Ex Keo
RYAN VREDE watched the All Blacks complete a series whitewash over Ireland with an emphatic 60-0 victory in Hamilton.
The Blacks were heavily criticised for their performance in their narrow win last week, but tonight they redeemed themselves with a vintage performance against an Ireland side who appeared to be there in form alone.
This, remember, was an Ireland side with a number of vastly experienced players, numerous British & Irish Lions representatives and one that nearly stole victory in Christchurch. Consider also that the Blacks were missing Dan Carter, Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino, the best players in the world in their respective positions. When viewed in that context, the result should be one of the worst in Ireland’s history.
The visitors’ impotence at the gainline allowed the Blacks’ backline, marshalled initially by the brilliant Aaron Cruden, free reign. Cruden was replaced after 24 minutes as a result of an injury, but it was among the best 24 minutes you could hope to see from a Test flyhalf. (against hapless opponents!)
He was involved in the four tries the Blacks scored in the preceding period, twice setting up Sonny Bill Williams – who enjoyed his best Test – through offloads the midfielder would have been proud to call his own. Indeed, Williams’ dishes are usually served standing up. Cruden’s came as he was plummeting to the grass. He had no right to find the support runner. It was breathtaking to behold and made even more appreciable by the fact that he could execute it on the Test stage against very competent opposition. (who never rocked up!!!!!)
It was all over as a contest by the end of the first quarter and Ireland will deeply lament this poor showing, particularly on defence, where their slow line speed was an invitation the Blacks’ game breakers gleefully accepted. The hosts looked like they were having a jol, the Irish like they were hapless victims of an 80-minute torture session.
Not only did they lack on defence, their attack was laboured and predictable. It would be remiss not to note the Blacks’ punishing defence’s role in making it so. Their first up hits were largely accurate and brutal, and their scramble defence inspiring. If Cruden was the attacking fulcrum, Sam Cane, two Tests into his international career, was the defensive stand-out. Some players just give one the sense they were born to play Test rugby and Cane is undoubtedly among those.
The Blacks led 29-0 at the break, Cane and Ben Smith adding to Williams’ brace. There would have been exhorting rhetoric in the Ireland change room but their spirit was shattered just after the restart when Cane rounded off a slick move and Hosea Gear flattened the cover defence en route to the tryline.
Cane turned provider for the Blacks’ seventh try, putting Liam Messam away with a deft offload, and Williams assumed that role for the eighth, his grubber putting Dagg clear through. Adam Thompson rounded off the assault late in the piece.
The Blacks were excellent and irrepressible certainly. But Ireland will have some deep introspection to do. Losing by 60 points should be considered a national disaster
Anyone thinking this was some amazing ab display needs to visit an analyst together with hakwa. The fact is Ireland never pitched up to play.
