All Blacks crowned kings of the world
23 Oct 2011
JON CARDINELLI, reporting from Eden Park, watched the All Blacks beat France 8-7 to secure their second World Cup title.
Four million New Zealanders have had to endure 24 long years in between World Cup titles. On Sunday 23 October, they had to endure a further 80 agonising minutes as their beloved All Blacks edged slowly and, at times tentatively, towards the elusive gold.
The energy of a nation was channeled in the New Zealand national anthem, and the All Blacks played their part with a spirited rendition of Kapa o Pango. France responded through Thierry Dusautoir’s passionate gesture during the Tricolores’ call-to-arms, and through the team’s decision to advance towards the hosts while they laid down the traditional challenge.
The message was clear: France would not be intimidated by the All Blacks, their media or the New Zealand people’s pre-match assertion that they had no place in this final. Their march on the All Blacks would signify a collective up-yours to all the non-believers, and their efforts in this match would underscore their passion and belief that they could indeed upset the world’s top-ranked team.
It was this fiery attitude and physicality that had the All Blacks rattled at stages. Tony Woodcock scored a simple try for the hosts when a smart lineout move opened up the French defence, but Piri Weepu failed to make the conversion. In fact, Weepu would miss all three of his attempts at goal and the All Blacks would miss out on eight points as a result. It was this lack of composure that so nearly cost the hosts the game.
The All Blacks were resolute on defence, but then so were the French. They matched the hosts at the collisions which limited the All Blacks’ attacking platform. Morgan Parra stopped Ma’a Nonu from breaching the gain line early in the first half, and paid the price for his bravery. He was able to return to the field for a brief spell but was later pulled when he failed to recover from what was a big knock.
The All Blacks would lose their own flyhalf before the first period was through. Aaron Cruden was caught between two French defenders in the 34th minute, and proceeded to hyper-extend his knee. Suddenly the All Blacks were without Cruden, their third-choice pivot, and looking to Stephen Donald, a player who wasn’t even in the country until a couple of weeks previously. If the All Blacks were going to pull this one off, the forgotten man of New Zealand rugby would have to steer them home.
Donald relieved Weepu of the goal-kicking duties and took his first opportunity early in the second half. But the 8-0 deficit did little to dampen the spirits of the French, who continued to clatter into the collisions and breakdowns with masochistic intensity.
They also persisted with their ball-in-hand tactics, and their searing counter-attacks stretched the All Blacks on numerous occasions. It was one such counter-punch that would provide the spark for a massive moment, which Dusautoir took expertly to help close the gap to 8-7.
It was during this time that the All Blacks must have been thinking about the failures of the World Cup teams of yesteryear. Weepu had shown a lack of composure in the first half through his inability to convert three very kickable opportunities, and as the French swelled with confidence, the All Blacks grew frantic.
It was a situation tailor-made for the French, and undoubtedly a worse-case scenario for the hosts.
But as plucky as the French were, they were just as erratic as in previous matches at this tournament. Credit should go to the All Blacks defence, but had France shown more composure and patience with ball-in-hand, they may have taken the lead and inspired some real panic in the New Zealand ranks. Had they converted their own goal-kicking chances, they would have assumed control as the clock wound down.
Dimitri Yachvili missed a penalty attempt early in the second stanza, and Trinh-Duc pushed a long attempt wide in the 65th minute. The replacement flyhalf also made a telling mistake when he overcooked a garryowen late in the game. It marked the end of long spell where France had pinned the hosts deep in their own territory.
It was during the remaining minutes that the All Blacks, spurred on by the thousands of desperate but patriotic Kiwis in the crowd, showed their composure. Through the determined efforts of their forwards and the collective discipline on defence, they were able to douse the French flame.
France swept from side to side for several minutes in hope of milking the penalty that would win them the game, but the All Blacks stood firm. They won the turnover, and attempted to play for time, and when referee Craig Joubert handed them a penalty, it signified the beginning of the end.
The All Blacks won the ensuing lineout and another penalty after mauling the French back, and at this point, Eden Park erupted in celebration. It will not be remembered as the most convincing performance, but it will be remembered as the day the All Blacks ended a 24-year drought and assumed the mantle of undisputed champions of the world.
1,158 Comments
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23 Oct 2011, 19:40 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-847: Hahaha yes I was tempted to rip you off a bit there on that line. Sounded a litlle……strange coming from a guy.
23 Oct 2011, 19:40 pm
@carol(carol)-839:
Yeah, sort of, he will probably be replaced by a blue bull ?
23 Oct 2011, 19:42 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-845:
For someone who only eats vegetables, Skop has an astonsihingly vibrant mind.
So many veggies I have met have been a bit on the pale and wan side!!
23 Oct 2011, 19:42 pm
@carol(carol)-850: Camp yes. That’s the word!
23 Oct 2011, 19:43 pm
@carol(carol)-850:
Camp?
WHAT ?????
23 Oct 2011, 19:44 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-849:
All the talk of vegetables made me long for a steak!
