Winger Waisake Naholo scored a double as New Zealand recovered from a slow start to overrun Australia 38-13 on Saturday and extend the Wallabies’ Bledisloe Cup jinx in Sydney.
The world champions scored six tries to one in the first Test, which also doubles as the Rugby Championship opener, for their third win at ANZ Stadium in as many years.
Australia’s hopes of claiming the Bledisloe for the first time since 2002 now rest on winning the second Test in the three-match series next week at Eden Park, where they have not tasted victory since 1986.
Here’s our report card from a one-sided contest in Sydney.
THE GOOD
Stunning Naholo – There was nobody more exciting on the field than the Fijian-born winger. He assisted Aaron Smith for the opening try and scored two of his own late in the second half. The 27-year-old also made 140 metres and beat 13 defenders. His pace, power and skill level was head and shoulders above any other player in Sydney.
Clinical All Blacks – The visitors put 38 points on the scoreboard in the last 37 minutes, scoring six tries with six attacking opportunities. Every time they touched the ball it turned to gold. Their strike power was simply too much for the Wallabies and that is why they are world champions.
THE BAD
Wallabies lack killer instinct – Australia weren’t able to hold on to possession (43%/47%), missed tackles (40) and gave away easy turnovers (18). In the first half, they had so much possession but were unable to convert their chances into points. Had three clear try chances but were unable to beat the All Blacks’ defence.
First 38 mins for All Blacks: Trailing 6-0, the visitors looked a frustrated unit and were unable to breach a granite-like Wallabies defensive wall. It wasn’t until Smith’s try just before half-time that they looked like they’d found their confidence.
KEY MOMENTS
39 minutes – After soaking up pressure, Ben Smith cut through, passed to Naholo who flicked the ball inside to Kieran Read. The captain offloaded to Smith to touch down for his 14th career try in his 73rd Test.
43 minutes – Marika Koroibete is isolated in a one-on-one situation with Naholo, who strips the ball from him and launches an attack. Beauden Barrett spreads it through the backs and youngster Jack Goodhue skips through under the posts for his first All Blacks try.
52 minutes – Barrett picks up loose possession and was like a football star at the World Cup, showing great footwork, pace and composure to beat Will Genia in a foot race to score.
64 minutes – The move started with Brodie Retallick turning over the ball. It was shifted wide and a number of phases later, the lock popped up to sell a dummy and score.
66 minutes – Michael Hooper intercepts the ball and feeds Jack Maddocks who slaloms over on his debut to cut the deficit.
73 minutes – Barrett sends a cleverly weighted kick into the corner that Naholo collects and dots over for the All Blacks’ fifth.
74 minutes – Naholo walks over a tired Wallabies defence for his second try.
TACTICAL TURNING POINTS
The All Blacks simply lifted the intensity in the second half and the Wallabies struggled to stay with them. Steve Hansen’s side looked dangerous in loose play and their transition from defence into attack was outstanding.
It was the sheer ferocity of their speed, skill and general game management that made the difference in Sydney. They had six chances and scored six tries, whereas the Wallabies just couldn’t get points on the board when they forayed into decent attacking positions.
VERDICT: C+
The Wallabies had every chance to capitalise on their chances in the first half, but the All Blacks scrambling defence was remarkable to restricting them to just six points.
The visitors duly upped the intensity after the break and went on to put 38 points on the board in the final 37 minutes, whereas a disappointing Australia could only manage one try. The All Blacks were simply too strong, too organised and too good.
