All-Blacks crush the Wallabies in Tri-Nation match in Melbourne
New Zealand further strengthened their position in Tri-Nations when they defeated their arch-rivals Australia in a one-sided encounter in Melbourne. The Kiwis won the match with a score of 49-28 at the Etihad Stadium. Mils Muliaina was instrumental for the All-Blacks as his two tries steered his team closer to the Southern Hemisphere crown.
Australia started the match in perfect manner as winger Drew Mitchell scored a try in the opening minutes of the game. Mitchell was later sent-off in the second half after he was booked for a second time. The visitors wasted no time as they showed counter-attacking power with Muliaina leading the attack. He powered through the Australian midfield with a brilliant run. However, the Wallabies struck back through Matt Giteau and O’Connor opening their rivals. Australia further extended their lead as New Zealand conceded an offside penalty which Giteau easily converted.
The Wallabies failed to hold on to the lead as Carter converted one to bring the visitors back into the match. Carter further exasperated the Aussies as he intercepted Berrick Barnes’ clearance to score a try and to bring New Zealand into the lead for the first time in the match. New Zealand then went on to extend its lead through Muliaina, who scored his second try of the match. New Zealand kept their juggernauts running as they continuously put their enemy’s defence under pressure. The Wallabies were able to get some respite after Owen Franks was sent to sin-bin for dangerous use of the shoulder at the ruck. Soon afterwards, the Kiwis completely dominated the proceedings as they produced a clinical display of rugby. A tackle from Conrad Smith resulted in a turnover before McCaw swooped and dodged the Aussies to score his side’s third try. Carter later converted, which damage Australia’s prospects in the match.
In the second half, the Aussies also lost numerical equality when Mitchell was sent-off after getting his second yellow card. Mitchell's decision to slap the ball out of Smith's hands as he attempted to take a quick lineout and the fact he had already seen the yellow, sealed his fate. But Australia’s indiscipline turned out to be their Achilles’ heel as the visitors capitalized on their messy play. Will Genia scored for the All-Blacks whereas Carter’s conversion saw him take over Wales Neil Jenkins and move to the second position in all-time Test point’s scorers list.
This victory gives a timely boost to New Zealand to seal the Tri-Nations. New Zealand coach Graham Henry is optimistic about his side’s chances to win the crown. He also added pressure on his Australian counterpart with his wit. If things turn out to be in Henry’s favour, the All-Blacks will be able to retain their Tri-Nations crown and the Bledisloe Cup silverware. On the other hand, Dean witnessed his 8th successive loss for his team who was heavily criticized for this feat.
While talking to reporters after the victory in Melbourne, Henry said, “Personally if I had eight losses in a row I'd find it very difficult to handle to be frank. You'd feel under a lot of heat, that's the nature of international sport I guess.” If Dean loses another match then he will equal the infamous nine match defeat sequence of 1936-47. On the other hand, Dean is philosophical about his loss in Melbourne. He said, “It could have been worse. Once we were down to 14 men and we were playing for pride there was potential there for (the score line) to blow out.”
Meanwhile, the All-Blacks have only one worry before going into their next match and that is the injury of scrum-half Jimmy Cowan. Cowan injured his rib cartilage during their encounter with Australia. Cowan was replaced By Piri Weepu in the 33rd minute of the first half. On Cowan’s status in the team, Henry claimed, “He tells me he's going to be fine but I think he'll struggle to be right for next week.” The next encounter will be utmost importance for both Australia and New Zealand as their reputations will be at stake.
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