61,241 people rocked up to watch a rugby union game in Perth. Only Ed Sheeran has seen this kind of support in the city, and the Wallabies did not disappoint. The 47-26 win now etched in the record books as the most points any Wallaby team has scored against the All Blacks. It was not all great, with Australia never dominating the breakdown and the All Blacks still scoring 2 second half tries while a man down.
First Half (16-12)
In the first half Australia launched 27 attacks, yet lost the ball 10 times. With a few minutes until half-time, first Kerevi and then Beale opted to take contact instead of pass to a man in space. We will want to see these inaccuracies ironed out before Japan. However the All Blacks for 40 minutes hardly made any play. The did however pounce well to score 2 tries.
Second half (31-14)
Just before half time Scott Barrett was sanctioned with a Red card for a direct shoulder charge with no arms to the neck area . Under current World Rugby directives, that is a clear red. I am not so sure the spectacle benefits from this call, but these directives are about more than the game on telly. Either way the second half was always going to be tought going for the Kiwi’s. Australia kept creating chances and only lost 3 balls in the second half while on attack. I do not think the red card had an influence on the outcome, because Australia in the first half already created so many more opportunities than the All Blacks.
The Game Changer
3 moments stand out:
- Kerevi and Beale both butchering tries in first half.
- Barret red card (obviously)
- Australia not fielding an All Black restart to let in a try in the second half.
The G&GR MOTM
Beale did great things. Hooper was like a pitbull and really set the attitude from the Wallabies. White brought spark, but my man of the match is the silent assassin. Lilealifano is the difference between the teams, because he is a real 10 who decides where to play. You do not win a world cup without a tactical 10 in good form. In Christian , Australia has a chance. He is Australia’s rugby IQ.
RWC Watch
James O’ Connor put his hand up in a massive way. This is going to cause some moving of the furniture in the Wallaby pecking order..
AUSTRALIA 47
Tries: Hodge 2, Salakaia-Loto, White, Koroibete, Beale
Cons: Lealiifano 2, Toomua 2
Pens: Lealiifano 3
NEW ZEALAND 26
Tries: Lienert-Brown, Ioane, B Barrett, Laumape
Cons: Mo’unga 3
Red Card: S Barrett
