“The skill level of our guys was really good tonight, under extreme pressure at times, and at the moment that’s probably where we’ve got a little bit of an edge”.
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He added that he had already raised with world referees boss Alain Rolland his concerns about both Poite and Welshman Nigel Owens from previous Wallabies matches they had controlled.
“We certainly love playing for the Bledisloe Cup”.
Dagg, who moved from fullback to wing after New Zealand’s 42-8 win in last weekend’s first test, scored twice in the first half as the All Blacks again made clear their overwhelming superiority over a ragged Wallabies lineup.
“He was alright”, Hansen said.
“I was bitterly disappointed”, Cheika said when asked about the referee’s performance after his side conceded 15 penalties to the All Blacks’ 12.
The approach reflected the beligerent nature of Australia coach Michael Cheika who, after an nearly record losing streak since last year’s World Cup final, finds himself under increasing pressure to save his job. “I suppose you expect that in a high pressure game”.
However, SANZAAR have revealed that there are to be no citings from the match, with neither team having lodged any complaints to the officials after the game.
“It was a different game altogether from the last one”.
To that extent the tactics worked, though it really only papered over some worrying cracks that are signs of deeper issues within Australian rugby as they fight for relevance in a crowded sporting marketplace. Cheika has made several changes to his side, recalling Quade Cooper after a year out of worldwide rugby and also throwing rookie Adam Coleman in for a start next to Kane Douglas in the second row.
Winger Israel Dagg also crossed for a first-half double, his second try set up by a scintillating Beauden Barrett run.
Although the All Blacks did not score again they spent most of the time camped in Wallabies territory and missed three possible tries through handing errors.
Young backline utility Reece Hodge showed some signs in his debut off the bench, including kicking a monster 52m penalty, that suggest he could become a regular for years to come.
Cheika also felt Poite had been harsh to sin bin rookie lock Adam Coleman for a unsafe charge on Ben Smith, while a forearm from Dane Coles to Scott Fardy’s head only received a penalty.
The Bledisloe Cup match was a sell-out, which attracted many people into the city.
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Next up is South Africa in Brisbane on September 10 and with two weeks to work on his team’s frailties, the 49-year-old says he does not fear for his job, and is instead focusing on improving the side.
