New Zealand: Pile on the misery for struggling Wales
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Wales slumped to a sixth consecutive defeat after going down 33-10 to New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
Predictions the All Blacks' attack would incinerate Wales' defence came to fruition in the first half especially. However even though the scoreline may read otherwise, it was a much better effort from the Welsh - the second half especially.
Be that as it may, coach Warren Gatland must have been shifting uncomfortably in his seat as he contemplated another difficult week following the home side's previous November defeats.
The hosts never threatened to end a 59-year drought at the hands of their southern hemisphere rivals, and their hopes were all but dashed by half-time when the clinical All Blacks put the result beyond doubt thanks to a 23-0 lead.
It proved too big a mountain for Wales to climb in the second half, though - bouyed by their parochial crowd in full voice - showed plenty of character and determination to fight back and outscore the world champions two tries to nill. There were no fist-pumps, high fives or backslaps from New Zealand after the final whistle as they knew that were some way from their best after being held 10-10 after the break.
The game couldn't have started any worse for Wales after losing two players two minutes into the contest. First, Bradley Davies was taken out from behind by All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore and the lock was forced off looking extremely light-headed.
Then tighthead prop Aaron Jarvis followed suit after injuring his knee.
To make matters even worse, All Blacks pivot Aaron Cruden was in fine touch with the boot and racked up a 9-0 lead for his team in the opening quarter before Israel Dagg broke from inside his 22 to link up with Julian Savea who raced into Wales' dangerzone. And just moments later, Conrad Smith was putting flank Liam Messam over for the opening try.
Wales came close to scoring after a trademark Jonathan Davies break brought the crowd on their feet, only for prop Paul James to return them to their seats after knocking the ball on. The Welsh didn't do themselves any favours later on as on two occasions Rhys Priestland missed the corner with penalties.
There was to be more pain for the Welsh to endure when Tony Woodcock went over for New Zealand's second try off the back of the same line-out move that saw the prop score in the World Cup final.
The deficit became 26 points just after the break as Cruden added another penalty, before a superb passing movement and a fine finish in the corner from Luke Romano gave New Zealand their third try. Cruden's conversion was his seventh successful kick from seven.
Wales finally got on the scoresheet just before the hour when full-back Leigh Halfpenny did find the corner with a penalty, Wales committed almost their entire team to the line-out drive and inside centre Scott Williams went over.
Wales had more of the game in the final quarter, particularly after Cory Jane was sin-binned for a deliberate knock on, and did cross again through Alex Cuthbert in the closing moments - but long before then the result was no longer in doubt.
Man of the match: Aaron Cruden and Conrad Smith were the pick of the New Zealand backs, but it was difficult to overlook loose forward Richie McCaw - who was his usual industrious self - as our man of the match. He was immense, smashing bodies in defence and proving to be the Kiwis everywhere man.
Moment of the match: Wales' first try only served to spark the hosts into action, and from there on in the Welsh raised their game.
Villain of the match: Andrew Hore's cheap shot from behind will surely interest citing commissioner Mike Rafter.
The scorers:
For Wales:
Tries: S Williams, Cuthbert
For New Zealand:
Tries: Messam, Woodcock, Romano
Cons: Cruden 3
Pens: Cruden 4
Yellow card: Jane (59th minute)
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Ryan Jones, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Aaron Jarvis, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Gethin Jenkins, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Aaron Shingler, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 James Hook, 23 Scott Williams.
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Victor Vito, 21 Piri Weepu, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Ben Smith.
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Comments
Ramage says...
Very observant Ferdie but maybe that was because of your experience of reffing the game. Tell me the nine years you say your refereed was that in the Naki and if so what years were they?
Posted 14:20 29th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
How many grass roots clubs all over the world are going to be trying the 13 man lineout this weekend??? LOVE IT!
Posted 14:47 27th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
My highlight was the innovative 13 man lineout or "Flying wedge!!!!!" as I shouted at the time before erupting into histerics. Personally I liked it. It was fun and it worked.
Gatland's expression said alot though. Why on earth did they waste such an innovative move on a lost match? they ought to have saved it for the six nations where it could have been a game winner. They were obviously trying to set it up right from the start of the match but they couldn't get the kick right. They were like impatient kids desparate to have a go at this brilliant move, without thinking it through. Anyway I hope it catches on. They should certainly do it vs england because we're so slow and locked into rugby by numbers that we'll never figure out whats going on in time. Anyway nice call Warren. I enjoyed it ALOT!!! :D
Posted 14:45 27th November 2012
Euskadi says...
Bit late now (no one is probably reading this article anymore) but it occurred to me that perhaps the All Blacks called the lineout move that led to the Woodcock try as a subtle 'in your face' to Wales' assertion that they could have rolled the ABs in the WC final? After all it was the same move that led got NZ their only try against France in that final...
