Auckland: The All Blacks’ frustration at last week’s loss to the Wallabies in Sydney spilled over in the return match in Auckland yesterday where they thrashed the Australians 41-13.
The New Zealanders’ pride was wounded when they lost the Rugby Championship decider 27-19 and they were determined to make amends and retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 13th consecutive year.
The world champions led 13-6 at half-time and then stunned the Wallabies with three tries in a seven minute burst at the start of the second spell which began with a penalty try following a head-high tackle by Quade Cooper.
The All Blacks scored five tries with Dane Coles, Ma’a Nonu (twice) and Conrad Smith crossing the line along with the penalty try while Dan Carter was on song with his boot landing all five conversions and two penalties.
The Wallabies, who have scored at least two tries in their past nine Tests, were limited to one late touchdown by Israel Folau and two Cooper penalties.
The sense of urgency in the All Blacks’ play was fitting for the farewell appearance in New Zealand by six of their elder statesmen -- Richie McCaw, in his record-setting 142nd Test, Dan Carter, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock.
The All Blacks were jittery at the start with hurried passes going to no one in particular and their desperation to get an early ascendancy resulted in three penalties in the opening 10 minutes.
One within kicking range was easily turned into points by Cooper to get the Wallabies on the board first. But when the All Blacks settled they piled on 13 points through the middle stages of the first half. Carter landed two penalties and played a central role in the All Blacks’ first try, an end-to-end move that started with a turnover by Sam Whitelock.
The All Blacks elected to counter-attack from inside their 22 with Carter stepping through two defenders before sending hooker Dane Coles on a 40-metre run to the line. Cooper came back with a second penalty for the Wallabies as they went into the break with the All Blacks ahead 13-6.
AFP
