Wakarua August 23, 2009 1:01 am

This game had mean defense!See how many players had blood all over em..
I would still watch tri nations
(The top 3 teams in the world since agees ago)over 6N anyday
(teams that are: 4,5,7,8,10 and 12 respectively)
Then again, I am from New Zealand
Wakarua August 23, 2009 1:01 am

This game had mean defense!See how many players had blood all over em..
I would still watch tri nations
(The top 3 teams in the world since agees ago)over 6N anyday
(teams that are: 4,5,7,8,10 and 12 respectively)
Then again, I am from New Zealand
jack August 23, 2009 1:12 am

jack August 23, 2009 1:12 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 2:06 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 2:06 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 2:39 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 2:39 am

Elliot August 23, 2009 3:10 am

Elliot August 23, 2009 3:10 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 5:48 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 5:48 am

Cheesekiwi August 23, 2009 6:32 am

As for the slamming on the Tri-Nations because of the few tries scored, it's because the defences are way better than the 6N defences and tries are harder to come by, which makes them only more spectacular to me.
Cheesekiwi August 23, 2009 6:32 am

As for the slamming on the Tri-Nations because of the few tries scored, it's because the defences are way better than the 6N defences and tries are harder to come by, which makes them only more spectacular to me.
Dave August 23, 2009 6:33 am

NOW, when the Tri Nations has extremely tight defence and rock solid tackling, you moan about it being boring because there's a lack of tries.
How dumb is that?? lol pathetic really.
I thought this particular game wasn't brilliant though, but an exciting ending nevertheless. Class shown by Sivivatu for that try.
Dave August 23, 2009 6:33 am

NOW, when the Tri Nations has extremely tight defence and rock solid tackling, you moan about it being boring because there's a lack of tries.
How dumb is that?? lol pathetic really.
I thought this particular game wasn't brilliant though, but an exciting ending nevertheless. Class shown by Sivivatu for that try.
Dave August 23, 2009 7:44 am

Dave August 23, 2009 7:44 am

goodNumber10 August 23, 2009 8:18 am

Most of the scoring opportunities, and there was plenty of them actually, were wasted because of bad attacking play. Poor passes behind the man taking the pace off the attack, or miss passes when they were not needed and a draw and pass was.
Look at the forward pass to Crter as a great example of bad attacking play. And the Aussie kicking it into touch rather then infield for the chasers etc... etc...
In fact Nonu's try came directly from very poor defence, 4 men falling off sivivatu.
The best defence I've seen in this 3n has been SA, they have been huge - but then that's been their game plan for the last 3-4 years, pressure positions big defence.
This game was just poor on execution end of.
I'm not having a go, i enjoy SH rugby as much as NH, but this year both the Super 14 and the 3N has been poor. Especially compared to the ferocity of things like the Lions tour and the Heineken cup.
It's just a bad year nothing more it will be different when they tour in the autumn.
goodNumber10 August 23, 2009 8:18 am

Most of the scoring opportunities, and there was plenty of them actually, were wasted because of bad attacking play. Poor passes behind the man taking the pace off the attack, or miss passes when they were not needed and a draw and pass was.
Look at the forward pass to Crter as a great example of bad attacking play. And the Aussie kicking it into touch rather then infield for the chasers etc... etc...
In fact Nonu's try came directly from very poor defence, 4 men falling off sivivatu.
The best defence I've seen in this 3n has been SA, they have been huge - but then that's been their game plan for the last 3-4 years, pressure positions big defence.
This game was just poor on execution end of.
I'm not having a go, i enjoy SH rugby as much as NH, but this year both the Super 14 and the 3N has been poor. Especially compared to the ferocity of things like the Lions tour and the Heineken cup.
It's just a bad year nothing more it will be different when they tour in the autumn.
Anonymous August 23, 2009 8:59 am

That can't be good having the two starting centers injured for the rest of the tri-nations...
Donald 10 Carter 12 then?
Anonymous August 23, 2009 8:59 am

That can't be good having the two starting centers injured for the rest of the tri-nations...
Donald 10 Carter 12 then?
goodNumber10 August 23, 2009 9:10 am

not a bad option to be honest... carter is a good 12, and it'll help bring Donald on having his guiding hand outside him.
goodNumber10 August 23, 2009 9:10 am

not a bad option to be honest... carter is a good 12, and it'll help bring Donald on having his guiding hand outside him.
Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:29 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:29 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:32 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:32 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:36 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:36 am

