Israel Dagg dives over as New Zealand comfortably cruised to a
After an elaborate opening ceremony the 2011 Rugby World Cup finally kicked off in Auckland after months of anticipation. After some questionable dancing from Jonah Lomu, the All Blacks and Tonga both welcomed the start of the tournament with their respective hakas that were full of passion and aggression.
It was fitting that Rugby’s leading point’s scorer, the ever impressive Dan Carter landed New Zealand’s first points from an easy kick just to the right of the posts. The only questionable inclusion in Graham Henry’s team to face Tonga was Israel Dagg starting at full-back instead of Mils Muliaina. However, Dagg only needed a few minutes before he repaid the faith that Henry had shown in him. Dagg took a pass from Richard Kahui and then he proceeded to step the final man to score New Zealand’s first try in the World Cup. Surprisingly Carter did not make the kick, however the All Blacks had got off to a good start and led 8-0.
After an excellent set-piece from New Zealand’s scrum Carter and his backs executed a classy backs move with Sonny Bill Williams giving a masterful inside ball to Kahui who finished the try. New Zealand found the try line far too easily. Fans of the All Blacks were hoping this was going to open the floodgates. This time Carter was accurate with the conversion attempt and gave New Zealand a 15-0 lead.
Shortly afterwards Sonny Bill Williams looked to have scored after clever breaks from Kahui and Dagg, however, the referee, George Clancy pulled it back as he ruled that New Zealand had obstructed Tonga from defending against the try. The Kiwis did not take long to make a turnover count as Ma’aNonu broke away and fed Dagg who went in for his second try. Carter slotted the conversion to confirm that the All Blacks were starting to run away with the game. New Zealand 22- Tonga 0
Again after some smart interplay between New Zealand’s backs they once again crashed over the try line. Kahui went over and Carter slotted the conversion to the sound of ‘Paint it Black’ by the Rolling Stones blasting out around the stadium. New Zealand 29- Tonga 0
The Tongans were fronting up in the tackle area, but they could not cope with the pace and skill at the All Blacks’ disposal. The Tongans put on some pressure in New Zealand’s half and were rewarded with a penalty. Kurt Morath stepped up and got Tonga on the scoreboard making the half-time score New Zealand 29- Tonga 3.
At half-time without even breaking a sweat New Zealand had created a comfortable lead. The likes of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter were showing glimpses of brilliance, yet there were still a few mistakes on display. Sonny Bill Williams must have caused Graham Henry a selection headache now because he looked to be on great form, but should he be used as an impact sub? To strike fear into the rest of the competition New Zealand needed to up the tempo and finish off the Tongans.
Sonny Bill Williams started the 2nd half strongly and looked to be in for a score, however, he was hauled down at the last moment by a desperate Tongan scramble defence. The All Blacks once again did not take long to respond as Jerome Kaino crashed over for a try after a beautiful chip by Kahui that he collected and fed on to Kaino. Carter once again missed the conversion; missed kicks could prove costly in the latter stages of the tournament: New Zealand 34- Tonga 3.
After Kaino’s try New Zealand should have pushed on to a crushing victory, however the Tongan spirit was evident as they put real pressure on the hosts. Tonga had a series of scrums on the New Zealand 5 metre line and won a few penalties. They surely could have won a penalty try after a couple more collapses. However, the ball was thrown out wide and after a few phases Alisona Taumalolo crashed over to the delight of his teammates. Morath made the conversion: New Zealand 34 Tonga 10.
Sonny Bill Williams made a powerful break and then showed wonderful skill as he chipped ahead for Kahui who gathered well and stormed into the Tongan 22. After a few phases Nonu crashed over showing his power and pace which makes him one of the best centres in the World. Colin Slade who was on for Carter added the conversion: New Zealand 41 Tonga 10.
Tonga wound down the clock with a few phases of possession, but they could not add to the 10 point haul. However, they will be proud to have not been on the end of an absolute demolition. New Zealand never really got going today, but they showed glimpse of genius. The rest of the World Cup teams will not be too worried about the second half that they saw from New Zealand, however, they got an early win in the bag and had no injuries to their star players.
Final score: New Zealand 41-10 Tonga
Man of the Match: Israel Dagg he was exceptional in attack today, he showed he could be a real threat in the tournament and has given himself a chance at the top try-scoring accolade in the World Cup.
Alisona Taumalolo
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