Work to do for underfiring All Blacks

A REPUTATION, for an hour at least, was lost in New Zealand today.

The All Blacks are through to the semi-final of a World Cup held in their own back yard but they will have to examine their future in the 2011 tournament closely - and fast.

Graham Henry’s men have been humbled by their flattering 33-10 victory over Argentina and by the Puma’s power, which came to fruition in Auckland this morning.

The ship is creaking it has to be said, and the challenge ahead in the shape of Australia - a semi-final reunion that goes back eight years - leaves the world compelled to see how the all conquering All Blacks will fair when tested for a full 80 minutes.

The end of the line for Dan Carter, New Zealand’s all-time record points-scorer who was injured in training last week, still looms in the consciousness.

There seems to be an eagerness in the New Zealand ranks to avoid falling into a lull of worry in the absence of their leading-light. It was noticeable today that the hangover is still lingering.

Colin Slade stepped in, but only for 20 minutes before he was withdrawn through injury. One was scary, but two out is petrifying.

A nation now holds its breath to see if third-stringer Aaron Cruden, the 22-year-old who instead now holds the weight of expection pressed down on his shoulders, can bring an end to 24 years of wait.

Argentina will be disappointed. No one expected them to compete with the might of the All Blacks but the fact is they have and proved further they should join, at last, a four-way tournament played below the north-south divide.

The Australian outfit are again strong contenders for the World Cup after misery in the Pool stages. Their defeat to Ireland hurt deeply but they deserved to lose that game.

Their win over South Africa, however, has shown the glimmers of a revival, and continues an age-old tradition: no side defending their crown has yet to do so successfully.

Like France, Australia are still breathing. That’s what counts. The Springboks, 1995 and 2007 World Champions, are out in contrast.

The battle of the openside flankers, Richie McCaw of New Zealand and David Pocock of Australia, will be an interesting contest in Auckland next Sunday.

As will the tussle between Sam Warburton of Wales and Thierry Dusautoir of France, both captains for their respected nations, but will deliver a very different kind of conflict.

Gamesmanship at ground level has continued to confuse officials, frustrating the flow of rugby in the latter stages of the tournament and has rendered it almost impossible to follow.

Pocock and McCaw, both scrappers themselves, have the vision to play tight and loose.

Warburton and Dusautoir have these facets too, but, on examination, the Welsh captain is far more courageous on the floor while his French counterpart plays more on the fringe; a link man to his team’s improving but still disjointed backline.

This will go in favour of Wales at least. The world will be hoping for a try-filled weekend to come and although that will most certainly be the case, the team to proceed to the final won't be the one with the guts in attack but the street-smarts in defence.

Ball retention is vital and containing the opposition is just as important at this stage.

Only Wales and Australia have been able to demonstrate this consistently, while New Zealand and France have been suceptible with ball.

If Wales continue to remain brazen at the breakdown, the red could well meet the the green and gold for the first time this year.