All Blacks Take Opener

New Zealand ground out a 22-16 victory over their arch enemy, Australia, in the opener of the Tri-Nations. The match was tight and tense all day, just as expected. The Wallabies got off to a dream start, taking a 10-0 lead in the first 10 minutes. New Zealand pulled a penalty back a couple minutes later to make it 10-3. Just after that the biggest play of the game occurred. The Wallabies blocked a kick deep inside All Black territory and looked to be on their way to an easy try. However, some sloppy play cost Australia an easy try, as the Wallabies had a careless knock on. The Wallabies were able to get convert a penalty after 19 minutes, but the lost seven points would haunt them dearly. On 25 minutes, New Zealand were able to pin their opponents in, and after some great pressure got the ball across the line for a try. The conversion was made to get it to 13-10. The score would stay the same until halftime, as the All Blacks were playing well below standards. The All Blacks started very well in the second half and scored two penalties inside the first five minutes, to take their first lead. The Wallabies responded instantly after the kickoff, and scored a penalty of their own to tie it at 16-16. The match would stay the same way for some time until about 20 minutes to go. A crucial blocked kick lead to a penalty from close range, and Donald connected to make it 19-16 in favor of the All Blacks. The Wallabies got another chance to tight right after that. However, the kick would sail off to the right, which would turn out to be very costly. With 72 minutes to go New Zealand got another important penalty and extended the lead to 22-16. The Wallabies knew they had to get a try, but it would not come. The farthest they would come was just inside the 22 meter line. The All Blacks took the win, and they continued their home dominance over Australia. The last win for Australia in New Zealand territory was in 1986. Next up for the All Blacks, will be a pair of road tests in South Africa. Australia will be off until August 8, when they take on the Springboks.