The All Blacks’ demolition of the Wallabies at Eden Park highlighted the gulf between Rassie Erasmus’ first-choice Springboks and the side beaten in Perth, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane believes New Zealand’s 50-19 win further underlined the quality of the Bok team that beat Dave Rennie’s men three times in succession to claim the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 3-1.
The Wallabies arrived at Eden Park unbeaten in six Tests, including a 42-38 victory over a weakened Springbok side in Perth. But after trailing just 17-14 at half-time, they were overwhelmed as the All Blacks dominated the set-piece and scored five second-half tries.
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Keohane says New Zealand deserve credit for responding so convincingly after three successive defeats against the Boks, but believes the result also puts South Africa’s loss to Australia into perspective.
“The Springboks’ best XV proved it could beat an improving All Blacks team repeatedly. The Perth defeat showed how much changes when that preferred team is not on the field.”
Keohane was particularly impressed by the All Blacks’ forward dominance and Jordie Barrett’s influence, while Australia’s struggles at the set-piece offered a reminder of the challenges the Wallabies could face at the 2027 World Cup.
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However, he cautions against reading too much into the Eden Park result when assessing the balance of power in international rugby.
“The All Blacks’ win over the Wallabies was emphatic, but it did not prove that New Zealand has moved clear of France and the chasing pack.
“For South Africans, Eden Park reaffirmed New Zealand’s quality. More than that, it underlined just how good the regular Springboks are.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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The All Blacks’ demolition of the Wallabies at Eden Park highlighted the gulf between Rassie Erasmus’ first-choice Springboks and the side beaten in Perth, writes @mark_keohane
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