Two tries: Sonny Bill Williams
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New Zealand bounced back from last week's close call in style with an impressive 60-0 hammering of Ireland in Hamilton on Saturday.
After the heartbreakingly narrow defeat of last week, Ireland were no match for the effervescent All Blacks, who scored four tries in the first 25 minutes and looked dangerous at every turn. Dominated at the tackle - most unlike the Irish - and shredded out wide, the Irish just could not muster the spirit or precision of last week and were plain annihilated.
Perhaps the most satisfying aspect for the ABs was the nilling, however. Tries have never been a problem for this generation, but the fact that Ireland not only didn't score, they had only one kick at goal and barely once got close to crossing the whitewash will be a source of immense pride to Richie McCaw and his men. Ireland's most promising-looking first-half attack ended in a mistake and an All Black try. The overall penalty count against the hosts was ridiculously low.
Within seven minutes New Zealand had the advantage, Sam Cane finishing off a sweeping move out right. On a quarter of an hour Aaron Cruden produced a dart and a brilliant offload to put Sonny Bill Williams through the gap for the second. On 20 minutes it was the Cruden-Williams axis again, this time on a well-timed switch. And on 24 minutes it was an Irish error - Brian O'Driscoll spilling an ill-directed switch pass from Paddy Wallace - that gifted the ball to Cruden. Cruden scorched away and the two Smiths, Conrad and Ben, combined on straight lines and soft hands to send Ben away in the corner. It was all that simple, all that devastating.
The loss of Cruden to injury - a possible worry for both the Chiefs and the All Blacks - stymied the attacking rhythm for a while but did little to change the domination. Beauden Barrett landed a penalty with the final act of the first half, with the penultimate act being a harsh yellow dished out to Rob Kearney for what looked to be a legitimate interception attempt.
Ireland thus spent the first ten minutes of the second half a man down and paid for it with two more tries, one a series of three inside offloads finished off by Cane under the posts, the other a magnificent 50m finish from Hosea Gear. Barrett could only convert one, but that left Ireland trailing 41-0 after 50 minutes; New Zealand were good value for their near point-a-minute ratio and the Irish body count was rising.
Kearney's return changed nothing. Cane slipped a super ball to Messam on an super line for what was New Zealand's 100th-ever try against Ireland. Barrett's indifferent form with the boot continued as a comparatively easy kick bounced off the uprights.
Williams showed a rare glimpse of his complete skill set with a well-judged opportunistic grubber deep for Israel Dagg to run in the eighth try on the hour mark, this time Barrett converting.
New Zealand kept attacking, although some handling errors began to creep in. Ireland looked to move from deeper and deeper, presumably playing right into the hosts' hands. A handling error ten minutes from time and super delay of the pass from Barrett saw Adam Thomson run a direct line home for try number nine.
Ireland rallied hard, determined to get something out of the game, but there was no change to be had. In minutes 79, Keven Mealamu's well-timed charge on Eoin Reddan saw the half-back spill the ball and that was that. Firmly that.
Man of the match: Aaron Cruden was putting in a good claim for this until he went off after 25 minutes, Sonny Bill Williams dominated the centres, but it was Sam Cane whose domination in the loose created the space for his team-mates outside, and brace of tries gave his side a commanding lead.
Moment of the match: The fourth try. As exciting as it was clinical, it was curtains for Ireland after that.
Villain of the match: He reffed well, but for a really poor moment of judgement, referee Romain Poite gets this for the yellow card he dished out to Rob Kearney. Brian O'Driscoll called it 'ridiculous'. He was right.
The scorers:
For New Zealand:
Tries: Cane 2, Williams 2, B.Smith, Gear, Messam, Dagg, Thomson
Cons: Cruden 3, Barrett 3
Pens: Barrett
Yellow cards: Kearney,40, Ireland - deliberate knock-on
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Richie McCaw (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Beauden Barrett, 22 Tamati Ellison.
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Peter O'Mahony, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Donnacha Ryan, 4 Dan Tuohy, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Declan Fitzpatrick, 18 Donncha O'Callaghan, 19 Chris Henry, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Andrew Trimble.
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Pascal Gauzere (France), James Leckie (Australia)
Television match official: Matt Goddard (Australia)
Comments
sandal says...
Poite didn't have a flawless game, but to name him villain of the match is extreme.
Kearney made no attempt to catch that pass. (Can someone explain how you can intercept such a pass using only one hand? Perhaps with Velcro.) As such it was a clear penalty for a deliberate knock-on. Most refs would hand out a yellow card for such an offence in that part of the field. Harsh, perhaps, but almost inevitable.
Posted 06:43 24th June 2012
sandal says...
@Kimbriki
Pathetic. Rugby is a physical contact sport. If you can't take physical contact, then play or watch darts instead.
Earls made the mistake of going too high and Gear fended him off. A fend, even to the face, is perfectly legal, and one reason why it is inadvisable to go high.
