All Blacks dominate

“Dan Carter inspires as freewheeling New Zealand crush Australia,” headlines the Guardian. “The All Blacks gained their third successive five-pointer in the tournament at a sandy Etihad Stadium in Melbourne beating the Wallabies 49-28 and aided by the home side’s indiscipline. New Zealand were more coordinated and ruthless, dominating the restarts to an embarrassing extent. A year ago, the All Blacks looked lost and vulnerable, uncomfortable with the kicking game the way the breakdown was refereed had spawned but now the attacking team has been given more latitude in the tackle area, their licence to counter-attack has been renewed. For all the invention of Carter, the power of Ma’a Nonu, the subtlety of Smith and the pace of their back three, New Zealand have added steel in their forwards. Their set-pieces are stronger, they have a blend of mobility and grunt in the tight five and their back row is the most effective unit in the game.” The All Blacks next play the Wallabies at the AMI Stadium in Christchurch on August 7, where “New Zealand will win their 1th Tri-Nations title if they secure a bonus point victory over Australia and prevent the Wallabies from scoring four tries.”