We wanted to put in a performance that restored some mana back in the jersey and that started on the Sunday, when we came back in as a team” –stand-in captain Ardie Savea said after Saturday’s win

By Roger Childs

Bledisloe Cup retained

In front of a full house at Eden Park the All Blacks retained the trophy that signifies trans-Tasman rugby supremacy. Two weeks ago the New Zealanders were thrashed at the Wellington Stadium conceding 36 unanswered points in the second half after leading 10-7 at half time.  

However, there was a determination on Saturday to gain redemption and this happened, but the match could have gone the other way. The home side led 20-3 half way through the first half but the Wallabies fought back to get to 17-20 by half time. Late in the game the visitors were within two points of the lead, but a yellow card against Aussie winger Harry Potter and a second try to man-of-the-match All Black half back Cam Roigard sealed the win for the All Blacks 33-24.

New Zealand has held the trophy since 2002, however the Wallabies chance of winning the first of two tests with their trans-Tasman rival looked good. However, the All Blacks as holders only had to win in Auckland on Saturday to retain the Cup and consequently the victory at Eden Park achieved that goal. Next Saturday’s match in Perth in therefore a dead rubber. Nevertheless the New Zealanders will be keen to finish the Rugby Championship with a win.

A relatively even struggle

The key player for the All Blacks was Cam Roigard who is head and shoulders better than other half backs who have been filling in his absence. The Wallabies started the game with the impressive Tate McDermott at half, but unfortunately he was injured in the first quarter. This was a crucial loss as his replacement is not in the same class.

Roigard not only scored two tries and almost netted a third, but always looked dangerous with ball in hand, and unpredictable when he took quick penalties. All the backs stepped up their game and when Beauden Barrett had to go off in the first half, Damian McKenzie filled in admirably. His strategic kicking was impressive and he ran and passed with skill. He also kicked two crucial penalties in the second half. Leroy Carter in his second test showed he is up to the mark with speedy running and solid tackling, and Jordie Barrett was reliable under the high ball and set up his outside backs well. 

In the forwards the All Blacks had the edge in the scrums and Codie Taylor back as hooker threw accurately into the lineout where Fabian Holland often soared high to take a lot of ball. It was an even battle in the loose and captain Ardie Savea lead by example. Regular captain Scott Barrett was not missed. 

The Wallabies allowed the All Blacks too much room to move in the backs, unlike the Springboks who pressurized the home side with rush defence. The normally reliable Aussie first five James O’Connor made too many mistakes including starting the second half with his opening kick-off going out on the full.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was concerned that the referee was picking on the Australian when he dished a series of penalties against them in the second half. However, it was a similar pattern to the All Blacks infringing frequently in the first half.

A battle in Perth

The Australians will be keen to win next Saturday on home soil and will be helped by the return of a couple of key forwards from injury. The All Blacks will be without Barrett at first five and it could be the time to give Wellingtonian Reuben Love a run in that position. 

It’s likely to be another close game in front of a highly partisan crowd at the Optus Stadium in the West Australian capital.