What a match! What an ending! The 2010 Tri-Nations is over with two tests remaining. With four victories in four tests, New Zealand won the cup that they lost to South Africa last year. They did it in emphatic fashion with a last gasp 29-22 point win over the Boks in Soweto.
Springbok fans will be heartbroken, and none more so than captain John Smit, losing in his 100th test match. An official record 94,700 fans came out to support their team who were so far win-less in this year’s 3N series. And what a difference three weeks make. For most of this match the Springboks were playing with their old verve, smashing into tackles and driving runners back. What particularly struck me was that they were smiling. Right from the haka to the 77th minute, the Boks looked happy to be playing rugby. What a change from a month ago.
Two Boks who really stood out were Juan Smith and Francois Hougaard. The whole back row looked good for South Africa, but Juan Smith tackled everything, even the referee. (And boy was he apologetic about that!) Hougaard was the best of the four scrumhalfs who played by a long stretch.
The All Blacks played well below their normal standard, and that mostly reflected the intensity of the Boks’ defense. When they did break the advantage line they often ran unsupported. Both Dan Carter and Cory Jane found themselves inches from the try-line with the ball in hand but no support.
The Boks had the advantage in the scrums and under the high ball. Morne Steyn kicked a perfect 6 from 6. (Carter kicked 5 from 8.) But on defense, the ABs were at least their equal.
What decided this evenly balanced game? In two words, Richie McCaw. If there was ever a captain that just refused to let his team lose, it was Richie in this match. He was involved in everything. He broke tackles, stole the ball, and scored the levelling try under huge pressure when there was just three minutes on the clock.
Carter missed the conversion giving Boks another chance to win. At that point you would’ve put good money on Morne Steyne slotting a drop goal. But the ball was lost and the next moment Nonu was busting through a missed tackle from John Smit then making a sublime pass to send super-sub Israel Dagg across the line. Game, set and series New Zealand!
Filed under: All Blacks, Boks, Dan Carter, Graham Henry, Morne Steyn, New Zealand, Piri Weepu, Richie McCaw, rugby, South Africa, Springboks, Tri-Nations | 1 Comment »
Pity poor old Piri Weepu. He’s made seven finals appearances in New Zealand’s provincial tournament and recorded seven losses.
Rugby Asteroid 