New Zealand completed a clean sweep of the Bledisloe Cup series as they defeated Australia 37-20 at the Nissan Stadium this morning.
The arena is the same venue that will host the 2019 World Cup Final, and there were some grounds for optimism for the teams seeking to challenge the All Blacks for the crown next year. Australia trailed by just seven points at half-time and would have stayed within touching distance if not for poor fitness levels and at least one questionable refereeing decision.
Michael Cheika's side were reduced to 14 men when Tolo Latu was sent to the sin bin for an open hand push to the face of Codie Taylor.
It’s a push.
Contact to the face from Tolu Latu on Codie Taylor, but that came after initial push from Kiwi No 2.
This should be play on #BledisloeCup #NZLVAUS— Christy Doran (@ChristypDoran) October 27, 2018
Then, with the score 1t 13-27, Australia pounded away at the New Zealand defence until a loose Israel Folau offload fell to Ben Smith who stormed towards the line. However, experienced All-black half-back Aaron Smith seemed to change his line to cut off a covering Kurtley Beale run.
Kurtley Beale is probably never getting across to Ben Smith, but you can see how quickly Aaron Smith's mind switches to the chasing defenders. Not subtle enough to avoid a penalty for me (Clive). pic.twitter.com/Jd8qs5jeyJ
— Charlie Morgan (@CharlieFelix) October 27, 2018
Dear @WorldRugby this is a penalty when people do it against the all blacks but play on when they do it. What’s up with that? pic.twitter.com/GSlkiCP0Se
— Wallaby Weirdo (@waratahjesus) October 27, 2018
Got to penalise Aaron Smith there, looked over at the aussie bloke and then changed his line and ran in to him
— Nigel Smith (@NigelSmith2482) October 27, 2018
Aaron Smith. Dead set NFL block in that try #Bledisloe2018 #NZLVAUS
— original_gruzza (@gruzza) October 27, 2018
Aaron Smith blatant
— Lee (@proplee) October 27, 2018
Number 5, the tackler. Doing his best to roll away. pic.twitter.com/OOVOPsI8bq
— Wallaby Weirdo (@waratahjesus) October 27, 2018
World Rugby define obstruction an offence in both of these cases: 'A player must not intentionally prevent an opponent from tackling or attempting to tackle the ball-carrier. A player must not intentionally prevent an opponent from having the opportunity to play the ball, other than by competing for possession.'
While Beale did protest, referee Romain Poite seemed content that Smith did nothing illegal.
Speaking on Fox, former Australian player Phil Kearns said: "other teams are upset at the free ride New Zealand get." The analysts went on to cite the penalty count weighted in New Zealand's favour.
Despite this, Steve Hansen's side were full value for their victory. New Zealand now move on towards their Autumn internationals, with the big one coming on 17 November as they play Ireland in the Aviva Stadium.