23 Oct 2011, 19:46 pm
I understand the idea but don’t make me feel guilty about eating meat!!!!
23 Oct 2011, 19:48 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-851:
lol, just trying to motivate Carol, lol
I am so disappointed in WP- feels like they will never win a throphy.
Even the star studded under 21′s went down- Etsebeth and all- had good hopes for them?
23 Oct 2011, 19:48 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-854:
@Robzim(Robzim)-855:
Moving swiftly on, do you suppose they are still partying in New Zealand?
Imagine every bar, drunken Kiwis doing impromptu Haka’s……
Sounds like fun actually!
23 Oct 2011, 19:48 pm
I know it’s bad for me and coffee and all the lekker stuff but I want to die happy!
23 Oct 2011, 19:50 pm
Am happy for our kiwi bloggers even though they can be a pain in the butt.
They deserve it.
23 Oct 2011, 19:52 pm
@carol(carol)-830: Yes, it should a great day out and many laughs
23 Oct 2011, 19:54 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-857:
In Britain animal welfare standards must be adhered too, access to water, shade, shelter, food and care of their health.
Must be difficult expecting that in an African country where human beings very often do not have access to those basic standards.
I understand Skop’s point of view.
23 Oct 2011, 19:55 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-861:
They do deserve it indeed. Imagine how boring this place would have been without some “alternative”inputs.
23 Oct 2011, 19:56 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-858: Yes i’m very dissapointed too, It’s almost as if the guys have a mental block when it comes to the big games.
I did post before the game that I was concerened that simply bringing in the boks wouldn’t automatically solve the problem. We saw that with the Bulls last year against a team that was used to playing well together. This Lions team is the same.
Sharks looking strong mentally though, that will stand them in good stead at Ellis Park next week.
Who are you picking?
23 Oct 2011, 20:02 pm
Keo’s Clowns SuperBru World Cup Results -
Only bloggers I know mentioned!!
1. Nils
2. HongKongSlong
7. Slatbartfast (Captain)
18. Coach Pete
21. Grant
29. Robzim
23 Oct 2011, 20:03 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-865:
The farkin Sharks will probably beat them and retain the CC.
I reckon they just have too much class and quality for the Lions – will probably shade the forward exchanges and win by 3-7 imo,in fact I am quite sure they will win.
Wont mind to be proven wrong at all.
23 Oct 2011, 20:05 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-865:
The mental aspect of the game is prolly the biggest aspect that a coach should prepare his charges.
The physical conditioning is pretty much on par at the prof level; Test rugby just that 20-30% higher intensity but then its down to the mental prep; the alertness and being switched on.
France was switched on to absorb the pressure from the ABs but somehow did not simulate it in their minds to win; somehow they could not go there and is a function of their form (not consistent)
Province has been poor over the last 10 yrs; Rassie started something but the cupboard remains empty. Why do they have so many injuries – its speaks to poor conditioning.
Allister for me too much of an optimist to really change it around; it focuses on the positives while top coaches focuses also on weaknesses of opposition.
It was interesting for instance that Mitch said after the game that Province were ‘not ready’ for certain of the things they did. Just like France was not ready for the 2 pod line out of the ABs.
It is now officially 10 yrs since Province won the Currie Cup and there is nothing to suggest that they will win it next year or the year thereafter.
I was not even disappointed as I expected that if they beat the Lions then the Sharks will beat them fairly easily.
23 Oct 2011, 20:06 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-854:
As a row of tents.
23 Oct 2011, 20:09 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-869: LOL Ja exactly.
23 Oct 2011, 20:10 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-868: Need to get a “shrink” in pronto!
23 Oct 2011, 20:12 pm
Man U 1 – Man City 6 ????
23 Oct 2011, 20:14 pm
@carol(carol)-866:
Lol, thanks for rubbing it in that I am last.
surfing is a million times better anyway
23 Oct 2011, 20:14 pm
@Lions_is_kak_kak_honde_honde_kak(suffer_guy)-872: Couldn’t make me happier lol
23 Oct 2011, 20:18 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-873:
YOu are way off last…..I am 68th out of 108 !
23 Oct 2011, 20:18 pm
@Lions_is_kak_kak_honde_honde_kak(suffer_guy)-872: I for 1 am 6 to death of all the Man U jokes……
23 Oct 2011, 20:20 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-873:
..but you are right, surfing is probably better than SuperBru…Not that I have ever surfed in my entire life!!
Wonder if that is something I should try?
23 Oct 2011, 20:23 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-871:
Problem is that the work they do really only show results after 1 year.
Unless the coach has a strong ability to deal with the mental aspects himself; the professional era is highly specialised so you need all the help you can get
I remember PdV stating before he became coach that no psychologist will ever work with his team. Not sure whether he changed his mind but a blind spot like that can have detrimental consequences.
Sport psychologists can add a lot of value to a team’s performance.
If you listen to Mitch carefully you appreciate the man’s knowledge and insight.
