Errant Blacks down Wales
26 Jun 2010
The All Blacks produced an unimpressive 29-10 victory over Wales in the second Test in Hamilton.
Despite a 42-9 defeat last weekend, Wales were still confident of upsetting the All Blacks at Waikato Stadium, the former home of head coach Warren Gatland. But the hosts were always favourites, even though Graham Henry made seven changes.
The All Blacks’ rotation saw them fail to gel the way they did in Dunedin and Wales managed to put in an improved performance. The visitors were good on defence and managed to restrict the All Blacks on most occasions, but they hardly threatened on attack as a stale effort was easily countered by the All Blacks’ defence. Conversely, the All Blacks weren’t effective on attack themselves and mistakes hampered their ability to convert their numerous opportunities into points.
It was an uneventful first quarter as Wales dominated with the boot and enjoyed a territorial advantage as flyhalf Dan Biggar and fullback Lee Byrne pinned the All Blacks in their half with accurate kicks. From there, Wales tried to enforce the errors and their first opportunity for points came through wing Cory Jane’s ill-discipline at the tackle point. Wing Leigh Halfpenny kicked the long range three-pointer but that was to be their only say in the first half.
The All Blacks had their chances to score but poor handling and a frantic approach saw them spoil their try-scoring opportunities. Wales were also strong in defence and were able to restrict the hosts. The home team continued to run the ball and Wales’ resistance faded. They won a penalty as the visitors were ruled offside and Dan Carter levelled the scores.
The All Blacks were then rewarded after employing a more patient approach. After the forwards drove through 10 phases into Wales’ 22m area, good interplay from the backline created space for Jane to dive over out wide. Skipper Ryan Jones’ injury was a further blow for Wales as he cried off with a knee injury.
The game quietened down as Wales managed to beef up on defence and the home team couldn’t find the rhythm to build momentum. There was a key point on the half-time mark as Byrne was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on lock Tom Donnelly. Carter converted the penalty for the All Blacks to lead 13-3 at the break.
Wales conceded four penalties soon after the restart and Carter took full advantage as he kicked all 12 points to give the All Blacks a comfortable lead. Henry rang the changes soon afterwards and this disrupted the team’s momentum, resulting in an indifferent second half compared to last Saturday.
Two yellow cards for lock Sam Whitelock and flank Gavin Thomas opened the game up in the dying moments and this swung the game in Wales’ favour. They had two clear try-scoring opportunities but centre Jamie Roberts was held up and Halfpenny dropped the ball right in front of the try line. Roberts eventually crossed the chalk on the third attempt for the consolation score.
From the kickoff, the All Blacks managed to create one more opportunity as skipper Richie McCaw broke down the left touchline. The hosts worked their way into the Welsh red zone. A chip through was collected by replacement flyhalf Aaron Cruden to seal the win.
It wasn’t the ideal final dress rehearsal for Henry’s men before their Tri-Nations opener against the Springboks on 10 July. They were easily restricted with an effective tactial game and they will need to rectify their failure to find fluency on attack, something the Boks will surely take note of.
By Gareth Duncan
231 Comments
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26 Jun 2010, 23:18 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-183: Kefu, Finnegan,
Willie O. They have won 2 World Cups with very good packs.
@goyougoodthing2(goyougoodthing2)-191:
THe NZRFU will only select Maori players eligible for the ABs. Cooper isnt now as he has played for the wallabies.
27 Jun 2010, 08:37 am
@lapoftherugbygods(lapoftherugbygods)-201:
I happened to mention Kefu here earlier this week as an outstanding no8. 1 x RWC and 1 x RWC-runnerup. 2 x TriN and countless heartbreaking Bledisloe Cup performances against NZ.
But, apparently, he’s not Pierre Spies.
27 Jun 2010, 09:06 am
I see the AB selectors have finally seen the light and dropped Tialata… De Malmanche,Thompson, Guildford too.