Anonymous August 23, 2009 2:46 pm

Anonymous August 23, 2009 2:46 pm

realrugby August 23, 2009 2:48 pm

@ poopaul - Yes. Rokocoko's gotta be out now, doesn't he? That open field break he had in the 2nd half - The Joe Rokocoko of a few years ago would have scored that himself, but instead he throws a bad pass. Sad to see, but he's on his way down.
McAlister's 'debut' alongside Carter turned out to be a complete disaster for him. He couldn't run down the field without slamming his face into somebody. Wakarua, is that what he learned by not playing defense in the NH? Lead with your face? Him and Smith are both out for the rest of the Tri-Nations.
It'll be interesting to see Donald at 10, Carter at 12 and Nonu at 13??? If that's what they end up doing? Maybe they bring Toeava back, or somebody else at reserves, too. We'll see.
Great game.
realrugby August 23, 2009 2:48 pm

@ poopaul - Yes. Rokocoko's gotta be out now, doesn't he? That open field break he had in the 2nd half - The Joe Rokocoko of a few years ago would have scored that himself, but instead he throws a bad pass. Sad to see, but he's on his way down.
McAlister's 'debut' alongside Carter turned out to be a complete disaster for him. He couldn't run down the field without slamming his face into somebody. Wakarua, is that what he learned by not playing defense in the NH? Lead with your face? Him and Smith are both out for the rest of the Tri-Nations.
It'll be interesting to see Donald at 10, Carter at 12 and Nonu at 13??? If that's what they end up doing? Maybe they bring Toeava back, or somebody else at reserves, too. We'll see.
Great game.
Canadian Content August 23, 2009 2:53 pm

Even though the Lions, a NH side, are the only side to pushed the Boks and actually beaten them (a second string side for both).
Nonu has to start, McAlister is an overated pretty boy anyway.
Ok, this neautral has taken too much of your time already.
Canadian Content August 23, 2009 2:53 pm

Even though the Lions, a NH side, are the only side to pushed the Boks and actually beaten them (a second string side for both).
Nonu has to start, McAlister is an overated pretty boy anyway.
Ok, this neautral has taken too much of your time already.
Anonymous August 23, 2009 2:56 pm

Anonymous August 23, 2009 2:56 pm

Smith August 23, 2009 5:05 pm

So far, in the 3N, there have been multiple defenders making a tackle and making it difficult to offload. It dampens the running game, but it's also showed some great examples of rucking and counter-rucking.
The teams started to get it right when they played the quick ball out of the breakdown.
Smith August 23, 2009 5:05 pm

So far, in the 3N, there have been multiple defenders making a tackle and making it difficult to offload. It dampens the running game, but it's also showed some great examples of rucking and counter-rucking.
The teams started to get it right when they played the quick ball out of the breakdown.
Smith August 23, 2009 5:17 pm

Admittedly, I only get the chance to watch NH games most of the time, but I feel like in the NH, that would've been a yellow card. Are those kinds of calls less prevalent in the SH?
As a side note, I hate seeing cards, or penalties for that matter, but this instance seemed to merit it.
Smith August 23, 2009 5:17 pm

Admittedly, I only get the chance to watch NH games most of the time, but I feel like in the NH, that would've been a yellow card. Are those kinds of calls less prevalent in the SH?
As a side note, I hate seeing cards, or penalties for that matter, but this instance seemed to merit it.
goodNumber10 August 23, 2009 5:17 pm

The IRB's rules say people shouldn't pass the ball to hand, and should make school boy errors?
LOL!!
I forget what a great success the SH backed ELV we're.
*thumbs up*
goodNumber10 August 23, 2009 5:17 pm

The IRB's rules say people shouldn't pass the ball to hand, and should make school boy errors?
LOL!!
I forget what a great success the SH backed ELV we're.
*thumbs up*
Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:39 pm

Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:39 pm

Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:45 pm

Anonymous August 23, 2009 11:45 pm

Carl August 24, 2009 2:09 am

Carl August 24, 2009 2:09 am

Bill August 24, 2009 2:15 am

I just watch the game, and try to apreciate and judge it on what it is.
For people from the NH saying that the 3-nations is poor, the main difference between this year and last is the long arm penalties, which has slowed down the game and means less attacking rugby.
In regards to the defense, it was massive from both sides, and if you can't see that, you're blinded by your bias.
It's truly absurd when NH people say that if SH teams score tries and play attacking rugby, the defense must be terrible. When the games are tight and low scoring affairs, it must mean the attack is terrible.
We just sit in bemusment and shake our heads. I mean you guys realise we are the three best teams inr ugby right? That we really, really don't need any advice or critisism from nations well below us on the rankings?
That we just laugh at your obsession with telling us we can't tackle, right before we go out and tackle the crap out of your national teams?
Bill August 24, 2009 2:15 am

