Five takeaways from Australia v New Zealand

Editor

Following a 38-13 victory for New Zealand over Australia in the Rugby Championship opener, here’s our five takeaways from the Sydney clash.

That black spell again: Trailing 6-0 with 39 minutes played, New Zealand then enjoyed one of their purple patches either side of half-time. Following a setback that saw Beauden Barrett miss a penalty, Australia switched off but New Zealand did not as Aaron Smith’s try sent them in 6-5 down. Upon on their return to the field tries from the impressive Jack Goodhue and fly-half Barrett before the 52nd minute put New Zealand 19-6 ahead. From that moment on they rarely looked troubled in terms of the result as that period once again proved profitable.

Wallabies woeful at the set-piece: Michael Cheika will be disappointed at the manner in which his charges were dismantled at the set-piece. The All Blacks held back on a few scrums, but targeted four of five from which they wreaked havoc. Cheika’s men were also guilty of being sloppy at line-out time, losing as many as six of their own throw-ins, four of those coming in the second 40. The absence of a world-class hooker, with Tatafu Polota-Nau nowhere near full match fitness, was a noticeable weakness of the Wallabies, while Taniela Tupou was sorely missed as a replacement prop as his impact in the set-piece and also around the field always a welcome boost for the Wallabies’ forwards.

Brodie shines on Sam’s 100th: Much of the Super Rugby campaign has seen praise lavished on Crusaders second-row duo Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett. Now the international season is upon us it’s back to partnering up with Brodie Retallick for the former. Both were outstanding in Sydney with Retallick in particular standing out with his work in the set-piece, on the ground and around the field, with reward coming in the shape of a classy try in the second-half. It might have been Whitelock’s 100th Test in the black shirt but Retallick was the star lock.

Concern for Israel Folau but youngster announces himself: The sight of Folau limping from the action on 64 minutes was worrying to say the least for Wallaby fans but what will please them is Jack Maddocks’ performance off the bench. An impressive season for the Rebels saw him force his way into the international make-up and he showed in their warm-up game last week that he’s more than ready for the step up. That came on Saturday and he grabbed his chance with both hands, scoring a try and showing no fear in possession. Is a start now on the cards?

Barrett silences critics: With much of the pre-tournament talk about whether Richie Mo’unga had done enough to usurp Barrett in the number 10 jersey after having been the standout fly-half in Super Rugby this season, the back-to-back World Rugby Player of the Year sent out a statement that he was not willing to leave that throne anytime soon with a classy performance. Barrett scored a magnificent individual try before putting Naholo’s second on a platter with an expertly weighted cross-field kick, while in general he marshalled the attack superbly.

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