Why Guilford gets dropped is beyond me. One of the best backs on the field yesterday. Joe’s days are over.
27 Jun 2010, 09:11 am
just published:-
“Just when you thought you had Graham Henry sussed he does this. Hands an international lifeline to Liam Messam and John Afoa, and stuns established All Blacks Neemia Tialata and Adam Thomson by axing them for the Tri-Nations.
But they were not the only talking points as Henry unveiled his 28-man squad (15 forwards and 13 backs) for the Tri-Nations. Not by a long stretch.
Also axed is rising young backline sensation Zac Guildford as Henry has rolled the dice and gone with just two specialist wings for the Tri-Nations, including Joe Rokocoko, who didn’t exactly have a dream ride the last time he went up against the Springboks.
There’s also a bolter in the form of Auckland utility back Rene Ranger, a player whom Henry rates highly for his ability to produce something special in his broad attacking arsenal. Ranger made his test debut off the bench in last night’s 29-10 win over the Welsh after being called in late as an injury replacement.
And on the back of just a few late minutes off the bench through the June tests Waikato hooker Aled de Malmanche is the other jettisoned squad member, making way for New Zealand Maori hooker Corey Flynn who will be asked to prove his fitness ahead of looming skirmishes.
Plus, there is no room for either Luke McAlister and Hosea Gear who both played so well for the Maori in their centenary series. Both had been strongly favoured to force their way into the mix, especially McAlister who’s considered a Henry favourite.
Henry clearly felt he saw enough from young Aucklander Benson Stanley through the June tests, with the rookie retained to back up the fit-again Ma’a Nonu who is over his knee problems and came through a run for his club in Wellington yesterday.
And Gear has missed out, alongside Guildford, in a contentious decision to go for just the two specialist wings for the Tri-Nations, with utilities such as Ranger and Waikato’s Richard Kahui looked to for the backup in this area.
That’s putting a lot of onus on Rokocoko, in particular, who must now shake off his Springbok demons and repay the faith of his coach. All eyes will be on the Aucklander over coming weeks.
But it’s the recalls for Messam and Afoa that may cause the biggest surprise, with both leapfrogging established international performers.”.
27 Jun 2010, 09:15 am
The All Blacks squad is:
Forwards:
John Afoa Auckland (23)
Anthony Boric North Harbour (15)
Tom Donnelly Otago (7)
Corey Flynn Canterbury (7)
Ben Franks Tasman (2)
Owen Franks Canterbury (12)
Jerome Kaino Auckland (27)
Richie McCaw (capt) Canterbury (83)
Keven Mealamu Auckland (74)
Liam Messam Waikato (3)
Kieran Read Canterbury (19)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (40)
Victor Vito Wellington (2)
Samuel Whitelock Canterbury (3)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (63)
Backs:
Daniel Carter Canterbury (69)
Jimmy Cowan Southland (36)
Aaron Cruden Manawatu (3)
Israel Dagg Hawke’s Bay (2)
Cory Jane Wellington (15)
Richard Kahui Waikato (10)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (83)
Ma’a Nonu Wellington (46)
Rene Ranger Northland (1)
Josevata Rokocoko Auckland (62)
Conrad Smith Wellington (35)
Benson Stanley Auckland (3)
Piri Weepu Wellington (38)
Number of Test caps in brackets
27 Jun 2010, 09:19 am
Stunned that Afoa is recalled, unless he’s now considered a hooker already. He could be a decent hooker actually. But a full NPC season was reuired before anyone commented on that.
Cant understand Messam either. He was good for the Maoris, no more, but still taking some poor options.
I have never fallen for the Guildford euphoria. Nothing special, mostly a straight-line running winger, excellent finisher. But Id take Hosea Gear or Maitland before him.
Rene Ranger is a DUMB player. Habana will be licking his lips with glee, his intercept tally just waiting for the cheap gifts on offer there. Hope he proves me wrong because he has alot of talent. Which is all very well until the decisionmaking process just doesnt exist.
