Blacks within reach of rugby heaven
16 Oct 2011
RYAN VREDE watched the All Blacks take a step closer to ending their World Cup misery with a 20-6 victory over Australia at Eden Park.
Surely now. Surely the suffering will end. Surely the team that has so often betrayed the faithfulness of their long-suffering fans, nay, disciples, will claim the one prize they most covet.
France lie in wait in the final. On the evidence of their woeful performance in victory over Wales last night they will not live with this flawed but formidable team and its superlative players – Israel Dagg chief among those.
On current form Dagg is without peer in the game, possessing every technical gift on offer, and, more pertinently, the temperament for the biggest occasions. All those qualities were on show as he crafted their only try, beating three would-be tacklers then defying the laws of physics to offload a pass to Ma’a Nonu while plummeting into touch. Breathtaking is a word too liberally used to describe mediocre feats. It is inadequate for that inspired action.
Dagg was the headline act in a play with a range of compelling sub-plots, none more so than the vendetta against a son of New Zealand’s soil, Quade Cooper. It took 32 minutes for the flyhalf to do something right (a drop-goal), the preceding period being spent chastising himself for errors or peeling himself off the canvas from statement hits.
While Cooper’s star waned, his counterpart Aaron Cruden’s shone brightly. In the context of his Test career – its genesis seeing coach Graham Henry hailing him as the natural successor to Daniel Carter, and its nadir coming when he was unceremoniously dumped shortly thereafter, before being recently recalled – his was a mature effort, particularly in light of the magnitude of the occasion and the quality of the opposition.
But in a game shaped by the principle of cause and effect, Cruden’s ability to rock rested heavily on the shift put in by his roadies in shirts one through eight. Immovable at the gainline on defence and irresistible on attack, the Blacks’ heavies were mighty. Their spirit was encapsulated in the superb performance of Richie McCaw, who excelled despite his foot being held together by hope and some items found in a mechanic’s toolbox. ‘I know he will try to be modest and give credit to the tight five [for laying the platform], but he was just outstanding,’ coach Graham Henry said of McCaw.
Australia boast a player of Dagg’s calibre in openside flank David Pocock, who appears to possess the supernatural gift of omnipresence. But he was rendered a non-factor at the breakdown thanks to the efficiency of the Blacks’ strike runners and cleaners.
It would be remiss not to acknowledge the Wallabies’ unkillable spirit in the face of incessant pressure. It was the outstanding feature of their game against the Springboks last week, and they exhibited that again tonight. To restrict the Blacks to one try is a notable achievement given the hosts’ surfeit of territory and possession. However, they lacked a clinical edge in the 22m, which was decisive to their fortunes.
That they were in touch at half-time – trailing 14-6 – bore testament to their resolve as much as it did the Blacks’ frequent impatience on attack. But they did little more than survive, when reopening the psychological wounds the Blacks sport from previous failures in this tournament required considerably more.
Just after the restart Piri Weepu kicked his third penalty to go with a Cruden drop goal, extending the lead to 11 points. There was a observable change in focus from the Blacks thereafter, with panache giving way to pragmatism on attack and granitic defence being the bedrock of their resistance.
Australia succumbed, albeit not meekly, to a team who have no equal in the game. France are vastly inferior opponents. For the Blacks, ending their suffering will be more a test of exorcising their own demons than it will be about vanquishing Lievremont’s mad mob.
By Ryan Vrede, at Eden Park
Follow Ryan’s World Cup coverage on Twitter
1,170 Comments
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16 Oct 2011, 13:27 pm
@Fatflanker(Fatflanker)-695:
Not yet fatso..
not yet.
Frogs not exactly Our good Luck Charms.
16 Oct 2011, 13:28 pm
@Richie_7(Richie_7)-693:
Are you suggesting that SA had a hand in getting NZ out of the previous WC?
