All Blacks stride in to the finals

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Category: rugbywc2011

Published on Sunday, 16 October 2011 16:33

Written by Sankha DLT

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The 2nd semi final which was played between the All Blacks and the Wallabies saw the number one team in the world overcoming the 2nd at Eden Park Auckland today to set up their 50th win over Australia.

The host nation came in to this game as the favourites and they showed their class in the 6th minute of the game when their colossal center Ma’a Nonu barged over for a corner try. Israel Dagg was the instrumentalist in the try after covering good yards; offloaded a crafty pass inside for Nonu to score. They extended their lead in the 13th minute of the game when scrum half Piri Weepu slotted in a penalty. James O’Conner reduced the lead with a well executed penalty. Aaron Cruden the 3rd choice 21 year old fly half for the All Black has fitted in nicely in to the line up and is looking at home wearing the number 10 jersey. The Kiwi back three in particular was a par beyond excellence as the trio of Israel Dagg, Corey Jane and Richard Kahui joined to put on a threatening combination on counter attack.

Piri Weepu didn’t have the best days with the boot and the number nine missed 4 penalties and a conversion. Had he gotten the conversion the score line would showed a landside figure. Cruden kicked an under pressure drop goal to ensure that the All Blacks maintained their lead but his counterpart Quade Cooper kicked one of his own to get his side in to the game. Cooper still searching for some confidence did not get his act together and was on a tight leash set by the All Blacks.

The untiring third row forwards proved a handful for the Wallabies with skipper Richie McCaw leading from the front with Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read. The battle of the open side flankers, David Pocock and Richie McCaw was the most looked forward to and the New Zealand skipper came out victorious during the break downs.

Sonny Bill Williams could only play 2 minutes of the game as he was sent off during the final 7 minutes after the referee spotted him for a shoulder charge.

The stage is set for a repeat of the inaugural World cup which was back in 1987 where the All Blacks came out victorious. It was the same set up with Wales and Australia fighting a place for the Bronze medal and the French and the Kiwi’s went head on for the final. It's Déjà Vu in New Zealand and signs are looking ominous for the French.

Man of the match: New Zealand's forwards were dominant from minute one but it was the cutting edge that Israel Dagg brought from full-back that sees him wrestle this award from one of his pack. Dagg was a calming presence when Australia kicked long, sending fine returns into touch while also combining those with the mesmeric step that has been thrilling Crusaders fans all year. Mils Muliaina leaves his jersey in very good hands.

Moment of the match: The All Blacks came out of the blocks firing and when Ma'a Nonu crossed with just six minutes gone, they were well on their way.

Villain of the match: You know him, New Zealand loves to dislike him. Quade Cooper played the villain for those wearing black in the stands.

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