Wales supposedly believe that they should've been there and would've beat NZ. 'We pulled this move on France, and look the same moved worked on you guys'
Posted 19:12 26th November 2012
Toulousain says...
ferdie, apologies mon ami, i was barking at the wrong tree (if that is the right expression?). i have nothing but respect for refs also. anyone who doesn't should try it, just once, to see how hard it is :-)
Posted 18:55 26th November 2012
BillyMutt2 says...
Wallaroo: point taken. However, there is a vast difference between responding to people when they post things one doesn't agree with, and posting vulgar and/or hateful comments. Hence my complaint.
BTW, I do use my brain quite extensively in my day job. So much so that I unfortunately don't have the time to read through all your previous posts. But hey, I'll take your word for it that you have never posted anything "degrading" on here.
Posted 16:49 26th November 2012
jamesliveinhope says...
@ramage breathe in for goodness sake - I hope you feel better for that outpouring. I may have mentioned and English backrow in my comments but presume that didn't fit with your argument (we tend to consume our chips up here with well placed condiments, why others feel the need to wear them like epaulettes is beyond me).
If a player drives through and beyond a ruck taking an opposition player with him, thats great play. If he then brings the opposition player to ground and sits on him that's cheating - it goes on, officials must see it but seem to treat it as part of the rough and tumble.
Standing in an offside position does not make you less offside if you put your hands in your pockets and whistle, rolling away from the tackle is right, but how many players now roll into the scrum-half or stand up in his passing line.
One might argue its all good play, and probably is if you get away with it but I've watched a Bok game and 2 AB galmes now and ref has failed to react to it in any way throughout the game not even a word with the skipper.
If thats the way its going to be then so be it, but when sides start doing it more than playing well then the sport will become more boring than it did under that Stellenbosch nonsense.
Posted 11:37 26th November 2012
APV1 says...
I'm still a little hoarse from shouting and singing, having had a cracking evening at the Millennium Stadium. The singing from the Welsh fans was magnificent (and, yes, I did join in and even wore a Welsh rugby top!) and the Kiwi fans were good-spirited and good blokes. In other words, it was exactly what we all want and expect from a rugby match.
Hore was a prat. It was clear that it was a cheap shot on the big screen. It's a shame the ref couldn't go to the TMO, as I suspect he would have got a red. Was it targeted? I doubt it, I think it was opportunistic.
Joubert had a game. Some excellent bits, some not so excellent.
Wales lost the game, I think, because they kept trying to kick for touch and missing. Then you give the ball to the NZ back three to run it at you.
I agree with those who say it was done and dusted by 1/2 time. But that's not to say that Wales didn't play with heart and intensity.
They deserved their tries, and I enjoyed the 13 man line-out. Too little too late, perhaps, but entertaining none-the-less.
Will England beat NZ next week? Not likely. NZ are too good and we can't think a rugby match, having lost the last two due to stupid decisions.
Posted 10:52 26th November 2012
Wallaroo says...
@PR I concur with BillyMutt2, ban all the people who degrade your otherwise fine rugby website.
This would include degrading personal attacks, which is great because that would mean we'd also no longer have to hear from BillyMutt2 either, hooray.
@BillyMutt2 - read through your posts mate and you'll find you not one to talk. Agree we have all been guilty of emotional outbursts, however frequency determines character and you sir frequently attempt to belittle others. The fact that you can use a computer, construct sentences and post means that you have a brain which I strongly suggest you use to it's full capacity. (Just in case I'm wrong I have just given you credit for being more intelligent than your posts would suggest).
Posted 10:21 26th November 2012
Melkiwi says...
@Chubbylugs yeah fair point mate. End of the day it was stupid and should be punished accordingly. Just not sure why everyone is saying its a nz tactic to take our key players considering davies is by far a key player.
Posted 06:53 26th November 2012
Tamjon says...
The things I love about rugby include watching the minnow nations like Georgia beginning to develop a love for the game, watching teams like Canada facing the All Black haka and watching them soak up all of the experience. I love the end of year tours and the way the media hysteria builds a bigger atmosphere leading into the game. I love the rivalry between NH & SH, and the rivalry between Oz and the ABs. I love watching teams like Samoa & Tonga create upsets.
But the one thing I hate about rugby is watching players from my beloved All Blacks commit thuggish acts that are not wanted or needed in the game. Hore I have always thought you were a great AB, but now I hope you get a lengthy sentence.
Posted 06:50 26th November 2012
bigb6969 says...
