En Passe

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. So goes the old saying.

After years of castigating other teams, mainly England, for a reliance on the boot, the All Blacks finally capitulated, and played a kicking game from start to finish in Cardiff, with the result that they narrowly edged out a rampantly superior Welsh side.

Wales, who were clearly caught unawares by the IRB decision to repeal both forward passing and high tackle laws just before the game, did their utmost to compete, but were undone by an long instilled belief that passing the ball backwards was the right and proper way to do things.

Indeed, captain Ryan Jones revealed in his post match interview that due to an unfortunate breakdown in communications, the Welsh players were not informed of the rule changes until after the game. Their bewilderment, as the ABs passed the ball in front of themselves time and time again, was all too obvious.

Refreree Craig Cronje-Joubert had several anxious moments too. Having backed NZ to win by 13+, he did his utmost to gift the game to the Pacific Islanders, only to be frustrated time and time again by the TMO, who had clearly not had a bet on the match, and pettifoggingly insisted on sticking to the rules.

The difference between the two sides, apart from the fact they were playing two sets of rules, was outside half Dan Carter, who controlled the game superbly. He did however disgrace himself with a high tackle on Martyn Roberts which will undoubtedly mean he sits out next week. Cronje-Joubert, who by this stage had given up all attempts at apparent impartiality, was picked up on his mike saying “Nice one Danny, now stamp on the bastard”, but the citing commissioner will likely take a different view.

And so on to next week. Wales face Samoa, many of whom have brothers and cousins playing for the ABs. New Zealand, who these days pick their opposition with the precision of an upwardly mobile heavyweight boxer, travel to Italy. All roads lead to Eden Park in 2011 where, assuming the stadium is at least half built, France and South Africa will play out a thrilling World Cup final.