One hand on the Bledisloe

If anyone had any doubts over the All Blacks after the June test series against France they were quickly dismissed after Saturday nights emphatic victory over the Wallabies in Sydney, 47-29.

The pre match hype surrounding the match was largely of course related to Ewen McKenzie and his first chances to show the changes he has implemented with the team after taking over from Robbie Deans, especially with regard to their attitude and how they approach games against the All Blacks.

However, this new found attitude and perhaps too much time spent on attacking plays on the training paddock for the Wallabies meant that there defense was found wanting and as a result the All Blacks ran in 6 tries comfortably.

Several players silenced the critics with huge game performances. Richie "Captain Fantastic" McCaw turned back the clock with his 72 minute efforts showing that even with limited rugby and a 6 month sabbatical  he can still bring the goods and deliver on the night. We shouldn't forget that this guy is one of our best All Blacks ever, having played in over 100 test matches, he knows when to bring out the big guns.

DC's replacement, Aaron Cruden couldn't have picked a more appropriate game to show that he is well on his way to becoming our starting 1st 5/8 and not just when DC is injured. The way he controlled the game, the tempo, his defense and his goal kicking was worthy of the man of the match title, the only question now is will he be fit enough to back up this Saturday in Wellington. 

Many commentators focused more on the loss of Liam Messam in the No. 6 jersey as a bigger loss than DC injuring his calf muscle. Of course many would agree after Messam's brutal form in the final stages of the Super Rugby campaign, his leadership skills and physicality that he has brought to his game, its not hard to see why he would be missed. However where there is a will there is a way.

In steps Steven Luatua, with only 10 previously test match minutes under his belt he slotted into the loose forward trio like white on rice. Sure he brings a different game to Messam but he didn't put a foot wrong during his stint on the park and very nearly went close to scoring a fantastic try himself. 

The Wallabies quickly found out that the honeymoon period was over and sure with a new coach, the same result eventuated. Will Genia commented post match that "there is a lot of confidence in the fact that we scored 29 points". Let me just set the record straight, the All Blacks discipline at the breakdown was poor, in turn gifting the Wallabies 19 points in penalties. So i'm not quite sure what game Genia was watching, perhaps it is the only confidence they can bring from a rather lacklustre game.

I would be surprised if Ewen retains Brumbies fullback Jesse Mogg in the No 15 jersey. His left foot only kicks turned out to be one of the Wallabies biggest downfalls as well as his defense. He missed 3 tackles including a crucial tackle attempt on Conrad Smith which lead to a try. A promising player in Super Rugby just hasn't translated onto the international test match arena.

With the last time the Wallabies won back to back test matches in New Zealand, way back when in 1949 (even older than my mother) you certainly wouldn't bet against the All Blacks, even with a few injury concerns lingering over the test match build up.

What did you think of the game?

All Black everything.

Statistics
All Blacks - 146 tackles made
Wallabies - 90 tackles made

All Blacks - 11 penalties
Wallabies - 6 penalties