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| ** All Blacks march into World Cup Final  Richie McCaw of the All Blacks tries to drive the ball forward despite the challenge of Radike Samo (L) of the Wallabies during semi final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on October 16, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. ( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac) **New Zealand are just 80 minutes away from possible Rugby World Cup glory after booking their place in the final with a convincing 20-6 victory over Australia at Eden Park on Sunday. New Zealand led 14-6 at half-time thanks to a try from centre Ma'a Nonu, created by a brilliant run and offload by full-back Israel Dagg. And further points from Piri Weepu provided the cement. Man of the match: New Zealand's forwards were dominant from minute one but it was the cutting edge that Israel Dagg brought from full-back that sees him wrestle this award from one of his pack. Dagg was a calming presence when Australia kicked long, sending fine returns into touch while also combining those with the mesmeric step that has been thrilling Crusaders fans all year. Mils Muliaina leaves his fifteen jersey in very good hands. Moment of the match: The All Blacks came out of the blocks firing and when Ma'a Nonu crossed with just six minutes gone, they were well on their way to a first final in 16 years. Villain of the match: You know him, New Zealand loves to dislike him. Quade Cooper played the villain for those wearing black in the stands. Not his best night in Gold. read the whole thing here: http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7244987,00.html **  Israel Dagg of the All Blacks (L) evades the tackle of Rocky Elsom of the Wallabies during semi final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on October 16, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. ( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images AsiaPac) **Rugby World Cup semifinal: All Blacks squeeze life out of Wallabies By Patrick McKendry The All Blacks were guilty of choking tonight all right. They slowly squeezed the life out of the Wallabies in an intense and thrilling World Cup semi-final at Eden Park to win 20-6 and thoroughly earn the right to face France in the final in seven days. The showpiece represents the full circle for the All Blacks and Richie McCaw's men will be licking their lips at the prospect of a repeat of the 1987 clash at the same stadium. Tonight's victory was built on accuracy, aggression and discipline. The home side had an important mental advantage given the Aussies haven't won at Eden Park since 1986 but, as the men in black have shown, anything can happen in World Cups and the Wallabies were two from two against New Zealand in the tournament's history. The collateral damage was there for everyone to see - blood streaming from Wallabies faces and prop Sekope Kepu, who had been troubled by an ankle injury in the lead-up to the match, going off in the first half. In the end they were more clinical than the Aussies despite the immense pressure and expectation in front of a crowd of 60,087.  Richie McCaw of the All Blacks is tackled by Radike Samo (L) Ben Alexander (R) of the Wallabies during semi final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on October 16, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. ( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac) **They controlled possession through their excellent set pieces and breakdown work. David Pocock hardly got a look in. Brad Thorn was celebrating with 71 minutes on the clock. The reason - yet another damaging All Blacks scrum which earned a penalty kicked by Piri Weepu and pushed the score to a safe 20-6 margin. read the whole thing here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10759478 **  Quade Cooper of the Wallabies is tackled by Brad Thorn of the All Blacks during semi final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on October 16, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. ( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac) **Awesome All Blacks power to 1987 rematch The chance to repeat history awaits the All Blacks following their dominant 20-6 semi-final victory over Australia at Eden Park on Sunday night. A try by centre Ma’a Nonu, four penalties by Piri Weepu and a cool drop goal from Aaron Cruden secured New Zealand a place in the Rugby World Cup 2011 final against France, the team they beat the last time they lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, in 1987.match page with game video: http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/matches/match=11232/analysis.html#awesome+all+blacks+power+1987+rematch ***  ( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac) next test: Bronze Final 10-21 Australia v Wales Auckland * RWC Final 10-23 New Zealand v France Auckland **** |
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Semi-Finals : Australia v New Zealand
