Blogger News Network

July 8, 2006

The All Blacks have defeated Australia 32 points to 12 in the opening match of the rugby union 2006 Tri Nations at Jade Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Tri Nations has adopted an expanded format this year, though it will revert back to the old format for next year's 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. The All Blacks were probably entering the match as favourites, and are also the defending Tri Nations champions, as well as the number one ranked team in the world. Australia however were also confident, under new coach John Connolly who led them to strong wins over England as well as Ireland in June. The lead up to the match was marked by a controversial ad campaign lampooning an incident after the 2006 Super 14 Final.

The All Blacks preformed their much talked of Kapa O Pango haka before the match, in an attempt to fire them up, but it was Australia who opened up the scoring in the match, when Chris Lathem offloaded to Mat Rogers who sprinted down the left sidelined and passed to Lote Tuqiri who scored the try. Stirling Mortlock converted the try to take Australia out by seven points. Australia's Rocky Elsom was sent to the sin bin in the 27th minute. Down one man, Australia was able to hold out the All Blacks, with Tuqiri and Lathem puhing them over the sideline. However, after a messy line out from Australia, Keven Mealamu scored the All Blacks' first try. Carter, after missing two previous penalty goals, successfully converted the try. Five minutes from half-time, Mealamu barged over to score his second try of the match with Carter converting. The All Blacks entered the half-time break leading the Wallabies 14 points to seven.

The All Blacks extended their lead over Australia seven minutes into the second half, with Carter kicking a successful penalty goal, to take the score to 17 points to seven. A possible New Zealand try is sent up to the television-match-official, as the ball appears to be grounded by Stephen Larkem's legs, however, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw also grounds it with his arm. The try was awarded, and Carter converted to take New Zealand's lead to 24 to seven with 30 minutes left of play remaining. Scott Fava came on for Australia in the 50th minute, and got over for a try within minutes of coming on. Mortlock missed the conversion, and the score was now at 24 to 12 to the All Blacks. Carter added another penalty goal for the All Blacks in the 55th minute to take the score to 27 points to 12. Australia almost scored another try, but the ambiguity of it saw it disallowed. A re-gathered charge down of an Australian kick saw Carter pass to Isaia Toeavo who ran down the field to score a late try. Carter's conversion hit the upright. The final score was 32 to 12 to the All Blacks. Australia face South Africa at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane next week.

External links

• "All Blacks v Australia preview". tvnz.co.nz, July 8, 2006
• "Handbag haka was foul play, say heavyweights of rugby". timesonline.co.uk, July 8, 2006