All Blacks squeeze victory again

New Zealand’s age-old ability to squeeze out a narrow Test victory even when below their best was again demonstrated in the enervating humidity of Hong Kong.

The All Blacks shook off a torpid first half performance to transform a 14-6 deficit into a 19-14 win in the final Bledisloe Cup match of the season. This 5-point victory followed their 4-point win over the Wallabies in Brisbane in September meant they have won three of the four Tests against Australia this year. It underlined the fact that even in adversity, New Zealand has a deep-seated belief and ability to prevail that remains the envy of all their foes in Test rugby.

Before a 39,000 crowd that generated £5 million from ticket sales alone, the All Blacks looked strangely un-co-ordinated throughout the first half. Only Dan Carter’s fine penalty kicking kept them in touch by the interval when Australia led 14-9.

Australia are making obvious improvements under Robbie Deans and they frustrated New Zealand in the first half, albeit often by use of illegal tactics, especially killing the ball at the breakdown. Irish referee Alan Lewis penalised them heavily, the penalty count 7-1 against them by half time.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry admitted “There was not enough passion in our game in the first half but we picked it up after half time. We looked rusty at the beginning but gradually improved.”

Wallaby wing Drew Mitchell, only playing because Lote Tuqiri was injured, scored two tries in the first 25 minutes, as the Australians started much the better. Matt Giteau’s clever drift run and inside pass put Mitchell over at the posts for the first and the wing got his second after the forwards had driven close to the All Blacks line and then George Smith’s quick pass freed Mitchell.

The excellent Giteau converted majestically from touch to make it 14-6 but that was the zenith of the Australians’ achievement. New Zealand looked a different side in the second half, reverting to some basics up front and putting greater cohesion and structure into their game.

Quick hands by centre Conrad Smith and full-back Isaia Toeava sent left wing Sitiveni Sivivatu over in the corner just two minutes after half time and although Carter’s conversion missed, the New Zealanders’ statement of intent was obvious. They used the line-out excellence of Ali Williams (10 wins from 15 NZ line-out takes) and the driving power of fellow lock Brad Thorn around the fringes to suck in and tire the Wallaby defence.

When Carter moved back to outside half when Donald was withdrawn and Weepu replaced Cowan, greater shape and direction were apparent. The All Blacks began to dominate territorially and skipper Richie McCaw, freed wide out on the right by Sivivatu’s floated pass over the remnants of a stretched Australian defence, put New Zealand ahead for the first time with a 62nd minute try. It proved sufficient, for Australia could not score a point after half time.

But they had chances. Giteau missed a 69th minute penalty and a poor pass denied Mitchell a possible third try. But in a game of 30 turnovers, New Zealand did just enough.

Scorers: Australia

Tries: Mitchell (2). Conversions: Giteau (2)

New Zealand: Sivivatu, McCaw.

Pen. Goals: Carter (3)

AUSTRALIA: A. Ashley-Cooper, P. Hynes, R. Cross (sub. B. Barnes 52 mins), S. Mortlock (c), D. Mitchell; M. Giteau, L. Burgess; B. Robinson, S. Moore, A. Baxter (sub. M. Dunning 70 mins), M. Chisholm, N. Sharpe (sub. P. Waugh 64 mins), D. Mumm, G. Smith (sub. D. Pocock 74 mins), R. Brown.

NEW ZEALAND: I. Toeava (sub. C. Jane 74 mins); H. Gear, C. Smith, D. Carter, S. Sivivatu; S. Donald (sub. M. Nonu 48 mins), J. Cowan (sub. P. Weepu 50 mins); A. Woodcock, A. Hore (sub. K. Mealamu 5 mins), N. Tialata (sub. G. Somerville 63 mins), B. Thorn (sub. A. Boric 63 mins), A. Williams, J. Kaino (sub. A. Thomson 73 mins), R. McCaw (Capt.), R. So’oialo (sub. A. Thomson 15-25 mins).

REFEREE: A. Lewis (Ireland)