In this case, NZ specifically ensured that Boks are out
If Bryce did what is expected of him Boks would have been there today, and prolly on their way to yet another final
No pack f forward can match the Boks
For it to be fair Craig Joubert should have eliminated the ABs today; and boy then you would have seen something
These chokers and cheaters would have added another dimenion – that of moaners
NZ you have done well in hosting the RWC but you do not deserve to win it; that’s for sure
16 Oct 2011, 13:28 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-690:
Bullshit
You would never praise anything but yourself.
Where were you in 2007?
Did you find your victory hollow due to the nature that ABs went out?
I cant remember you saying, oh nevermind Kiwis, you tried and you didnt get the rub of the green etc.
What we got was shut up and stop ya moaning, you were not good enough.
Sheriff, you team was not good enough now be quite
16 Oct 2011, 13:29 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-703:
Quite = Quiet
16 Oct 2011, 13:29 pm
@RL(RL)-699:
We still may have one last choke in us RL.
8)
But WTF. It’s only a game right!
16 Oct 2011, 13:30 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-702: Sheriff, if no pack can match the Boks, when last have you won a Trinations or Grand Slam?
16 Oct 2011, 13:30 pm
@cane(cane)-692: They played whats in front – ill use that line. Its not their fault the other teams were pathetic. Why didnt the ABs and Wallabies win their games. So if the ABs win, then can people use the lucky and non-deserving line as well?
16 Oct 2011, 13:30 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-690: nonsense, Bryce has been inconsistent in the RWC. He gave loads of penalties between England and the Argies and then did the same for the Aussie/Ireland game.
He also did not blow up our infringements, so how was he biased against us. He was just **** and should not be refereeing QFs if he is inconsistent in his rulings.
16 Oct 2011, 13:31 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-702:
Why dont we desrve to win it?
we beat all that was put in front of us at the moment. I believe SA,last again in the 3 nations was going to beat us.
But we will never find out as the Boks were not good enough to win. Chances there but SA robbed themselves
16 Oct 2011, 13:32 pm
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-499: That’s right tough guy, you tell that Pocock. You are either 12 years old or a club-footed dwarf – either way you have a serious personality disorder and need help.
16 Oct 2011, 13:32 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-709:
“last again in the 3 nations was NOT going to beat us.
Thats better
16 Oct 2011, 13:33 pm
Well done ABs. A dominant and convincing performance today. Just too strong for the gallant Wallabies. The team is showing great momentum and Cruden handled the occasion with great conviction and style. As the only remaining Southern Hemisphere side I hope you do the business next week.
16 Oct 2011, 13:33 pm
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-712:
Thanks Stormer
16 Oct 2011, 13:34 pm
@Sheriff(Lawman)-702:
Hey Lawman, you Okes lost to OZ because, your Team had the penetration of a flaccid limp ****.
End of.
76% and how many tries …………………………………………Zilch, zero, nada, sweet phukk all, none, naught, poner en el cero.
16 Oct 2011, 13:35 pm
76% possession that should read.
16 Oct 2011, 13:35 pm
Don’t be so touchy boys! I was fortunate enough to have been work on the door at Balalaika pub (now village walk)in 1992 and the AB’s were staying at the hotel. On their last night they asked us to close the piano bar and the drinking only finished in the wee hours. I have held AB players as they puked – no names- what goes on tour stays on tour. My theory on 1995 is that after the demolishion of England a few of the boys broke curfew on Friday night and had a few bevvies because it was gonna be an easy game.
Fast forward to this world cup and Craig Joubert today proved that referee’s make all the difference the aussies did nothing different today but as I predicted during the week they would be blown off the park.
The only conclusion is that Joubert and Lawrence are not using the same lawbook.
16 Oct 2011, 13:36 pm
australia are pap, no ways they should have been there, except for pocock who is out this world good.
16 Oct 2011, 13:37 pm
@heboric(heboric)-707:
True Hebe.
True.