Flynn is twice the hooker deMalmuncha is. Easy decision. Keep fit tho, Aled, Corey struggles to survive cracks in the pavement on the way to pick up the milk.
Great to see McAlisters form flowing back with the Maoris. Next year the centres will have loads of competition !!!
27 Jun 2010, 09:25 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-205: I take it Liam Messam did what was asked of him when he got dropped last time he wore a black jersey? And Boric?
You might as well go with Ross then, at least he’ll give you mobility around the park. McCaw and Carter to carry yet another AB squad. They showed signs of buckling under the pressure the last time, esp Carter. How long are they gonna hold out this time round?
27 Jun 2010, 09:28 am
@BokiNZ(BokiNZ)-207:
Lets see how the Boks go without the Little General at no9. And also how they get on without the massive travel advantage they had in 2009.
27 Jun 2010, 09:29 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-206: some strange decisions… think Afoa was on some sort of promise?
I think Ranger will be the wing cover, so no worry over intercepts, with Kahui the centre role… Ranger against habs or Aplon, yes please..
Agree on Guildford, runs hard but doesnt have that elusive quality Ranger can provide on the wing. Surprised they stuck with Cruden, would have thought McAllister would have got back after showing some form for the maori…
seems a fairly mobile team this one..
27 Jun 2010, 09:31 am
@BokiNZ(BokiNZ)-207: We all know we are struggling in the lock department… yet didnt Boric play against the Bulls when Auckland beat them? with all their Bok stars? I think hes upped his game in the test this year, will be behind Thorn and Donnelly anyways..
27 Jun 2010, 09:35 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-206: Don’t believe this but I actualy agree with all you said! Think maybe GH is gambling that without FdP there, the Boks’ tactical kicking won’t be up to much. Hence Guildford’s omission- he’s the best you’ve got under the highball. Him and Cory Jane. Just watch Morne Steyn making him sorry! Can’t understand no Hosea either. And then he complains about ‘middle management’ deserting him. Also think Stanley could’ve been sacrificed for another hooker or lock, especially with Cory “Band-aid” Flynn in the mix.
27 Jun 2010, 09:41 am
@BokiNZ(BokiNZ)-211:
Boks gonna be in for a shock this season. Their forwards will remain a huge force, but….
No FdP. And only Morne to keep up the kick AND chase tactics.
Its limited and only time will show that.
27 Jun 2010, 09:41 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-210: No Bakkies there remember? And I thought S14 got nothing to do with 3N’s? Mate, don’t tell him I said so but Thorn is dead wood! For an x-leagie he has too little biffo, other than dropping hookers on their head after the whistle!
27 Jun 2010, 09:44 am
@BokiNZ(BokiNZ)-213: well, you convinced me didnt you about the S14
Bakkies is seriously under done coming into the series, missed most of that 3Ns proving ground the S14 he was puffing hard in the lastItalian test…
yayy, finally a Saffa that admits it wasnt a spear tackle, we’ve made progress today
27 Jun 2010, 09:44 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-212: Who was the only team to score a 4try bonus pnt last year? Let me remind, while you guys still slipped and slided to copy the kick and chase tactic we adapted yet again. No worries mate! You keep that dream alive! The Boks are one-dimensional and all that. You’re right. Time will tell!
27 Jun 2010, 09:51 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-214: I admitted no such thing! Don’t put words in my mouth!
But seriuosly, Thorn is not the answer. Never was, never will be! I don’t know why but Curtis Haiu is your man! Can’t quite put my finger on it but he looks like the guy who doesn’t take a backward step! And if you put him down he’ll just get up again! Him and Jopie Adam! Those are the kinda blokes you need! Not Boric! Or Thorn! And that’s enough advice for 1 day!
27 Jun 2010, 09:56 am
@BokiNZ(BokiNZ)-216: not sold on Haui yet, was very hot and cold in the S14… needs more time to develop I believe.
