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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
New Zealand 33 - 10 Argentina Match Review 2 views
10 October 2011 by The Swede Eaters
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Scotty Donaldson looks at the Rugby World Cup 2011 Quarter Final between New Zealand and Argentina.
The New Zealand All Blacks produced an improved second half performance to eventually win 33-10 over a gutsy Argentina in their Quarter Final at Eden Park. It wasn't all good news for the All Blacks with the first five eighth hex leaving New Zealand down to their third choice pivot when Colin Slade injured his groin (sounds familiar) in the first half, leaving Aaron Cruden to come off the bench while there were also some injuries to Mils Muliaina in his 100th test and Jerome Kaino. Piri Weepu kicked well with seven calmly taken penalties and it is hard to know if Graham Henry will throw the young Aaron Cruden into the baptism of fire against Australia in the semi finals or move regular halfback Piri Weepu into the pivot position?
The All Blacks dominated the forward exchanges and eventually the Argentina team ran out of steam, but not before causing a few anxious moments for New Zealand fans. The Argentina defence was excellent and they only conceded two late tries, while scoring one themselves. They managed to slow the All Blacks ball down at the breakdown and scrambled well to stop the defence.
First half
The New Zealand backs lacked cohesion without the injured Richard Kahui and Israel Dagg, and had some nervous moments early on like when Colin Slade dropped a regulation pass and Argentina almost scored a try.
Piri Weepu got the ball rolling with two early penalties, but the All Blacks were taken by surprise when Argentina No 8 Leonardo Senatore showed up the rusty Kieran Read and Richie McCaw to make a break from a scrum which lead to a try to Julio Farias Cabello. The conversion from Felipe Contepomi gave Argentina a surprising lead.
Two more first half penalties gave the All Blacks the lead at halftime 12-7.
Second half
The second half saw the All Blacks dominate. Aaron Cruden was exciting off the bench as a replacement for Colin Slade, while Isaia Toeava replaced centurion Mils Muliaina in his 100th game. Argentina finally starting cracking in defence and their tactics of slowing down the ball illegally at the breakdown was finally being penalised by referee Nigel Owens. He had enough when halfback Nicolas Vergallo was yellow carded with 20-minutes to play. This gave the All Blacks a chance to add more points late in the game with two tries through Kieran Read and Brad Thorn just reward for the men in black.
Man of the match
Unfortunately Mils Muliaina didn't have his best match in black jersey to bring up his 100th test match. Cory Jane showed the world that it isn't all that bad to be caught in a bad way at a pub a few nights before a test match with a great display, but my man of the match is Piri Weepu. He didn't do much wrong at halfback and kicked seven from eight goals which is a brilliant performance.
Argentina's loose forwards impressed me and were rewarded with their try to Julio Farias Cabello.
New Zealand 33 (Kieran Read, Brad Thorn tries; Piri Weepu 7 pen, Aaron Cruden con) Argentina 10 (Julio Farias Cabello try; Felipe Contepomi con, Marcelo Bosch pen). HT: 12-7
rugbyworldcuptips.com
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