One thing not pointed out here is the Welsh first try was illegal, neither side's back line can move within 10 metres of the line out until it has finished. That requires either the ball to be tapped, thrown out, or if caught and held until the maul has totally moved off the line of touch. Clearly several players had moved into the ball before it was moved, that was clearly a penalty to NZ. So much for Joubert favouring NZ.
Posted 06:23 26th November 2012
ferdie says...
Toulousain - you misinterpreted my point. Find a post where I've criticised a ref. I make a point not to. 9 years reffing and I have respect for those who made it to the top (I didn't!). I'd prefer to see posts about the actual game, who played well or poorly etc, bored with the constant dumb one-liners here from the same people who think it is clever to criticise yet can never substantiate that criticism, the 'does it all the time' 'never any good' crowd.
Mace - bit obvious when you're posting almost the same drivel on the Oz rugby forum Roar, but as an Australian this time not a pretend NZer. Congrats on mastering cut and paste, but get a life!
Posted 06:22 26th November 2012
eddie says...
Townie-please refer to stunthemullet and jiggainlondon.
Also another eye on Welsh infringements for balance. ( If any. )
Posted 05:40 26th November 2012
paulsail says...
If you all think wales should take some positives from their second half "draw" you have a detachment from reality. This game was over before the halftime whistle
Posted 02:44 26th November 2012
Isograford says...
Yet again Wales were all huff and puff and by the time the AB's let them back into the game it was already over, as witnessed by their bench being emptied.
There was some shocking blocking tactics from the Welsh, and apparently most of the crowd don't know the actual rules of rugby with their continued booing of legitimate penalties against their team.
Oh well, no doubt you'll get yet another chance playing at home next year. Really Wales need to leave the comforting bosom of Millennium and come take on the AB's on home soil more often.
Posted 23:38 25th November 2012
dropkick says...
Hore = Idiot no question. Now let's look at the game. ABs pretty good but how good? What struck me was just how bereft of any real value this Welsh team is. ABs up by 30 + after 50 mins and then coasted to finish line like Usain Bolt in the heats. When I was a kid ABs vs Wales/England/Ireland was looked forward to with real anticipation. Now the gap is wide getting wider - with all the resources and cash available in the NH why is the quality of the rugby nowhere near what it was 25 years ago? In NZ we have the threats of a far wider choice of sport for young talent - league has made massive inroads in the last 10 years. NH has half our coaches so no issue there either. Usual whine when NH teams come to NZ and get belted is that they the poor darlings are worn out or NH teams can't be arsed sending their best teams (remember who started that one Clive?). Is the excuse when we come up North at the end of our season and monster allcomers that it is too early in the NH season and the teams are underdone? Either way from my perspective the trip is hardly worth it as the quality of the competition (Italy and France excepted) is below average. I for one am getting tired of the sideshow bob post game excuses and whining... the ref dudded us, our world beaters suffering from ingrown toenails, ABs bunch of thugs etc etc. It is all bluster. Until the NH teams can actually be competitive they should take their floggings like men not whining mummies boys.
Posted 22:44 25th November 2012
dropkick says...
Hore = Idiot no question. Now let's look at the game. ABs pretty good but how good? What struck me was just how bereft of any real value this Welsh team is. ABs up by 30 + after 50 mins and then coasted to finish line like Usain Bolt in the heats. When I was a kid ABs vs Wales/England/Ireland was looked forward to with real anticipation. Now the gap is wide getting wider - with all the resources and cash available in the NH why is the quality of the rugby nowhere near what it was 25 years ago? In NZ we have the threats of a far wider choice of sport for young talent - league has made massive inroads in the last 10 years. NH has half our coaches so no issue theer either. Usual whine when NH teams come to NZand get belted is that they the poor darlings are worn out or NH teams can't be arsed sending their best teams (remember who started that one Clive?). Is the excuse when we come up North at the end of our season and monster allcomers that it is too early in the NH season and the teams are underdone. Either way from my perspective the trip is hardly worth it as the quality of the competition (Italy and France excepted) is below average. I for one am getting tired of the sideshow bob post game excuses and whining... the ref dudded us, our world beaters suffering from an ingrown toenails, ABs bunch of thugs. It is all bluster. Until the NH teams can actually be competitive they should take their floggings like men not whining mummies boys.
Posted 22:41 25th November 2012
BillyMutt2 says...
I think Mace has officially stolen BokWhatever's title as the biggest moron to visit this website, ever.
PR, you should really start doing something about disallowing posts from people who degrades your otherwise fine rugby website. A bit of spirited banter amongst fans is one thing, but neanderthal behavior from morons like Mace and others should not be allowed. Please.
Posted 22:12 25th November 2012
SilverSurfer says...
Hey, what was the outcome of Andy Powell's cheap shot?
Posted 21:53 25th November 2012