Rugby Union: Southern Hemisphere Flexes Muscles

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 13, 2010

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As the curtain fell on the first round of this summer's test matches, it was plain to see that the three powerhouses of world rugby union, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, were out to set the record straight. The All-Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies were keen to show that they were still the most dominant outfits on the pitch and they did so in some style.

A ruthless New Zealand systematically dismantled an experienced Ireland side which appeared to be hell-bent on self destruction. 

Jamie Heaslip's red card in the first quarter for a knee to Richie McCaw followed by a desperation foul by fly half Ronan O'Gara, meant for a time in the opening frame the Irish were down to 13 men.

At the international level going down to 14 men is hard enough but to be two short is nigh on impossible. 

The nine tries from the All-Blacks highlighted just how far the 2009 Grand Slam Champions have to come in order to mix with the powerhouses of the game.

Talismanic fly half Daniel Carter contributed 17 points out of a 66-28 mauling and in doing so became only the fourth player in the history of the game to surpass 1,000 points. A truly remarkable feat for a truly remarkable talent.

Credit should be given where credit is due. The Irish managed to pierce the New Zealand defense with 28 points, but one can argue the proverbial letting off the gas moment which had already taken place.

It has left Ireland coach Declan Kidney with much to ponder before moving on to play New Zealand Maori next Friday.

In Perth meanwhile, an old feud was reignited with an abundance of new blood on both sides as Australia hosted England.

While the match as a spectacle never seemed to get going, an excitable crowd over 30,000 at Subiaco Oval were treated to flickers of brilliance from both backs and forwards culminating with the two penalty tries England were awarded by Welsh referee Nig...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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