The All Blacks step past Irish

It was not easy. Nervousness ruled the first half, while the rain and the icy cold temperature was the winner of the second spell. The irish defense held and they commited themselves to their Munster's pick and go tactics. They kicked a lot and kicked awfully well.

But in the end, the only two attacking actions the All Blacks produced were enough to win the game 21-11. I was delighted at the first one by Conrad Smith. Simple but most efficient, he took advantage of the nice pass by Carter and out-manouvred the so-called best centre in the world just to serve a perfect pass to Sivivatu to finish it off. I think this will help Conrad Smith and the All Blacks mid-field.


Concern rises when the sights set on the english. They will be tougher. But today fears are put aside. The All Blacks looked consistent, and the quality is no doubt there waiting for a more proper chance to appear.

Do not expect anything spectacular from the Irish

Unlike the english, french or welsh teams, the Irish national side has not substantially been changed from the one that so poorly performed during RWC 07 and so averagely walked through the 6 Nations.

Just look at the names; it's the entire good old Munster forward pack, with old good O'Gara at first five and the good old Leinster backs.

Do not expect any change in their game plan, do not expect any new weakness or any new strength.

Just remember the 2005 test at Dublin (45-7) or the two 2006 tests at Hamilton and Auckland (34-23 and 27-17). This is the irish side that the All Blacks are facing within three days.

It will not give account on how have the irish improved. It will make for how much have the All Blacks declined.

Wales over England

If I am to pick a Northern Hemisphere side, I pick Wales. Wales is not only a rugby nation like no other; Wales was also the first test match that the All Blacks lost in 1905, a feat that only four other nations have accomplished. They rank second in the All-Time Six Nations winners only second to England.

Much has been said this week about England crushing Wales (being 62-5 the score last time they meet in early August during the pre-RWC). England hooligans (including many a journalist) were proudly fond of their line-up, amid earthquakes, volcanoes and other big superstars. So proud were that it seemed as if they had already won the Six Nations before the first game even started!!!

(How much it reminds me of the 1/4 finals of the RWC against France!)

Their sights were clearly put far beyond Wales.

Like All Blacks that bloody October 7th, England had a clear lead at half time. Like France, Wales kept on fighting until the end. Like France, they got their reward.

Congratulations to welsh fighters. And congratulations to Warren Gatland. I think this triumph in Twickenham can give him and the whole welsh squad confidence. Interestingly enough, at their RWC pool game against Australia, the best effort of the welsh side came once the wallabies were already on command.

For Wales, this victory at Twickenham can be the start of a very pleasant tournament (their only other away home will be at Dublin) whereas for until-last-week-almost-winners England will have to show their best next week in Rome or they could be in serious trouble.

This saturday leaves also the narrow win of the irish over Italy at Croke Park. All the credit should go to Monsieur Rugbycan for such an acurate foretelling of what the outcome of that test would be. Although Ireland secured the win, Italy has proven to be a very tough rival.