All Blacks power deals to Springboks
This was an All Black team determined to maintain its winning record at its rugby citadel, and to reverse the hat-trick of losses to South Africa last season.
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None of the tactics the South Africans tried appeared to work. Its kicks behind the All Blacks were never a threat and often returned with interest as Muliaina especially charged into the defence with relish. And the competitiveness New Zealand showed at the lineout showed just how far the side has advanced in that area, to the point where it was taking ball from the South Africans
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The All Blacks perform the Haka before the Tri-Nations match between the New Zealand All Blacks and South Africa Springboks at Eden Park on July 10, 2010 in Auckland, New Zealand.
(July 9, 2010 -All Photos by Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)
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All Blacks dominate Tri-Nations opener
New Zealand retained their world number one ranking thanks to a commanding 32-12 win over South Africa at Eden Park on Saturday.
It doesn't get better than this. The world's two best rugby teams didn't disappoint as they delivered the top-class encounter we had all expected.
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Many had predicted that the Springboks would rule the set piece but the All Blacks scrum will feel they won the day and their jumpers competed efficiently at the line-outs.
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Mils Muliaina of the All Blacks makes a break
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Boks fold under NZ onslaught
By Gregor Paul
The horrors of 2009 were laid to rest. The 2010 All Blacks have grown from the seeds of disaster into a multi-dimensional, irresistible force that has the game to sweep all before them. South Africa were popped into the back of the truck, crushed and dumped on the side of the road.
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Supposedly with no obvious soft underbelly, the Boks were unsure what had hit them. It was relentless, aggressive, disciplined rugby from the All Blacks, played at a frightening pace and intensity, and the Boks couldn't handle it.
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Every time a green jersey moved, a black missile would hit him.
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Any doubts about the All Blacks' all-round ability; their desire; their hardness; their passion and their leadership - were set free. All Black rugby stormed back last night.
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Brad Thorn of the All Blacks takes the ball forward
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All Blacks: Revenge sweet so bring on next test
By Michael Brown
They might have won nine from nine tests since losing all three to the Springboks last year but it didn't atone for what happened. It didn't come close. They wanted revenge. They got it last night.
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Schalk Burger of the Springboks tackles Ma'a Nonu
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Payback time for All Blacks
By GREG FORD
If you are looking for a blueprint on how to beat the Springboks in next year's World Cup, the All Blacks presented one to the rugby world tonight during their emphatic win over the world champion South Africans.
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For all the heroics on attack, the deciding factor for the All Blacks on the night was their defence.
It could be summed up in one word: angry.
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Keven Mealamu of the All Blacks breaks the tackle of Wynand Olivier
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All Blacks send ominous Tri Nations warning with big win over Springboks
They outran the Springboks in the backs and dominated them up front, including the rare sight of the South Africa pack backpedalling at a scrum and being driven back 25-metres at a lineout late in the match.
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Head coach Graham Henry had special praise for his forwards and the overall defensive effort which kept their line intact.
"The defence was superb. The forwards dominated the Springbok eight and that's what set the standard.''
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Richard Kahui of the All Blacks makes a break
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All Blacks give Springboks a lesson in rugby
The result means that New Zealand extended a 16-year winning streak at Eden Park, the venue for the final of next year's rugby World Cup.
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The All Blacks have now not lost a test in Auckland since 1994 and South Africa's Springboks have not won at the ground since 1937.
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next test:
NZ v SA
17 July
Wellington
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