I just watch the game, and try to apreciate and judge it on what it is.
For people from the NH saying that the 3-nations is poor, the main difference between this year and last is the long arm penalties, which has slowed down the game and means less attacking rugby.
In regards to the defense, it was massive from both sides, and if you can't see that, you're blinded by your bias.
It's truly absurd when NH people say that if SH teams score tries and play attacking rugby, the defense must be terrible. When the games are tight and low scoring affairs, it must mean the attack is terrible.
We just sit in bemusment and shake our heads. I mean you guys realise we are the three best teams inr ugby right? That we really, really don't need any advice or critisism from nations well below us on the rankings?
That we just laugh at your obsession with telling us we can't tackle, right before we go out and tackle the crap out of your national teams?
J.P August 24, 2009 3:14 am

How can you NH fans come and judge our Compo.Your performances are dreadful and rubbish.Leave the tri nations for the big boys and enjoy your mediocre teams in your mediocre compo.
J.P August 24, 2009 3:14 am

How can you NH fans come and judge our Compo.Your performances are dreadful and rubbish.Leave the tri nations for the big boys and enjoy your mediocre teams in your mediocre compo.
Lennox August 24, 2009 3:49 am

Cards are not popular down here for the most part. It's not used like it is in Europe, where you'll see one every other game, if not more.
It's better that way, the ref has less say in the outcome and it's less like soccer.
Lennox August 24, 2009 3:49 am

Cards are not popular down here for the most part. It's not used like it is in Europe, where you'll see one every other game, if not more.
It's better that way, the ref has less say in the outcome and it's less like soccer.
goodNumber10 August 24, 2009 5:02 am

all the SH guys getting a semi-lob on about the NH guys, when no one sensible has ACTUALLY SAID THE NH WAS BETTER!!!!
Idiots.
People are just saying this years S14 & 3N's has been poor in comparison.
If you can't see that's true then you're more pig eyed then the guys you're accusing of being pig eyed.
So stop crying in your beer and trying to defend lackluster performances. It's a fact that NZ & Oz have hardly had seasons to remember in ether S14 or 3N's.
Get over it and be objective in your views, this game had intensity yes, but everything else was not good.
Bad attacking play & bad defence. Please stop saying because there was one or two big hits and a little claret there was "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwesome defence", there wasn't the defences were out of alignment on many occasions and there could have been 4-5 try's if not for bad passing.
It's a shame but SA are head and shoulders above the other teams right now, and NZ and OZ are having poor seasons. But i think that's mainly down to re-building ahead of 2011, all teams go through it.
goodNumber10 August 24, 2009 5:02 am

all the SH guys getting a semi-lob on about the NH guys, when no one sensible has ACTUALLY SAID THE NH WAS BETTER!!!!
Idiots.
People are just saying this years S14 & 3N's has been poor in comparison.
If you can't see that's true then you're more pig eyed then the guys you're accusing of being pig eyed.
So stop crying in your beer and trying to defend lackluster performances. It's a fact that NZ & Oz have hardly had seasons to remember in ether S14 or 3N's.
Get over it and be objective in your views, this game had intensity yes, but everything else was not good.
Bad attacking play & bad defence. Please stop saying because there was one or two big hits and a little claret there was "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwesome defence", there wasn't the defences were out of alignment on many occasions and there could have been 4-5 try's if not for bad passing.
It's a shame but SA are head and shoulders above the other teams right now, and NZ and OZ are having poor seasons. But i think that's mainly down to re-building ahead of 2011, all teams go through it.
Anonymous August 24, 2009 5:57 am

Anonymous August 24, 2009 5:57 am

Bill August 24, 2009 6:35 am

South Africa have clearly the best team in rugby at the moment.
NZ and Aus aren't at their standard currently.
But they aren't playing particularly badly.
They are struggling a bit to change back to the old stiff arm rules. The game has gone back to kick-chase-bash as the most winning tactic.
And the defence is this game was at times heroic. For you to say it was rubbish is another load of bollocks.
The All Blacks are not easy to defend to, especially not with Carter leading them around, it was amazing how Aus kept them out time and again on their own line, before finally cracking under the pressure.
Mate, keep your negative garbage to yourself.
Bill August 24, 2009 6:35 am

South Africa have clearly the best team in rugby at the moment.
NZ and Aus aren't at their standard currently.
But they aren't playing particularly badly.
They are struggling a bit to change back to the old stiff arm rules. The game has gone back to kick-chase-bash as the most winning tactic.
And the defence is this game was at times heroic. For you to say it was rubbish is another load of bollocks.
The All Blacks are not easy to defend to, especially not with Carter leading them around, it was amazing how Aus kept them out time and again on their own line, before finally cracking under the pressure.
Mate, keep your negative garbage to yourself.
Anonymous August 24, 2009 7:22 am

