Their policy of picking New Zealand-based players only means the best remain in this country, in contrast to the policy adopted by both South Africa and Australia.
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Captain Stephen Moore said the back-to-back wins over South Africa and Argentina were a good reward for the training effort put it.
For context, the Wallabies had scored just three tries in their last three games and the most points they had racked up in a first half this year was 18 – against England in Sydney.
The runaway competition leaders again banked a bonus point, their fourth in four matches, to be in an nearly unbeatable position in the championship with two rounds still to play.
The Perth fixture is the last time the Wallabies play in Australia this year.
New Zealand reclaimed the championship title from Australia after their 41-13 victory over South Africa earlier on Saturday gave them four bonus point wins from four matches.
New Zealand’s victory over the Springboks earlier on Saturday combined with the Perth result ensured Australia’s reign as southern hemisphere champions was officially ended.
It may seem a particularly harsh view, given the Wallabies win over South Africa last week, but certainly highlights the challenges Australia now face.
“We showed good character and fought to the end [but] we gave 20 minutes to Australia and it’s a top team”.
“I think the All Blacks team need to continue with their [winning] attitude”, Henry said. That’s the culture of the team.
Rugby fans who miss the Australia vs. Argentina rugby match due to the early-morning USA start time can catch a full replay of the game via ESPN3 at this link.
That Argentina had 67 per cent possession and a number of chances to wrestle back momentum will no doubt please coach Michael Cheika in a gritty display.
Daniel Hourcade rued a poor defensive display as Argentina were beaten 36-20 by Australia in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.
“I wondered whether they could step up another level after Richie [McCaw] and his band of merry men who retired together [moved on] but they have”.
“Cubelli we know, obviously a great player, I’m sure they given him that start so he can stick it to his Aussie colleagues”, Cheika said. Although some may think they are not at their best, they are a team that defends to perfection and so it proved in the World Cup.
Cheika is well aware the Wallabies still have plenty of room for improvement.
The sight of props Owen Franks and Joe Moody offloading in the tackle, creating space for Beauden Barrett and Ben Smith, would be enough to make any opposition envious.
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Giant lock Adam Coleman stepped up again by “taking a good load, playing very physical and making some good hits”, Cheika said. It certainly differs from his assessment of their traditional rivals.
