18 in a row

[againstthehead]

Kiwis grab the record of 18 wins on the trot but the scoreline was no reflection of the game on this occasion. Australia got their tactics bang-on though, loading the side with massive brutes – Coleman, Armold and Timani all over 120 kg up front whilst Hodge and Keravi are physical in the centre. ABs couldn’t deal with their aggressive rush defense so pulled Barrett off just after the interval. A disallowed try against Ozzie was the turning point – at first I thought Savea was impeded, and he probably was, but I don’t think he had any chance of making the tackle.

Moore epitimised the ozzie no-nonsense effort up front whilst Falau was an absolute joy to watch for about 50 mins – unplayable at times. Dane Coles, Todd and Savea were the pick from NZ.

Ozzie looks so much better than in previous weeks. A very young side as well. Only a couple of players over 30 in the entire squad so will be interesting to see how their Autumn tour goes. I imagine the England game will be hotly contested to say the least.

[Neill_M]

The TMO decision was questionable at best, but NZ just powered away again...apart from 2 games v Ireland, playing Italy and France next month.

The Aussies have a busy tour with games v Wales, Scotland, France, Ireland and England.

[againstthehead]

Cheika was not a happy chappy in the post-match press conference - well worth a watch. NZ herald had him dressed up as a clown on the front page of the paper today and he was clearly still livid. Add in the disallowed try and the recent bugging scandal and he was fuming. Not often you see rugby coaches go on complete strops. Sheesh, he wears his heart on his sleeve.