All Blacks lead by 18-7 in first match of Tri-Nations Cup 2011 - Rugby News
All Blacks concluded the first part of their inaugural game of the Tri-Nations against the Springboks by 18-7. The All Blacks scored three tries before the half-time interval at Westpac Stadium, in Wellington on July 30.
New Zealand made four changes in their side from their last test match against Fiji, played on July 22. Two changes were made in the All Blacks’ forward packs as Samuel Whitelock and Jarrad Hoeata were applied to the front rows. Jerome Kaino was given a
role as blind-side flanker, whereas Adam Thomson filled the vacuum of Liam Messam at first-eight’s position. There were also a few changes in their starting lineup as the All Blacks were not taking the inexperienced Boks lightly.
Meanwhile, Gerhard Mostert made his debut with the South African side as he was included in the side after Flip van der Merwe got injured during their last clash against Australia. Patrick Lambie replaced Gio Aplon at the full-back’s position.
The All Blacks had a number of advantages over the Springboks in experience and above all, the South Africans have never defeated the New Zealanders at Westpac Stadium in five matches played there so far.
Piri Weepu, who was supposed to start the game from the benches for All Blacks, led them in their traditional dance of Haka before the match. The hosts warmed up in their couple of minutes of Haka and entered the field with a determination to start their
journey with victory.
The defending champs All Blacks got the game underway in the third minute of the match as Dan Carter kicked a three pointer into the Boks goals. South African skipper, John Smit, was penalised for having a clear foul of obstruction.
The Springboks missed the chance to equalise the score as Morne Steyn remained off the target on his early shot in the fifth minute of the match.
Wyatt Crockett had done the trick to steal the first try for the All Blacks in the 12th minute and extended his team’s lead to 8-0 but Carter had missed the measured the conversion shot in the next minute. Two minutes later, Zac Guildford crossed
the white-wash line for All Blacks and made the score 13-0. However, the conversion was depleted by the Carter.
The South African were quite down with their rusty game and failed to give any tough opposition to the New Zealanders. Cory Jane added a five pointer to his side after South African skipper John Smit crossed the try line in the 33rd minute of
the match. The All Blacks ended the first-half with 18-7
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