All Blacks find second-half form
It was far from perfect again but the All Blacks move into their World Cup quarterfinal with much more confidence this week than last.
Frustrations of the past four weeks weren’t completely dampened in the 47-9 win over Tonga at St James’ Park in Newcastle. But having maintained their unbeaten pool record and run in seven classy tries against determined, if limited opponents, potential self doubt should largely be put to one side.
The All Blacks were forced to survive a Kieran Read yellow card and several periods of extreme pressure, but their ability to turn it on when their opposition becomes fatigued must be applauded.
Richie McCaw, the most experienced water boy in history, paced the sideline with a tense look on his face until his men kicked away in the final quarter.
The injured captain’s expression told the story of the first 50 minutes or so. But in the last half an hour he need not worry. They were then in total control.
With a quarterfinal looming next week, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will no doubt demand better. But this was a step up from where they’ve been.
The first half wasn’t a pretty watch. Execution was lacking at times.
Hooker Dane Coles put in an odd chip kick and there were errors elsewhere. The 14-3 half time scoreline flattered the All Blacks but Hansen will be pleased with their eventual response.
There may be concerns over first-choice loosehead Woodcock, who left field in the 43rd minute in some discomfort.
But otherwise the performances of Ben Smith, Dan Carter, Owen Franks, Ma’a Nonu, who celebrated his 100th test with a try and typically bullish running, gave reason for praise.
Brodie Retallick and Beauden Barrett also provided valuable impact from the bench.
Aaron Smith provided two highlights, laying on two tries with brilliant passes - one for Woodcock; the second for Sonny Bill Williams. Ben Smith also converted a nice sharp hands short side play.
Before they faded late, Tonga’s aggressive approach caused problems and created turnovers.
The proud Pacific Islanders built phases, showed composure and put the All Blacks under genu- ine heat for long periods. Their forward pack brought notable size and physicality.
One rolling maul just before half time could easily have been rewarded with a penalty try after being pulled down under the All Blacks’ sticks.
Read was the culprit, copping 10 in the bin but the All Blacks only conceded three points in his absence.
The All Blacks scrum was another concern, just as it was against Georgia last week. They were penalised - Woodcock twice - but weren’t helped by a shambolic surface which churned up with every scrum.
Defence was strong and committed, though.
The All Blacks pack got off the line, Owen Franks and Jerome Kaino leading the way in this regard with some thumping hits. That they prevented Tonga from scoring emphasises their continued improvement in this area.
In the battle for the right wing role Nehe Milner-Skudder outshone Waisake Naholo, and was named as man of the match..
Based on their respective form in this tournament MilnerSkudder should be preferred alongside Julian Savea next week. The Manawatu and Hurricanes fullback was hungry, made breaks, good in the air, offloaded, stepped well and finished two tries.
Naholo, comparatively, seemed tentative again.
He also dropped a simple pass with a three-on-one in the first half. Hansen’s groan from the coaching box summed up the general sentiment.
Carter took a step up from where he’s been. He produced some nice interplay with Ben Smith and nailed six from seven off the tee to quell fears on that front too.
All and all, the All Blacks appear to be finally tracking in the right direction. At the end of the match, McCaw paid public tribute to Nonu as he presented him with his 100th cap.