I wasn't expecting a loss that hefty, but I kind of figured this would go against the Australians. For one thing they were away from home for the first time. Just going by history, they aren't quite as ferocious away from their stadiums. And Eden Park of all places? Not easy. I also thought some of the Aussies on the bench should have been in the 15 if they genuinely wanted to have a chance in this match. I could see what Chekia is saying; you don't want to rely on the same guys too much. And some of them probably needed a break. I'm not sure how demoralizing a loss that dramatic will be before a world cup, but it can't help things.
It's safe to say Crockett has the edge over Woodcock. I even think in a World Cup final I'd bite the bullet with Crockett's tendency to give away penalties. He was, after all, a major part of the most dominant scrum in Super rugby. I share some of the concerns of other posters on here regarding Woody. Still think there's a place for him though, but the All Blacks need energy. They need punishing tacklers. Wyatt Crockett brings that, even though it's not an area of his game that gets discussed at length. He can really belt people. Owen Franks - I'm not sure. I think he's still probably explosive than Woodcock, and I'd rather see him starting at a World Cup than Ben Franks or Nepo Laulala (although the latter is improving all the time.) The Aussie scrum deserves some credit. It's not like our scrum has been the worst in this competition.
Vito was impressive. On the balance of things, he upped his physicality. He didn't run with the ball thousands of times, but he did contribute to the tackling and rucks plenty it seems. He adds a more youthful and fresh vibe to the team. Last week it felt very 'old man' like. If Vito can maybe squeeze in some ITM Cup games and continue his physicality I think he's secured a spot at the World Cup?
I'd still take Savea. He got involved plenty of times and maybe didn't monster people like he usually does, but I don't believe or agree that he's spun out of form. Maybe he needs to get his fitness back up like Hansen was saying, maybe he needs to squeeze in a couple more games before the WC. He's another one with a good track record, understands the team strategies and compliments a more athletic/speed driven winger on the other side. There is still hope for him yet I say.
Dan Carter was brilliant. There was some weak tackling from the Aussies, and the ABs were obviously at home so it's worth keeping in perspective. But when the ABs get quality ball, the forwards aren't completely outplayed like last week, then it makes DC's job a lot easier. There's no more time left on the clock to muck around speculating. A decision has to be made, who will be the primary starter in World Cup matches at 10? On the evidence I've seen it has to be Carter.
Nonu and Smith were brilliant. It just leaves me a little concerned about the greatness of their partnership, and the guys next in line. I don't think SBW is anything special. The offload thing can be handy, but that's not necessarily the type of approach you want to be taking in finals footy. I don't want my guys to constantly pop passes. I'd much rather have patience and calmy assess the situation.
Still some work to be done. In the beginning of the first half there was too much kicking from the ABs and it felt like they became a bit rattled again when they didn't have full control as one commentator said. I would love to see them work on the opening minutes of the game. I understand the merits of really hammering down in the second half when the other side runs out of energy, but it's much more fun being in the lead than playing catch up. In this match I think the ABs just needed to settle into their systems, which they did. Hopefully a small lesson is taken to kick to land and not to hand. Or better yet, just keep the pill in hand, because in a high intensity game possession can be golden. Some teams over the years have beaten the ABs by depriving them of the ball for long spells. If that were to happen again, the last thing they'd want to do is boot it away.