As to the "deliberate" elbow, that entails bringing the right hand back to the left hand side, and then swinging the arm back, leading with the elbow. I didn't see Gear do that. Did you?
Get real.
Posted 06:32 24th June 2012
cuw3100 says...
This Match: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Richie McCaw (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Beauden Barrett, 22 Tamati Ellison.
Preferred: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Corey Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guilford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kiearon Read, 7 Ritchie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Anthony Borich, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 SBW.
This match was played with a 22 that had many new faces. Hopefully the oldies will be back for a full strength squad in the 4 nations.
Posted 05:22 24th June 2012
anotherfarce says...
Yes I think that was a bad game for Ireland but in all honesty I don't think they are that bad a team anyone to state so is getting a bit carried away.
Their forwards did not respond quick enough this week after the 1st couple of trie's & the score reflects it.
What NZ changed this week was their (speed & numbers to the breakdown).
last week Ireland exploited this. It is becoming increasingly clear nearly all the games are won on this aspect with players getting less time to hold onto possession when tackled.
It's one thing to know this, but players need to be fit to address it. Nz are definitely fit & flying at the moment. It will be interesting to see how good this team is against the boks. I am really looking forward to this 4N this year to see where they are both at :>)
Posted 04:53 24th June 2012
kpe12 says...
My 2 cents:
ABs push the limits for forward passes and play on despite little knock ons (the ref can't see everything) and they get the rub of the green because they play positively on attack.
ABs defense is immense.
Tackle player -> 2 choices, go for it or pull out. If tackler is cleared out, no ABs commit to the ruck, which means their locks will be clearing out the next tackle. If there is a chance those loosies really hit that ruck hard and try and win turnovers, it's not perfect but they slow opposition ball and put pressure on the 9. End result is a well organized defensive line and slow offensive ball for the opposition (slow ball, behind the gain line = less likely to get calls & knock ons more obvious).
Ritchie at 8 looked good, SBW still too high when he hits the line, he will turn over ball a lot BUT it also lets him get his arms free which makes him dangerous. Cruden & Barrett looked good. Cane is like a young Pocock (wait till that kid bulks up a little), he will peak for next 2015.
Yellow card was unnecessary, but it was give because it was a a deliberate attempt that stopped a certain try. High risk because if he makes the catch he stops the try AND stays on the pitch.
FINALLY TO MY ONE RANT.
Ian Smith post game interview asks BOD if we will see him back down here again... What a clown, next tour is already set at over a decade away, of course he won't be back. He realizes his mistake and then asks if we will ever see him again... WHAAA? Are you... Ian Smith the average ex cricket player turned terrible sports commentator asking one of the greatest European rugby players of the professional era to retire? It was an embarrassing line of questioning and it was awkward for BOD so he threw in a joke and walked away.
I'd like to apologize on behalf of NZ for that clown.
Posted 03:47 24th June 2012
Cats_Meow says...
what a pathetic display by Ireland, pretty embarrassed to be half-Irish right now! the ABs played well but to get spanked by 60 is pathetic, definitely time for Kidney, O'Driscoll and a few others to be put out to pasture, last weeks game means absolutely nothing
Posted 03:44 24th June 2012
7ton says...
Carpelone
Funny you didn't mention any knock-ons in the babybok game:)
Posted 02:29 24th June 2012
IAMpunter2609 says...
2EyedKiwi.....
Why you gotta disrespect the great BOD?? he has been the best Irish player for a long time and his after match interview was gold. Also you sound like a stuck up twat using words like priapismic and furburger. Im a kiwi also and I rate BOD so highly he would push for a spot in abs if he was a kiwi, yes he made mistakes this game but he had to have a go.
Well done ABs!
I wish Ireland had won the 2nd test, BOD deserved it mucho respecto.
Posted 02:00 24th June 2012
MacTavish says...
With complete respect to Ireland, Hansen got it right last week. Ireland played out of their skin, and New Zealand played poor for a 3 point victory. Without Carter and Read, two of the worlds best, The All Blacks are still a threat. All the plonkers out there that think NZ will suffer a World Cup Hangover like South Africa or the embarrassing reign England had, think again. South Africa and Australia would have gone down too last night on that performance.
And an interesting little fact for all the knockers over the years. With exception of Ben Franks (who was born in Melbourne to NZ Parents) this whole squad of 29 are New Zealand born. Unlike England who have 7 immigrants in their current 42 man squad, and Australia who have 9 immigrants in their 39 man squad. Funnily enough most of their best players are immigrants. Moore (Irish) Pocock (Zimbabwean) Genia (New Guinean) Cooper/Harris/Ioane/Vuna (Kiwis).
Win or lose every week New Zealand gets claims of cheating, bribery, poaching or favourtism put against them - so no apology for pointing out some black and white - undeniable facts.
Posted 01:19 24th June 2012
Kiwikev says...
@ Trader2
The easiest way for the AB's to lose against Oz is to think that they have already won the match; that's how they nearly lost to Ireland last weekend...
