New Zealand captain Richie McCaw will not be cited after video footage emerged of a collision with South Africa flanker Francois Louw during Saturday’s World Cup semi-final at Twickenham.
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The Springboks were toppled 20-18 in a compelling last-four appointment on Saturday that saw Richie McCaw’s men draw on all their experience and nous to preserve their hopes of becoming the first team to retain the Webb Ellis Cup. Pollard replied with a penalty but another kick from Carter kept the All Blacks ahead 20-15 entering the final quarter.
The consolation for the holders was that they would have confidence their rivals would eventually tire and if there was no improvement in their tactical kicking, they would not be able to keep out the relentless black waves. South Africa had a man sin-binned and conceded only three, too.
“You know I recover well and I’m looking forward to (the final)”.
Grandstand will bring you all the action from the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina in its live blog, with coverage commencing at 2:00am AEDT on Monday. That second semifinal was on Sunday, also at Twickenham. Even their reserves did the same.
A week later, with only one of the duo on the field – Pocock came off the bench to replace Hooper at half-time – the All Blacks triumphed 41-13 at Eden Park.
Within six minutes, Dan Carter landed a dropped goal from 35 meters, New Zealand was behind by only two, and Kaino was back.
The wet weather did not help either side trying to kick for territory.
The defending champions followed with a try to Beauden Barrett to continue their domination of South Africa.
As the highest points scorer in the game’s history, one of rugby’s highest-paid players and twice voted world player of the year with 111 All Black caps to his name, Carter is regarded by many as the best fly half ever to grace the sport.
“Over his career it’s hard to say but to see someone whose gone through what he has in the last few years climb back in and control the team is great”.
Pollard lined up for another penalty, but he could not have foreseen the misfortune of the chance being reversed because for another neck-roll tackle, though this time it was South Africa substitute Victor Matfield who was the guilty party.
His place in New Zealand’s squad for the Rugby World Cup was touch and go.
The All Blacks would not only be the first time to achieve back-to-back wins, but also be the first to win three Rugby World Cups in total.
At halftime, South Africa led but had just as many concerns as New Zealand. We struggled to get out of our own half. They were inflicted in a lineout.
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But this New Zealand side came through, as it always does. Pollard nailed every chance he received.
