CAIRO: Two neighboring nations went head to head at Eden Park in Auckland, Sunday night local time. Playing on home ground, the All Blacks won 20-6 having maintained 51 percent procession and 62 percent territory. The victory was New Zealand's first ever over Australia at a Rugby World Cup. The game set off with a kick by Quade Cooper which hit off-side and resulted in the first scrum of the match. The first and only try of the match was scored by Ma'a Nonu in the first 6 minutes of the game. At half time the score was 14-6 lead to the All Blacks. New Zealand pushed to a comfortable lead after half time with Piri Weepu making the only scores through penalty kicks. “It was awesome,” said Captain of the All Blacks, Richie McCaw. “We knew we had to front up and be on the job for 80 minutes.” “The intensity was there and everyone did their job. I was proud of all the guys but I thought the back three (Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui and Cory Jane) were outstanding.” Cory Jane was named ‘Man of the Match' managing to successfully get under the high balls, played a fullback on the wing and pressured the Australian back three and Quade Cooper. Even without Dan Carter, the All Blacks managed to work the Wallabies who had to battle an excellent defense line. Wallabies captain, James Horwill said, “credit to the All Blacks, they outplayed us.” “The All Blacks are a great side and when you miss tackles against them they'll keep the scoreboard ticking over. They defended well and we didn't execute or put the phases together.” The All Blacks dream of holding the Webb Ellis Cup is that much closer with the finals next week versus France, a repeat of the inaugural 1987 World Cup final. BM
