Brave. Fighting all the way as underdogs. All those traits of defiance still computed to a 23-20 heartbreaker for the Wallabies in Dunedin.
The value of getting so close to their first victory over the All Blacks on Kiwi soil since 2001 will hopefully show in the months ahead at the World Cup in France.
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That’s the win from defeat for the youthful believers who defied all the knockers under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
What did we learn?
1 CAPTAIN SENSIBLE
Halfback Tate McDermott put his mark on the Test after just 90 seconds when he waved away a penalty goal attempt to kick to touch to set up a 5m lineout.
The driving maul off the lineout didn’t advance but the Wallabies were clinical and they capitalised with the Marika Koroibete try in the corner.
It was the obvious call to extend the lead midway through the first half when he did take three simple points from another penalty for 17-3.
McDermott won’t forget his 64 minutes as the newest Wallabies skipper in history.
He’ll also have replayed 100 times in his mind that moment on 28 minutes when he scooted short side and sensed a try was a split-second away.
He lunged but so too did All Blacks backrower Ardie Savea with a brilliant try-saving wrap of the ball to prevent a grounding.
Those knowing the history sensed that was the moment of the game. At Eden Park in 2009, the Wallabies led 13—3 and blew a try. They never got a better chance and the hoodoo on NZ soil continues.
2 FUSS OVER FAESSLER
Hooker Matt Faessler made the most of his surprise break in a positive Test debut.
He snapped four crisp lineout throws in succession when he joined the fray after the exit of Dave Porecki just 14 minutes into the Test.
The Queenslander put his career as a tradie on hold to dive into rugby full-time.
Nailing his throws separates him from the less reliable Jordan Uelese, who pulled out on Test eve with an injury from training.
Taking his chance has put Faessler on the plane to France for the World Cup.
3 NO FEAR ATTACK
This youthful Wallabies side was written off pre-Test but ripped in and pressured the All Blacks from the outset.
What a difference was made by some decisive early plays.
Mark Nawaqanitawase and Andrew Kellaway caught early kick-offs.
The first entry to the All Blacks’ 22 was ruthless. Bang. Try.
The Wallabies scrum faded but a two early scrum penalties the gold way were part of the early momentum and territory.
There were some clear strategy elements. The Wallabies were excellent with their short off-loads when on the front foot.
Players like Carter Gordon, Jordan Petaia and Nawaqanitawase delivered smart balls that got their team rolling.
It won’t get mentioned in the wash-up but Samu Kerevi’s two slick passes in the opening two tries were a sign of his development.
He’s getting back his game.
4 NAILING POSITIONS
The biggest win of this four-Test campaign has been uncovering Tom Hooper.
The headgeared flanker’s motor is huge. He was in everything.
His strength to surge over for the try was excellent. He was still going in the 76th minute with a gallop after shifting the ball from a maul.
He made a key turnover too to go with all his tackling. Blindside flanker is his best position.
5 BELIEF
The Wallabies needed this. They couldn’t head to France with 31-point losses to the All Blacks and Springboks as petrol.
This tight 23-20 wrestle was more like it. It was more sustained for sure and the players can see that well-executed play has its rewards.
Credit to the All Blacks. They absorbed the pressure and fought back from a 17-3 deficit.
