This match decided the 2011 Tri-Nations champions. Somehow it did not seem as exciting as it should've been with the World Cup being around the corner.
Both sides wanted it and chose nearly their best sides.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry wasted no time in bringing back all his big guns for the Tri-Nations decider against Australia after last weekends loss in PE against the Springboks where he left several of their best players at home to avoid travel fatigue. This weekend was no different for them as they suffered their second successive Tri-Nations defeat, just a fortnight out form the World Cup, when they lost 20-25 to the Wallabies in Brisbane
For New Zealand they only had a few great moments:
Adam Thomson he was great at line-out time, but was on the wrong end of the Samo hand-off and then left the field injured late in the first half
Richie McCaw who was back at openside had the highest workrate of the All Black forwards, attending 13 rucks. However, he was pinged at an early ruck and also missed a crucial tackle on Samo.
Piri Weepu's kicking game was invaluable to New Zealand and he has now emerged as their best No.9.
Daniel Carter also had a good game, His good decision making and clearances under pressure was a stand-out feature in the All Black backline.
Then midfield Conrad Smith, was great defence and secured a steal when Australia looked good for another try. He also played a crucial role, with a great pass, for Nonu's try.
Ma'a Nonu, looked strong with ball in hand. He was also penalised for tackling man without the ball. Scored a crucial try in the third quarter with a great weaving run. Also worked hard off the ball.
Mils Muliaina at fullback was a great try-saving defence, when Adam Ashley-Cooper was already over the line
Wallabies managed to scrap their way to a deserved win that ended a 10-year Tri-Nations drought thanks mainly to a couple of huge heroes:
Rocky Elsom who did great on defence and had a good all round game.It was interesting to see what effect removing the captaincy had on him
Radike Samo There was a great run inside the first quarter and some great work at the breakdown. Then came the moment of magic - a massive hand-off on Thomson for his try
Will Genia was top notch again and he scored the game's opening try when he caught the Kiwi defence napping. He dictated terms behind the pack to go along with the brilliant and very crucial break for Beale's try
Quade Cooper produced the usual boquet of magic along with some brilliant tactical kicking.
Kurtley Beale He produced a great early touchfinder and scored the winning try for the Wallabies, but his off-loading skills let him down on a number of occasions
It was a famous victory, made visible when Horwill held the Tri-Nations Cup aloft in Brisbane's excited night air.
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