Postkiwi

New Zealand’s All Blacks were in their element tonight in their game against the Wallabies at Eden Park. Performing the haka in the rain set the scene for 80 minutes of highly competitive rugby, demanding every skill possessed by the New Zealand and Australian teams. The game was decided largely through successful kicks by Daniel Carter.

Despite having signed up as an Australian citizen, I wore all black to the gym this morning as a sign of support for the All Blacks. The gesture was mostly wasted as rugby is only one of several football codes here in Australia. AFL and NRL followers find it confusing to watch rugby. The ruck, a key part of forward tactics, appears to many observers to be a meaningless excuse for a maul. Today’s play showed the ruck as it should be played, providing capacity for up to nine phases of play for the Wallabies at one point. AFL supporters, of course, struggle with the off side principle that leads to so many points in rugby being won through penalties. I remember struggling with the off side principle as a player - the play moves so fast that you can end up in the wrong place very quickly.

The final score of 26-12 leaves the All Blacks with the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations Cup. Roll on now to the World Cup.