1. The All Blacks showed why they are the number 1 team in the world with daylight second. They played superbly with speed and accuracy at the breakdown, an almost faultless kicking performance from Carter and Dagg, a brilliant offload and support game from their back row and centres, brutally effective defense across the park and a rock solid set piece. They played the kind of rugby every team aspires to play.
1. The Australians generally played a good game. Good discipline, lots of possession, good defense and a solid kicking game resulting in a close but deserved win. It was not without its slight blemishes though, namely tonight in the set piece (missed lineout throws and scrum infringements).
1.What a difference a dry track and an attacking opponent makes.
Compare this game to Tuesday night’s and it is chalk and cheese, not only were Tuesday’s conditions appalling but the Scots would of never played anything else but the style of rugby most suited to those conditions. Last night’s game however consisted of expansive attractive rugby from both teams from the very first kick off. This was not just because of the weather conditions but also because the Welsh play attractive rugby – having a go from anywhere with great enthusiasm, offloading across the park and happy to take calculated risks.
During the Wallabies’ June Internationals I’ve been asked to write short editorial pieces by the ARU and rugby.com.au for every second Test, but I’ll be covering every Test on Alastairbaxter.com. All pieces will be based on the theme of ’5 things we learnt…’
So to kick things off…
Over the weekend was my first ever visit to the NSW Government House. The function was the Historic Houses Trust Foundation Governor’s black tie dinner to thank our governors (major sponsors).
Having never been to Government House I was very excited about my first visit. For those who don’t know Sydney well, Government House is on the eastern edge of the CBD directly behind (to the south) of the Sydney Opera House. It is set amongst magnificent gardens leading down to just above the harbour and into the Sydney Botanic Gardens.
Some great street art in Sydney just around the corner from my office – part the 2011 ArtAbout Sydney Exhibition.
I actually did a real life double-take when I saw this – such an effective trick.
It’s the end of the Waratahs season and unfortunately the end of my Waratah career.
A month earlier, after 13 seasons, 130 Waratah games and 69 Teast, I decided that it was time to finish up at the end of the season. I still love playing
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