Total redemption best describes the All Blacks’ record 57-22 rugby triumph against a gutsy Australian team shocked by their power and cohesion.
Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie had a much better record with the Chiefs than Ian Foster but Foster, justifiably, doesn’t want to be defined by that even though he suffered a 50 per cent success rate as All Black head coach last year.
On Saturday at Eden Park in securing the Bledisloe Cup for a 19th successive year, the record is 5-0 so far with two wins each against Fiji and Australia and one against Tonga.
But the latest eight tries-to-three success gave greater expression to the All Blacks’ enormous potential through forward domination, slick backline passing and penetration than any other.
Hooker Codie Taylor bagged two tries with Rieko Ioane, Brodie Retallick, David Havili. Will Jordan, Sevu Reece and Ardie Savea scoring the others.
There were some classics, none better than Retallick’s, when he completed an 80m sprint in concert with Akira Ioane and Damian McKenzie to score between the posts.
Brave skipper Michael Hooper, lively halfback Craig McDermott and wings Andrew Kellaway and Marika Koroibete were Australia’s best in a never-say-die effort that failed to do justice to their courage.
It did not because the All Blacks were totally committed, defensively strong, cohesive and adventuresome.
Taylor reaped his two tries in support of champion halfback Aaron Smith, locks Sam Whitelock and Retallick were at their best, as were loosies Savea and Akira Ioane.
Hard grafter Dalton Papalii, so strong at the breakdown, combines his work in the loose by making a tremendous contribution to the tight forwards.
Savea, such a threat in the centres off brother Rieko’s pass, is also working much harder in close to cement his No 6 jersey and Rieko had his best game in the No 13.
First-five Richie Mo’unga was his masterly self making Beauden Barrett’s hopes of starting at No 10 difficult. Barrett remains a fine player but several years have passed since he was twice voted the world’s best player which Mo’ounga is fast approaching.
McKenzie redeemed himself at fullback after a shaky start and wings Reece and Jordan made the most of limited chances.
The manner of the win was a huge relief to Foster and his co-coaches who can expect tougher to come after a third test against the Wallabies in Perth.
Argentina and South Africa are to follow in Australia before away games against Wales, Italy, Ireland and France, Covid-19 permitting.
Although the scrummaging improved in this last test against the Wallabies, it will need to be strengthened further against Argentina, South Africa, Wales and France. But the prospects look bright, especially with the backs showing they are as fast of hand as they are of foot.
One great win doesn’t a summer make but it’s encouraging when it comes through the collective effort of individual talent welded into a team performance.
Foster, with the support of Steve Hansen and John Hart, has been honest and transparent but needs top results against top opponents to keep the job ahead of Scott Robertson who had seven of his champion Crusaders in his last starting national XV.
- Ivan Agnew is an award-winning sports writer
