The Wallabies were given the greatest of leg-ups, but not even a red card could help as the All Blacks made a statement in Perth on Sunday. The All Blacks’ 38-21 victory will be remembered for so many reasons, but none of them reflect well on Australian rugby who again were guilty of poor decision making and skills. No other Test nation has to face the All Blacks as much as the Wallabies, but Dave Rennie’s men are a mile off challenging the world’s best at the moment. Rennie’s Wallabies at least have time before the World Cup in 2023 because that is what they need. We’ve got the world champions coming out for where to watch ABs v Wallaby a couple of Tests, that’s going to be great for us as well.” Without three of their best - captain Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga - the All Blacks put on a show as two-time World Rugby player of the year Beauden Barrett showed his class in returning to the No.10 jersey. Trailing 13-0 after a Barrett masterclass, the third straight Bledisloe Test appeared to swing in the Wallabies’ favour after his younger brother, Jordie Barrett, was controversially red carded in the 28th minute. The fullback, who earlier scored the opening try of the match after some brilliance from his brother, was sent off for a studs-to-the-face kick on Marika Koroibete after he easily took a Tom Banks up-and-under.
The Wallabies hoped the match would follow a similar suit to 2019, when another Barrett - lock forward, Scott - was given his marching orders for a no-arms shot on Michael Hooper at the same Optus Stadium venue in Perth. It ended with the Wallabies racking up a record score as they won 47-26. But that is were the similarities stopped, as the wheels fell off as Banks failed to find touch and the mistakes and inaccuracy continued to add up. The series of blunders replicated the second half bloodbath from Bledisloe II when the Wallabies were firmly in the match but failed to take advantage of the numerical advantage and Australia New Zealand rugby live stream ended up on the receiving end of a record 57-22 loss. Adding salt to the wound, the All Blacks scored another on the stroke of half-time as Koroibete was first denied a try for double movement and then soon after was penalised again to give their opponents another opportunity to post points. They did not need a second invitation, as centre David Havili scored after some impressive maul work from the forwards. It is the All Blacks’ fifth Bledisloe win in less than a year, with a draw and a lone Wallabies victory in the seven Tests and sees them move to the top of The Rugby Championship, which will now be shifted to Queensland over the next month. The loss - the sixth from 12 matches under Dave Rennie since taking the reins last year - was one of the Wallabies’ worst in recent years because it showcased the terrible skills and decision-making from the current group.
No comments:
Post a Comment