| I watched in excitement as the All Blacks play Canada last night (17th). I've been looking forward to this game for the whole week, just to see how All Blacks will thrash Canada, and how Mils Muliaina will play at wing. Well - that wasn't the case. The Canada side was strong in the first half, strong in defence. The ball possession was equal, with 55% to the ABs and 45% to the Canadians. The All Blacks side was a fresh side, with Doug Howlett, Richie McCaw ... on the reserves bench and veterans like Justin Marshall, try scorer monster Joe Rokocoko, injured Tana Umaga not playing. Corey Flynn now has 1 test cap in his record, it was his debut for the Canterbrian. Marty Holah's rustyness was seen obviously. In fact, the ABs side was rusty, with numerous (and I mean numerous) handling errors and kock on's. The Canadians however was the amateur side so we can't say much about them. It was intense, as weird as it may sound, for the first 15 minutes, with both sides tackling, and defensing. Then the moment came, Carlos Spencer spotted a gap enar the sideline and ran for it, then with a little magic with his boot, Caleb Ralph scored a try! That was probably the best moment that game. You really had to see it. Carlos Sperncer kicked the ball RIGHT before he was tackled and brought to the sideline. It was fantastic. Then the All Blacks gained confidence and kept attacking. Handling errors cause turnovers .... many turnovers. I think the weakness in the Canadian side is the gaps, they aren't as co-ordinated, you can see their players everywhere. Daniel Carter took over the goalkicking job and was absolutely wonderful. He converted every try scored. But missed just one penalty. That young 'un has got it. Rodney So'oialo was also a star that night. As strange as it might sound, ABs lock Chris Jack was sinbinned over an apparent late tackle on a Canadian. But there was about 5 minutes of the game to go, so that's fine. The tackle even hit a camera operator and caused him to fall down and he had a minor eye injury lol. It was just a little knock. Doug Howlett, Richie McCaw, Daniel Braid, and Corey Flynn came on late second half after being reserves for the past 60 minutes. Mils Muliaina scored 4 tries, Caleb Ralph 2 and some more I can't remember. The Canadians only managed 2 penalties and no tries. Man of the match - Carlos Spencer. Oh yeah, towards the end, the ABs had a penalty and everyone thought Carlos Spencer was going to kick it to the corner to have a lineout thrown but instead he tapped it and carried on and resulted in a try!! Experience shows. Carlos Spencer was the star of the match. FInal score 68 - 6 to the New Zealand All Blacks. |