And South Africa 2007 is etched on Bill for eternity.
Nothing else matters.
16 Oct 2011, 13:39 pm
Guys you ahve done well to host the tournament; not too many scandals unless these are sealed off
But you do not deserve to win the RWC; that’s for sure
We will forever remember the fraudulent ways of Bryce Lawrence; nothing has changed – you guys still fear the Boks the most
We would have pulverised little Richie today, that’s for sure
16 Oct 2011, 13:39 pm
Les Bleus put Trin Duc at 10 and Padda at 9 and they will have the measure…
Bill will be sailing down the Seine.
16 Oct 2011, 13:39 pm
Hahaaa the Cup will be ours in 7 days time! Wahoo, too good for Ozie! Is anyone going to get near us in this world cup? I dont think so. NZ are way too good, thanks for coming everyone, well take all your dollars and keep the cup here!
The All Blacks are the greatest team in the world! In 7 days time it will be official, but right now we all know that we are!
Your Saffa game will have to adapt if you want to be a great side again, i dont think you would have got close to us tonight either
16 Oct 2011, 13:40 pm
@cab(cab)-717:
Australia were still in the game with 15 minutes to play. Their defence was excellent.
They will win the next WC in Japan.
They are the Youngest side at this years WC.
Australians should be proud of their effort today.
16 Oct 2011, 13:40 pm
thing is no-one has taken the ABs close yet, put pressure on and watch what happens.
They are 30 points better than the frogs, we’ve seen it in the pool games when the pressure is off, but if the frogs somehow manage to keep it close, the kiwis can wig out easy as, cruden is ripe for a flutter – goddamnit the Boks would have put them to the sword without carter i am convinced of it.
16 Oct 2011, 13:40 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-719: only unbeaten side so far lawman, howd your team do?
16 Oct 2011, 13:41 pm
I may be hearing that ever so faint sound…
Les Bleus vs ABs in the Rigged World Cup Final.
Cough…cough.
16 Oct 2011, 13:41 pm
@cane(cane)-722:
Ozzie always give it 100%, but the ABs pack were all over them, think it was like 83% AB possession in the 1st half, the score was flattering. Well done to your team.
16 Oct 2011, 13:42 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-719:
So does the Boks fear the ABs the most as well??
16 Oct 2011, 13:43 pm
I will choke with laughter if the Awesome ABs let this one go against the Fickle French…
The embarrassment…
16 Oct 2011, 13:44 pm
@cane(cane)-714: actually if you want to compare that sexually, we had plenty of penetration, thus the field possession, just couldn’t come …
By the way, how many penalties against the Aussies for ruck infringements tonight again? Those little things count as well …
16 Oct 2011, 13:46 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-728:
Why is it embarrasing to lose a Final?
Whats embarrasing is losing a QF,blaming Pocock for staeling all SA ball illegally but the posession favoured the Boks at 76% to Ozzies 24%.
Somehow it does not add up.
16 Oct 2011, 13:46 pm
@NZMaori(NZMaori)-721: Happy much? Lol, yes, glad for you guys. Now just seal the deal next week!
Does Dan Carter get a medal now that he has withdrawn? Surely they must give him one as well?
16 Oct 2011, 13:47 pm
Some say its all in the Stars…
Its destiny…
Same semi-finalists as in 87
Same finalists…
Same result…?
One thing is for sure, I know 100%, absolutely without doubt…
The French know how to spoil a party
Thoroughly undeserved, they spoilt Wales’s…
Thoroughly undeserved, they spoil NZ’s…?
Dont bet your house against this one.
Bookies must be fcked up nervous.
16 Oct 2011, 13:48 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-724:
Bryce ensured that we be removed; your leaders could not risk it to let a neutral and fair ref officiate the game
Pretty much what I have come to expect from this self-absorbed rugby setup
Guys, you are actually an embarrassment
Your leaders are morally bankrupt
16 Oct 2011, 13:48 pm
Sheriff. Get a grip mate. The ABs have won all their games this tournament. If they beat the French they will have beaten every opponent to take the field with them, just as every other World Cup champ has done. End of story.
