Sunday, October 21, 2012
Wallabies hold All Blacks to dramatic draw as record goes begging
The All Blacks came within inches of equalling the top-tier world record of 17 consecutive Test wins as they drew 18-18 with a determined Wallaby side at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Dan Carter's drop goal attempt deep in added time sailed wide.
The current record is shared by the only two top-tier teams to have ever won 17 games in a row, the 1997-1998 Springboks and the 1965-1969 All Blacks. Lithuania hold the overall record (not tier-one or tier-two), but currently Cyprus need just three wins to match that feat.
It was an incredible end to a game of rugby that was tryless, as both sides kicked six penalties each before the Wallabies threw everything into it with time up, but were penalised after 23 phases.
The All Blacks could have kicked the ball out and taken the draw but skipper Richie McCaw called a scrum instead. What ensued was a frantic few minutes that ended with Carter's missed drop kick.
"We're really, really disappointed, too many avoidable penalties, too many avoidable mistakes," said Steve Hansen. "It was probably one of the ugliest games of rugby I've seen. But to play as poorly as we did and still manage to show the character and tenacity to get the draw was pleasing."
This was the third Bledisloe Cup game, which the All Blacks already claimed with their two previous encounters that formed part of the Rugby Championship. They've help the trophy since 2003.
Note: The highlights have now been updated with a better version
Posted at 11:43 am | 20 comments
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Viewing 20 comments
Dr Pain October 21, 2012 5:45 pm
Murina October 21, 2012 5:46 pm
Ok, I'm ready for the howls of derision now....
stroudos October 22, 2012 7:49 am
Jon October 22, 2012 12:33 pm
JG October 21, 2012 9:34 pm
Ponyboy October 21, 2012 10:18 pm
Tc October 21, 2012 11:08 pm
Ottawa Rugger October 22, 2012 12:37 am
Canadian content October 22, 2012 4:55 am
Funny how DC is considered the greatest of all time at his position but he couldn't match Jonny for match winning heroics in a similar situation.
Got admit I was cheering for the ABS when they were going for it at the end, they really went for it.
UpandAway October 22, 2012 6:30 am
Struck me for what it was; an essentially meaningless match (17 straight aside) after a long season and the AB's were lacking 5% of focus and the usual patience...... you could see the laziness in the play. Instead of doing the hard work of building the phases they'd instead go for a hail mary pass after only a couple........ Instead of defending strongly and resolutely someone would take the easy option and give away a penalty. Lazy rugby from a team of players who mentally switched off.
Happens often, best not to dwell on it.
Guy October 22, 2012 1:53 pm
Good luck to you guys! I like the fact that one of the 'smaller' rugby nations will keep the record for some time, wether it's Lithuania or Cyprus.
Go for it!
Izzy October 22, 2012 12:47 pm
Thrilling end though, what other team would've opted for a scrum in their own 22?. The All Blacks just ran it straight back into the Wallabies half with ease, but all that hardwork then Carter misses from right in front lol..
Rugbydump October 22, 2012 5:38 pm
markjohnconley October 28, 2012 4:45 am
markjohnconley October 28, 2012 4:45 am
markjohnconley October 29, 2012 2:51 am
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