Commiserations to South Africa. While your attack was almost nonexistent, your defense was excellent most times - it was always going to be much harder than the crushing victory over France. I was nervous about this match because I thought you'd be tough to breach, I thought you might make ascendancy for us difficult through your ariel bombs - and if it wasn't for Ben Smith we probably would have been hammered in this department. South Africa aren't where they'd like to be, but they have a bunch of players for the future. I just hope that guys like de Allende and Kriel get used. There is potential there for them to grow into the greatest center pairing in the world, but they have to get a chance to showcase that. I'm proud that the relationship we have with South Africa is one of immense respect.
The 51st minute was a massive moment, and Nonu did extremely well to draw in those defenders and shuffle it on to Barrett for the try. Our backs didn't make the easy breaks that we're use to seeing, but that was always going to be the case. I thought Savea was decent, but not outstanding. The All Blacks were very physical when they did take the line on, and Savea was part of that. No he didn't run over people with ease; but it wasn't that sort of game. By the same token, he also wasn't woeful. I haven't looked at Conrad Smith's stats; he could well have been busy, I'm not too sure really. But I wouldn't drop him for the Final. Our starters are our starters and our replacements are our replacements. People like Carter and Smith have solidified themselves by starting and organizing the team. SBW, Barrett, Cane - just imagine the ferocity of them from the bench. Some of the comments saying "drop this person, drop that person" are a bit over the top. Yeah, some people will need to play better - but let's think about our selections rationally for once eh?
Didn't think for one moment that Kaino's retreating and interfering with the ball was 'accidental' .. the way Justin Marshall rambled on about it was just a bit embarrassing. But I also don't think it's a yellow card. It technically might be, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with the it. In that context, a warning and a penalty would have sufficed. I've also seen yellow cards for neck rolls - but a penalty was sufficient for those today - so why can't a penalty be enough for what Kaino did? I dunno. Just seems very inconsistent. I really don't want penalties and soft cards deciding the winner of this tournament.
Fouri de prez granted us a few reprieves today. He was clearly not feeling very good, you could tell by his body language and expressions. Not to mention the way he was clearing the ball. One South African player would do something really good and look to spark momentum, and de Prez then spoiled it. He's an excellent player, but in this context he should have been subbed.
Is Owen Franks injured? Bringing on Charlie Faumuina when our scrum was struggling made me nervous. Franks got outdone, but it's not as if Faumuina is any better. Many posters argue he is worse, which is probably true - although I love his drive and general involvement with ball in hand. I also said last week that I wasn't sure if Kaino had improved, or just rode the enormous momentum and success we had against France. Despite the yellow, I was wrong about him - especially early on in the first half. He made a big difference, even if it wasn't for the full 80 - every little bit helps. Special mention to SBW who was just incredible when he came on.
Now to enjoy Argentina vs Australia. My heart says the Argies, but head says the Wallabies since they have Pocock and Folau back. We didn't contest the breakdown very much during this match, and we haven't for a long time really. If the Wallabies slip through to the final this will surely have to change. Hooper and Pocock will just stop, slow, and turnover whatever momentum we get all day long otherwise.
Once again, my thoughts go out to South Africa. I'm sorry things worked out this way; but I think you'll be honest enough to concede that the ABs just converted more opportunities.
