The Rugby World Cup 2011 kicked off
in New Zealand with a fantastic opening ceremony, followed by the host
nation beating a determined Tonga 41-10 at Eden Park in Auckland.
Fullback Israel Dagg scored the opening try of the tournament.
The All Blacks came out looking slick as
their talented backs turned it on, scoring fantastic tries as they ran
circles around the hapless Tongans in the first half. The second wasn't
quite as good, as Tonga came back into the game with a pick and drive
tactic that kept possesion away from the home side.
Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui ended up with
two tries a piece though, while Jerome Kaino and Ma'a Nonu scored in
the second half. Nonu and center partner Sonny Bill Williams were
lethal, Williams in particular, as he offloaded in the tackle with ease,
pulling off some incredible passes.
Tonga did score a try of their own however
as Alisona Taumalolo went over after a period of sustained pressure
resulted in a well taken, and well deserved, try for the big front
rower.
While the performance of the All Blacks in
the first half will have sent a message to the rest of their opposition,
and put coach Graham Henry in a tight position when it comes to future
selections, their second half showing was perhaps a little warning sign.
They did take the foot off the gas, but they'll soon face tighter
challenges and need to be able to adapt their game, and learn how to win
ugly.
All in all it was a great win however, and a
brilliant display of the kind of ability that exists within the squad,
with whoever gets selected showing that they're capable of stepping up
and turning things on when needed.
You can watch official highlights on the Rugby World Cup website now.
What were your thoughts on the match?
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