Jopie Adam? lost me on that one..
27 Jun 2010, 09:59 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-217: This guy on tv way back in the day. Lived in the woods with the bears and had this big mthrfckn beard ala Jason Eaton!
27 Jun 2010, 10:00 am
@BokiNZ(BokiNZ)-218: sounds like a classic, will have to youtube tonight at home.. is he a Saffa version of the old grissly adams?
27 Jun 2010, 10:02 am
I don’t mean to be rude, but you are caught short of cattle!
27 Jun 2010, 10:03 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-217: Cruden, Whitelock, Ranger, Franks brothers, John Afoa as hooker, all looks like development projects to me? Maybe the 3 wise men are too close to the problem and can’t see it for what it is?
27 Jun 2010, 10:04 am
@thambolenje(thambolenje)-220: you seem like a decent Saffa mate… the reference commonly referred to on this site is sheep for us kiwis…
27 Jun 2010, 10:04 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-219: Might be. I don’t know. Saffa version was better, you know.
27 Jun 2010, 10:07 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-222: Let’s rephrase…we Kiwi’s prefer sheep, thank you very much!
27 Jun 2010, 10:10 am
@BokiNZ(BokiNZ)-221: I dont think youre too far from the truth there.. injury has forced their hand to some extent, surely Toeava would have been cover if fit…
perhaps they have a certain game style in mind, though I think with 7 years in charge ideas are bound to get stale, the question remains do they have the nous to evolve the team…
remember, GH has this same sort of history with Wales, great for a season or two then started to wane badly, NZ has had more talent so the process has been slower IMO.
3Ns will tell us if the NZRU made the biggest of all stuff ups in re-hiring them…
27 Jun 2010, 10:13 am
@BokiNZ(BokiNZ)-224: is that why you moved to NZ??? ahh love it when the truth comes out
out of here, works done for the day..
cheers
27 Jun 2010, 10:19 am
Once lifting was allowed, I thought everybody would go for the Scottish strategy of picking 5 backrowers.
It hasn’t happened and a key part of our game is at least saved for now.
When the specialist skills of jumpers and props are lost, we will lose our game and it will just become like rugby league, that won’t persist “tuff” and touch footy with anachronistic violence in pretend set pieces will prevail.
If you put the ball into the scrum two rows back in Australia’s NRL, you won’t get picked up. This is the premier Rugby League comp.
We need to hold sacred a few things, like not passing forwards and holding scrums and lineouts that reward physical dominance, that reward the team that dominates.
I played one game as a loosie, the rest in the glamour boys section.
27 Jun 2010, 10:21 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-225: To tell you the truth, and of course this will never be repeated, GH is the BEST you guys got! No doubt! His assistants I’m not too sure about. Remember how the forwards was so much better after Henry had to save Hansen’s a ss? They called it a reshuffle and all that **** but we know what it was. How they even still in the job is beyond me! Hansen is back with the forwards. Maybe Whitelock will be better in calling the line-outs than Ross was.
But I’m not complaining. Its too much fun sitting back and watching the wheels come off. Granted this year started much better than the last but the 3N’s is where the real test lies.
27 Jun 2010, 10:31 am
@thambolenje(thambolenje)-227: The only thing league’s got going for it is the skill level of across the board, resulting in the spectacular tries they score. But that’s about it! They will never be able to rival union. Ever! Rassie’s pro-20 thing has got me more worried than league. Who knows what sorta hybrid you’re gonna get. As the IPL showed, if its packaged correctly, people will go for it! And once that happened…
27 Jun 2010, 10:31 am
@thambolenje(thambolenje)-227:
I write the same Christmas List to Santa every year:-
1. straight scrum feeds down the channel
2. straight throws in to the lineout.
and
3 push the offside line back 5metres and enforce it.
Surely thats not too much to ask for ?
27 Jun 2010, 10:47 am
Yehbo!
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