Rugby World Cup 2011: Weepu Kicks All Blacks to Victory; Still Plenty to Ponder

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at Internationaled.org

Published: October 10, 2011

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Piri Weepu kicked seven penalty goals to ensure the All Blacks will progress through to the semifinals of Rugby World Cup 2011. However, the win was much harder work than many had anticipated, as they got home over Argentina 33-10, in a scoreline that didn't reflect the closeness and intensity of the game.

It was a tight game that saw the All Blacks struggle to make use of their lethal backline, as Argentina did a good job of slowing the All Blacks ball at the breakdown, allowing their defence to regroup. The Pumas' defence was outstanding, taking everything the All Blacks threw at them, holding them tryless for 66 minutes.

However, the Argentinians came unstuck with their inability to score. Only twice did they ever look like scoring, and they took both of these opportunities to notch up their ten points. 

For the All Blacks it was a case of staying patient and making do with what they had. They looked to use their backs in the first half, but through a combination of errors and good defence, were unable to penetrate the Pumas' line. At times Ma'a Nonu looked dangerous, but in general he was handled very well, while wingers Sonny Bill Williams and Cory Jane looked the most likely to go through.

The second half saw them opt for a tighter game, looking to pick and go and never move the ball too wide. Many had questioned their ability to do this pre-tournament, so the success at which they applied this gameplan will emerge as a great positive. They never panicked, controlling the ball for large periods of time, content with just plugging away metre by metre. They were met with solid defence, but never really looked in danger of turning the ball over.



 

All of this patience and pressure told, giving Piri Weepu seven shots at goal, which he slotted all of. This also comes as a huge positive to the All Blacks, knowing that they have a good backup kicker in the absence of Daniel Carter...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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