Black and Blues

What a game!

The first Bledisloe more than lived up to expectations, both sides played out of their skins and the intensity was incredible. I certainly did not expect a 10-0 margin in the first 10 minutes to either side.

All Black Brad Thorne showed the indelible print of the NRL by being sent of in the first 6 minutes for a tackle so high he was lucky he didn't take Matt Giteau's head off.

In the second half a penalty try should have been awarded for a try saving professional foul committed when Sitiveni Sivivatu was tackled without the ball trying to score. I am not saying it would necessarily have changed the result but it would have shored the ABs lead.

I thought early on that the hungriest team with the best leadership would win. I wondered what the impact of both Ritchie McCaw and Stirling Mortlock being unable to play would have. The answer is that the lack of leadership in the ABs has been exposed, the Wallabies have it all over the ABs in depth in that area.

Soiolo is the only choice to replace McCaw as captain, none of the other experienced players have the skills. Ali Williams and Ma'a Nonu, while they have enthusiasm and talent, both need to be controlled by a strong leader and I am not sure Millsy has the head for it either. To expect Rodney to step into McCaw's shoes as captain and Collins' shoes on the flank with a debutant at number 7 was too much I think.

On the other hand the Wallabies have Smith to replace Mortlock, Waugh to have impact from the bench, Giteau in the back line to balance out a young but committed side.

The Wallabies defended well and the managed to slow the linebreaks and force the ABs into some passing that didn't look solid it looked desperate.

Well I bet the NZRFU is just so pleased that they let Deans slip through their fingers. While I accept that Henry is one of NZ's most successful coaches he has been in the job for a long time. Robbie and his Wallabies have everything to play for and they showed it last night.

Roll on Auckland. Let's hope that game is as good as this one was.