So then you can come with your 5 yr old cliches like ‘we did not pitch’ ‘ the guys dd not put their hands up’ etc but it’s meaningless
You are then outclassed by a smarter opponent for example who can give you clear instructions on nullifying say a Gio Aplon
It will be interesting to see how he approaches the Sharks game as these guys have brought their Springbok game (takeing up with big forwards) into the Currie Cup now. So they should get the upperhand in the 2nd half ; my guess is that Mitch will get them to spread it wide with loose trio running supporting lines
Elton Jantjies will be key in executing but he does have Butch if the occasion is too big
23 Oct 2011, 20:24 pm
Dakota Fanning sux
23 Oct 2011, 20:27 pm
@carol(carol)-877:
It takes a while
Anyway, i am glad the wc is over-both england and SA underperformed and need a new start- the flippin kiwis got 4 million people and they are wasting us on a regular basis.
At least u still have the music over there.
23 Oct 2011, 20:34 pm
Aussies are totally farked now.
Even head boy Botha (spinner wannabe) is taking wickets.
Shane would have laughed at him.
But now he has liz- so why worry.
23 Oct 2011, 20:36 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-880: Do they have political influence in the team, No
Do they have 11 union presidents, NO
Do they have anything else except rugby, maybe the sheep, but that is about it
23 Oct 2011, 20:43 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-881:
Have you seen Shane’s plastic surgery….
What is Liz turning him into? Farkit, it is scary…
Well Halloween is just round the corner!!
23 Oct 2011, 20:44 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-880:
You should really look at the number of prof rugby players per nation to make an apple for apples comparison
For eg you cannot look at 50million population of SA as only between 4 and 7 million really into rugby, anyway thats my estimation
I still maintain that our isolation years denied the country’s rugby to move with the times. Our players skills levels is what let them down esp under pressure
Ironically the 24 yrs of pain for the Kiwis made hungrier and from what I can see they have moved a good 15-20% ahead of other rugby nations; esp with coaching – no wonder they had 75% of coaches in the last 4 at RWC2011
Not sure where the ref side of things went south; prob Petty’s leadership
Gary Kirsten from what I can see can be that change agent for Cricket SA, who will that coach be for rugby?
We have to get smarter otherwise pain and more pain will be our portion
23 Oct 2011, 20:45 pm
@JL1(JL1)-882:
Yeah well, they still have Rachel Ward and the Finn Bros.
Wellington is also a cool place,. sort of laid back old time CT with a bit of a JHB heart if u know what i mean,
Dont have an idea about about Auckland but i heard its also quite cool.
23 Oct 2011, 20:46 pm
Cheers fellas
23 Oct 2011, 20:48 pm
@Hondo(Hondo)-831: it was a choreographed Rig-by World Cup by Aus and NZ to ensure the best possible result for both, for once all your reffing conspiracies were wholly accurate.
23 Oct 2011, 20:51 pm
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-887: LOL, bitterness
23 Oct 2011, 20:58 pm
Four more years, boys!
(Heh heh heh…)
23 Oct 2011, 21:00 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-885: Rachel Ward? She’s a true kangaroo, blue. I think you mean Rachel Hunter?
23 Oct 2011, 21:01 pm
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-889:
24 yrs
24 yrs
24 yrs
That is your cycle – you will win it again in Oct 2035
23 Oct 2011, 21:04 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-891: not if it isn’t held in NZ… the only place where they can win it.
23 Oct 2011, 21:06 pm
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-889: Look at you, piggybacking on someone else’s glory. Can’t be all that deeply satisfying.
23 Oct 2011, 21:06 pm
Kiwis be nice.
We happy for you!
23 Oct 2011, 21:15 pm
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-890:
Hey, my mistake, i was a bit distracted, Hunter it is, Rod’s old G/F,
23 Oct 2011, 21:16 pm
The team known as All Blacks
Had skills piled up in stacks.
Steve Donald said
I’ll nail this one dead
So he drilled it to the max.
Around the world they groaned
And swore and griped and moaned.
No Carter was there
Just their fourth-best spare
But Bill the Cup was owned.
So now what’s more to say?
But cheers mate, hip-hooray.
The champs are real
So quit the squeal
This is the ABs day.
23 Oct 2011, 21:17 pm
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-890:
Bet u longing for “kremlin under the mountain”.
Kiwis deserve it though, no complaints
23 Oct 2011, 21:21 pm
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-896:
Around the world they groaned
And swore and griped and moaned.
No Carter was there
Just their fourth-best spare
He goes by the name of Craig Joubert.
23 Oct 2011, 21:22 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-891: Nope. ABs will win it in 2015 to be the first back-to-back winners and they’ll win it again in 2019 just for fun to complete the threepeat. By then the Boks will be the Proteas and struggling against Uganda in the qualifying rounds under an ageing coach called J. S. Malema…
Heh heh heh….
23 Oct 2011, 21:27 pm
@Big Hit(Big Hit)-898:
A yarp ref named Joubert
Was really left quite spare.
No call to make
No game to take
From ABs dazzling flair.
So there.
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