IN INFLICTING on gallant Wales their 21st consecutive test rugby loss against them since 1953, the All Blacks looked vulnerable despite their 19-12 winning score at Cardiff on Sunday.
While it was Dan Carter’s boot that crowned Andrew Hore’s sole try with 14 points, it was not an impeccable match from the Cantabrian maestro who punted too much first half possession away and suffered a couple of handling blues.
Instead it was others such as Hore, Brad Thorn and Conrad Smith who raised their game under Richie McCaw’s leadership to finally quell the fire of the Welsh dragon, as New Zealand tackled like demons.
Back to his busy best, Hore’s driving try capped a lively all round game by a hooker whose lineout throws found their targets on a day Thorn’s powerful running and tackling demonstrated how important his physicality is to the team cause.
While others like Ali Williams, Chris Jack and Isaac Ross jump higher, none of them have the 34-year-old Thorn’s immense power in scrum and general play.
There was also much to enthuse about the rock-like midfield defence of Ma’a Nonu and Smith, with the latter also making a couple of sharp breaks and being unlucky to be denied a try.
Smith is not the fastest centre in international rugby but remains among the smartest and one of the better tacklers.
The Wales test also represented a splendid All Blacks debut for 20-year-old left wing Zac Guildford, while highlighting once more right wing Cory Jane’s security under the high ball.
Although the All Blacks demonstrated a pleasingly fierce defence, Carter’s kicking obsession in the first half denied his outside backs attacking chances.
In the end one try was poor reward, even acknowledging the courage and commitment of a Welsh team that has prospered under the coaching of Waikato’s Warren Gatland, who convinced them their opponents had lost their aura of invincibility. While that might have been offensive to New Zealand’s ears, three losses to the Springboks and one to France this year gives validity to Gatland’s statement.
Still the lineout is improving and the All Blacks tour should give much needed experience to promising rookies eager to make their international debuts in the manner of the impressive Guildford.
How smart it was of the Crusaders to nab him for their 2010 Super 14 campaign before Canterbury clinched the Air New Zealand Cup with a 28-20 win against a Wellington team who have lost six finals in the past seven seasons.
For Canterbury it was their fifth title of the playoff era and their seventh overall, demonstrating the excellence of their selection and coaching system.
Blessed with a powerful pack and imports like Guildford and Robbie Fruen in the backs, the Crusaders should challenge the Bulls supremacy in next year’s Super 14.
The Hurricanes backline should also prosper with brilliant young first-five Aaron Cruden to guide them, provided their forwards can hold their own.
Meanwhile, full marks to England coach Tony Smith for ringing the changes that allowed his team to storm to a 20-12 rugby league triumph against the lacklustre Kiwis.
It was a wake-up call for Kiwis coach Steve Kearney, who made the mistake of naming Kieran Foran at centre ahead of Parramatta star Krisnan Inu in a disappointing flat-footed backline that captain Benji Marshall failed to fire.
Despite their size and strength, the Kiwis forwards also failed to gel in the face of some intimidating tackling by tough, smarter opponents, who were allowed to hold them down in tackles to prevent quick play-the-balls.
The Blues squad for the 2010 Super 14 was announced yesterday: John Afoa (Auckland), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Stephen Brett (Canterbury), Tom Chamberlain (North Harbour), Charlie Faumuina (Auckland), Kurtis Haiu (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Daniel Kirkpatrick (Wellington), Serge Lilo (Wellington), Chris Lowrey (Auckland), Tevita Mailau (Auckland), Viliame Ma’afu (North Harbour), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Tom McCartney (Auckland, Pakuranga), Alby Mathewson (Wellington), Keven Mealamu (captain, Auckland), George Pisi (North Harbour), Rene Ranger (Northland), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Peter Saili (Auckland), Chris Smylie (North Harbour), Benson Stanley (Auckland), Isaia Toeava (Auckland), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour), Ali Williams (vice captain, Auckland), Paul Williams (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour), Rudi Wulf (North Harbour).