Marginal ref, dry conditions and high intensity help the AB win this week but mostly the Irish did not back themselves once they were behind...
Posted 00:52 24th June 2012
isthatrightref says...
@ isthatrightref says (2 weeks ago)... " AB have a history of being less dominant in the 2nd after a big win in the 1st so maybe a closer result in Cheechee
but look out in the 3rd & have your record books handy, you may need 'em"
Posted 23:18 23rd June 2012
Ulsterman1999 says...
As an Ulster fan my heart goes out to Paddy Wallace. He should never have been put in that position. He has been poorly treated by the IRFU throughout his professional career. I remember when he first burst into the Ulster starting 15. He had such potential. That potential, I believe, has been neglected and then destroyed by successive Irish coaches. This will shatter his confidence. I hope he never plays for Ireland again, not because he doesn't possess the ability, but because he has been so poorly treated. Wallace has never been given the respect he deserves. Think of the quality outside backs Ireland possessed over the past decade and think how they could have been released more effectively if they had someone of Wallace's distribution skills in the midfield? Hickie? Horgan? Murphy? Wallace was never given the support needed to translate his raw talent onto the international stage. He never looked comfortable and therefore never performed. His is the story of the golden generation - Talent Wasted.
The last of the golden generation should bow out and provide opportunities to the younger players likely to make the next world cup. Fitzpatrick, Tuohy, Madigan, and Cave all need time to develop at international level.
It's time for Kidney to fall on his own sword. He, like his predecessor, has wasted the talent at his disposal. I feel for the golden generation and for what they might have achieved. Wales have won 3 Grand Slams in 6 years, and with the greatest respect to the Welsh, they didn't have the same talent at their disposal.
As long as we have an Irish coach we will continue to under achieve. We do not possess the technical knowledge that exists in the SH to beat the big three on a consistent basis. It¿s time for an honest and frank discussion about the management of the national team. It¿s time for a clear out.
Posted 21:40 23rd June 2012
2EyedKiwi says...
AB's first try was from a blatant knock on, and Kearney did not deserve a yellow card. So lets minus 7 points for the 1st try, and 10 points for the yellow (average points conceded per yellow card). That makes the score 43 - 0.
Astonishing!
AB's on fire, in particular the greenhorns who looked like they've been there forever. As a Chiefs supporter, watching Cruden and SBW work together was priapismic!!
Ireland were pathetic, and its time for the once great BOD to move on, and to take a number of the old guard with him. Cannot believe that after such a drubbing the captain would attempt humour during the postmatch comments. What a furburger...
Can't wait to see Cane vs Pocock in the Bledisloe's! ("Rugby Championship". Arse.)
Posted 21:24 23rd June 2012
Carpelone says...
Great game from NZ. The first 20 minutes showed why the Chiefs top SR. Cruden and SBW were impressive, especially SBW who was my MOM, by far his best performance in Rugby Union. He is no more a one trick pony. His grubber to Dagg was quite something. Sam Cane is the man who will put RMC to bed, finally. Well done to him too.
As predicted, Ireland do not have enough steam to put two performance altogether.
It is confirmed: forward passes or knock ons do not count for New Zealand. The elbow of Gear on Earls (gosh, what an embarassment he is) was also suspicious.
Posted 21:07 23rd June 2012
GCP_JONES says...
Men against Boys, more like Men against Embryo's. Well done NZ excellent effort, but yet again Deccie's Irish side fails to back it up from last week.The entire touring party should hand back their wages(they are meant to be Professionals after all).
Mr Kidney do us all a favour, we know your contracted until next summer,stay in new zealand and learn how to coach before the Boks and Pumas play us in november, time for some fresh blood Me Thinks. Its gonna be a long journey home.
Posted 19:39 23rd June 2012
bigb6969 says...
The penalty count was "ridiculously low" against the hosts because they rolled out of the tackle very quickly and trust the defence which was organised and punishing. Ireland I know where not at 100 strength through injuries, but so were the All Blacks. I mean no Dan Carter or Keiran Read, 2 of the big 3. No Corey Jane, Richard Kahui, Nonu, Boric, Kaino (our player of the World Cup). Not sure what happend with the Irish maybe they where still tired from the previous week.
Note McCaw has just played in his 94th test win in 106 test. Passing Gregan who had 93 wins in 139 tests.
Posted 19:17 23rd June 2012
LondonWasp says...
60-0
ouch...
Posted 19:04 23rd June 2012
BillyMutt2 says...
Wow. No-one would have predicted this. AB's looking their fearsome best again, well done!
@VonVon: good one, now stop trolling please.
Posted 18:11 23rd June 2012
rangdaddy says...
@vonvon - youre either joking or a muppet, Ireland were totally outclassed as the ABs were never going to give a chance a sniff like last week!
Posted 17:02 23rd June 2012
agardiner22 says...
@powerplay. I tink Joe scmidt or Mike Ruddock, we need new tinkin and direction. can u uess wat letters are broken....?
Posted 16:57 23rd June 2012