16 Oct 2011, 13:48 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-730: No embarrassment at all for losing that QF…
The comparison between Bryce and Joubert says it all…
The Boks were never, ever going to be allowed to win it.
16 Oct 2011, 13:49 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-727: Why are you asking him though? Seriously, might as well try and have a reasonable conversation with a Bulls supporter at Loftus after 4 hours of drinking Klippies and Coke
16 Oct 2011, 13:51 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-735:
HG, you have lost to Ozzie 6 out of 7 times.
You had your chance to change it with so much position but you honetly didnt have the players or game plan. Move on dude
16 Oct 2011, 13:52 pm
13/2 France win.
1/7 ABs win.
Yup, Bookies are farked.
16 Oct 2011, 13:52 pm
Here’s another compliment:
I thought you did a fine job with the national anthems of the various countries
I know in the past you would always deny the Boks the opportunity to at least sing the anthem with proper sound
So well done there
Even today’s anthem were done very well
But you do not deserve to win the World Cup; forever you will be in my mind a bunch of desperate folk trying to fake/cheat their way to stardom
Pocock met with fairness today and was a nil
When will Bryce meet with fairness?
Maybe the French can do us a massive favour; my thoughts and empathy are with them; hope they cut you to pieces
16 Oct 2011, 13:52 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-730: Counts for little things called penalties, when on attack, like for example the game today … 2 infringements and 2 penalties later for ABs …
Anyway, the Aussies would have had the same complaints if the situation was reversed, they had all the ball, Brussow slowed it down all the time and they lost …
16 Oct 2011, 13:53 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-733:
So now we are the embarrassment?
Your doing a really good job of trying to claim that one
16 Oct 2011, 13:53 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-737: There is no way a team could have lost with such supremacy unless…
Crookery
Rigging.
So no embarrassment at all.
16 Oct 2011, 13:54 pm
Could someone please arrange one last test match between the Boks (with Bismarck and Bakkies) and ABs (with and McCaw)?
We have still not seen a heavy weight clash between these two teams fielding their very best.
16 Oct 2011, 13:55 pm
French have lost twice in this RWC including a loss to tonga and were’nt too flash past japan either, its already a mockery they are in the final.
16 Oct 2011, 13:55 pm
@danuk(danuk)-740:
yep but i am sure if the Ozzies had 76% of possesion, they would have crossed the line a few more times.
16 Oct 2011, 13:58 pm
@cab(cab)-743: Thought we had that opportunity the last few years in a competition called the Trinations.
Every team had opportunity to field their best squad and compete for a trophy, so we cannot complain.
If we think we are that good then we should prove that in next years 4 nations
16 Oct 2011, 13:58 pm
France make a mockery of this World Cup by being in the Final.
Like Aus made a mockery by being in the Semi.
Yup this World Cup is a mockery.
The Rigged World Cup 2011.
And there you have it.
16 Oct 2011, 13:59 pm
@cab(cab)-743: yeah we have, Hamilton 2009, all the big names there Carter, McCaw, Frans Steyn, Bismarck etc. NZ beaten at home.
Today was a mismatch. Australia having had their forwards taken apart by Ireland and SA, suffered the same fate v NZ.
16 Oct 2011, 14:01 pm
New verb to the English language: to BRYCE someone
Means to cheat, treat unfairly, act with dishonesty
16 Oct 2011, 14:01 pm
@danuk(danuk)-746:
nowhere in the last 2 years have SA fielded their best side vs Nz, and vice versa NZ did not field their best side three years ago in 2009 or the last match of the 3N which they lost to the Boks 8 weeks ago. Boks are out, ABs should win this RWC, which they deserve – I still maintain the Boks best can beat the ABs best in NZ.
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