TJ BRINGS IT HOME
An All Black prop is sinbinned in each half on way to victory over spirited Namibians
The World Cup card epidemic has finally caught up with the All Blacks, props Nepo Laulala and Ofa Tuungafasi sin-binned for high tackles during their team’s 10-try romp over the Africans at Tokyo Stadium.
Given the number being handed out at this tournament, it had to happen sooner or later.
Laulala was shown a yellow card for connecting with Namibia wing Lesley Klim’s head near the end of the first half, and 40 minutes later, replacement Tuungafasi was sinbinned for connecting with an opponent’s neck.
The Laulala decision at least was fairly clearcut and neither he nor coach Steve Hansen should complain about referee Pascal Gauzere’s decision, the official deciding Klim’s falling motion into the tackle a mitigating factor against a red card.
Like many foul play decisions in Japan over the past couple of weeks, it required a check from television match official Rowan Kitt, but to Gauzere’s credit, he saw the collision live and asked his English colleague to check it.
It didn’t affect the All Blacks much, as their opponents, ranked 23rd in the world, were beginning to feel the pinch at that stage, but it goes without saying that a card during a knockout match here has the potential to be far more damaging. Tuungafasi’s late in the match was clumsy but no more and it’s evident that tight forwards are struggling more than most to adjust their body height.
After a slightly uncertain start during which Jordie Barrett took a little while to find his feet at first fiveeighths in front of a fired-up Namibian defence, including hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld, who was one of the best forwards on the park, the All Blacks found their groove and scored their bonus-point try via Ben Smith just before halftime.
Six more followed as the All Blacks’ new-look line-up settled four days after their 63-0 victory over Canada in Oita.
But few things will please Hansen more than the sight of Brodie Retallick getting through 30 minutes as planned on his return from a dislocated shoulder.
Centre Jack Goodhue got through 61 minutes before making way for Rieko Ioane, and while the All Blacks have incurred their first cards of the tournament, they have yet to lose a player to injury, another positive for Hansen and company.
The hyper-aware Sevu Reece was over for the All Blacks after six minutes but it was another 15 before they scored another.
The Namibians defended with spirit, trying all the while to slow the game to a more manageable pace, for which they were warned by Gauzere.
Reece finished with two, with Anton Lienert-Brown and Ben Smith also scoring doubles. Once the All Blacks found their rhythm, they were close to unstoppable.
Barrett was more than satisfactory at No 10, and second-five LienertBrown yet again one of the best backs on the field. Replacement lock Patrick Tuipulotu should be pleased with his shift, and Ioane and Brad Weber were also sharp. All Blacks 71 (Anton Lienert-Brown 2, Sevu Reece 2, Ben Smith 2, Angus Ta’avao, Joe Moody, Sam Whitelock, Jordie Barrett, TJ Perenara tries; Jordie Barrett 8 cons) Namibia 9 (Damian Stevens 3 pens) Halftime: 24-9
● France beat Tonga 23-21 last night to join England in the quarter-finals and maintain their record of always reaching the knockout rounds.
France led 17-0 but Tonga pulled back to within two points after a converted try from flanker Zane Kapeli with one minute left.
France led 17-7 at halftime after winger Alivereti Raka set up centre Virimi Vakatawa and then created a try for himself with a kick and collect down the left flank.
Tonga replied with converted tries just before and after halftime from Sonatane Takulua and centre Malietoa Hingano.