Ten of the Greatest All Blacks Games: #03
Australia 35
New Zealand 39
Stadium Australia, July 15, 2000
Background
New Zealand began the year under new coach Wayne Smith, trying to put the pain of 1999 behind them. They introduced a handful of new players and a similarly expansive way of playing and the combination worked well in the opening games when Tonga and Scotland were both defeated. But there was no inkling of what was about to happen in Sydney. The Australians were world champions and in their prime. Everyone knew they were good, and they were slight favourites. The expectation was the All Blacks would push them all the way, maybe try to slow things down a bit with Andrew Mehrtens, kick some goals and then hope the game would open in the latter stages.
How it Played Out
This test is now known as one of, if not the best ever played. There may never be a game like it. The All Blacks scored three tries in seven minutes in the opening quarter. They touched the ball – they scored. No one could believe it. It was incredible. Just as hard to believe was that after racing out to a 24-0 lead, the Wallabies ended the half tied at 24-all. They stormed back with Stephen Larkham, Stirling Mortlock and George Gregan in devastating form. When the Wallabies somehow managed to get the upper hand in the second half to lead 35-34 in the closing minutes, they looked destined to win what was already a brilliant game. But there was a finale fitting of all that had gone before. Taine Randell managed to make a break down the left and then lob a basketball-style pass to Jonah Lomu. The big man tiptoed down his flank, running perilously close to the touchline but managed to stay infield and swat defenders to touchdown in the corner and send New Zealanders ecstatic.
Heroes
The entire forward pack has to be congratulated (again) for producing one of the best displays of disciplined, ruthless, driving rugby. Their control, accuracy and aggression were hard to forget. Justin Marshall gave a master-class at halfback and Andrew Mehrtens did all the right things with the ball. The outside backs could have been spectators (very cold ones) in those conditions but they were used effectively.
Context
Lomu deserves special mention for scoring what was such a difficult try in the closing stages. Christian Cullen was deadly at fullback and Tana Umaga was powerful and direct in his new role in the midfield where his clash with Mortlock was one to remember – at the time, they were two of the biggest men to ever play in the midfield. Umaga was also expertly partnered that day with Pita Alatini – and it was probably the best game the powerful second five ever had in an All Black shirt.
Scorers
Australia 35
S. Mortlock (2), J. Paul, C. Latham, J. Roff tries; S. Mortlock 2 cons, 2 pens.
New Zealand 39
C. Cullen, T. Umaga, J. Lomu, J. Marshall, P. Alatani tries; A. Mehrtens 4 cons, 2 pens.
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