Anonymous August 24, 2009 7:22 am

sebastian August 24, 2009 8:20 am

sebastian August 24, 2009 8:20 am

Anonymous August 24, 2009 8:50 am

Anonymous August 24, 2009 8:50 am

Anonymous August 24, 2009 8:58 am

Anonymous August 24, 2009 8:58 am

themull August 24, 2009 9:17 am

Two All Blacks went off their feet and one of these was coming in from the side too....Maybe I;m wrong I wint no ref or antin but thatys how I saw it...
themull August 24, 2009 9:17 am

Two All Blacks went off their feet and one of these was coming in from the side too....Maybe I;m wrong I wint no ref or antin but thatys how I saw it...
Kenny August 24, 2009 9:42 am

Kenny August 24, 2009 9:42 am

Dave August 24, 2009 11:19 am

If it's slow and boring and uncreative, PLUS no tries are scored, that's crappy.
That's sometimes the difference between the tri nations and six nations though. Entertainment isnt down to tries scored, but intensity.. at times.
One thing I do know, is the Tri Nations is always intense.
Dave August 24, 2009 11:19 am

If it's slow and boring and uncreative, PLUS no tries are scored, that's crappy.
That's sometimes the difference between the tri nations and six nations though. Entertainment isnt down to tries scored, but intensity.. at times.
One thing I do know, is the Tri Nations is always intense.
cnutmeister August 24, 2009 12:05 pm

cnutmeister August 24, 2009 12:05 pm

pingpongjon August 24, 2009 1:32 pm

pingpongjon August 24, 2009 1:32 pm

Freddy August 24, 2009 1:33 pm

Freddy August 24, 2009 1:33 pm

Huh!! the 3rd August 24, 2009 1:38 pm

NZ seem to have an aversion to DGs. The second test against SA just before Half time when the hooter had sounded should have lead to one, but Donald didn't have the balls, SA went down the other side and got a penalty and went in at the break effectively 6 points better off.
It might be cheap points when your leading, but when your playing catch up against unrelenting defenses, take what you can.
At Munster v London Irish Friday night, Irish were making a comeback and a lovely snap drop from 35m brought them back to within 2 converted tries. They didn't win, but after scoring a late try gave the match a good semi-tight finale.
Huh!! the 3rd August 24, 2009 1:38 pm

NZ seem to have an aversion to DGs. The second test against SA just before Half time when the hooter had sounded should have lead to one, but Donald didn't have the balls, SA went down the other side and got a penalty and went in at the break effectively 6 points better off.
It might be cheap points when your leading, but when your playing catch up against unrelenting defenses, take what you can.
At Munster v London Irish Friday night, Irish were making a comeback and a lovely snap drop from 35m brought them back to within 2 converted tries. They didn't win, but after scoring a late try gave the match a good semi-tight finale.
goodNumber10 August 24, 2009 5:48 pm

Besides you've basically agreed with me in your first statement, then moaned about my views in your second.
I mean it's not like I'm slagging them is it? I'm just saying on previous form they are not playing well, and this was well below what I'd expect form two class teams such as these.
but hey ho, opinions and A holes eh?
goodNumber10 August 24, 2009 5:48 pm

Besides you've basically agreed with me in your first statement, then moaned about my views in your second.
I mean it's not like I'm slagging them is it? I'm just saying on previous form they are not playing well, and this was well below what I'd expect form two class teams such as these.
but hey ho, opinions and A holes eh?
Anonymous August 25, 2009 9:46 pm

1) SPRINGBOKS (SH)
2) ALL BLACKS (SH)
3) OZ (SH)
.....ENOUGH SAID!
Anonymous August 25, 2009 9:46 pm

1) SPRINGBOKS (SH)
2) ALL BLACKS (SH)
3) OZ (SH)
.....ENOUGH SAID!
Anonymous August 25, 2009 9:49 pm

Anonymous August 25, 2009 9:49 pm

Anonymous August 25, 2009 10:04 pm

Anonymous August 25, 2009 10:04 pm

Anonymous August 25, 2009 10:06 pm

Anonymous August 25, 2009 10:06 pm

Anonymous August 26, 2009 4:36 pm

They've played each other so many times its obvious they know everyone too well.. as can be seen by the lower scorelines and games with largely unimaginative forward play. Great to see rugby may be in the olympics (hopes), at least we'll see fresh talent..just can't believe its that far away
Anonymous August 26, 2009 4:36 pm

They've played each other so many times its obvious they know everyone too well.. as can be seen by the lower scorelines and games with largely unimaginative forward play. Great to see rugby may be in the olympics (hopes), at least we'll see fresh talent..just can't believe its that far away
Anonymous August 27, 2009 12:13 pm

Anonymous August 27, 2009 12:13 pm
















Commenting as Guest | Register or Login