New Zealand’s relentless pressure and masterly forwards overwhelmed Australia in a brutal 20-6 semi-final win at Eden Park yesterday to put them in sight of a first World Cup triumph in 24 years.
The All Blacks will be overwhelming favourites when they return to the same venue next weekend to play in a re-match of the inaugural 1987 World Cup final against France, also at Eden Park, which New Zealand won 29-9.
And New Zealand have already beaten France once at this World Cup, winning a pool match 37-17.
The Australians came off second best in the physical and tactical exchanges in the intimidating atmosphere of the All Blacks’ Eden Park fortress, where the Wallabies haven’t won since 1986.
The Tri-Nations champions were bloodied and beaten in every aspect by a ferocious New Zealand onslaught, that saw the hosts dominate from the opening kick-off and flustering the Wallabies into a multitude of errors.
Dynamic New Zealand ended a tense week of concerns over the fitness of captain Richie McCaw as they proved far too good for the Australians.
For New Zealand coach Graham Henry the win was especially sweet after he survived calls to be sacked and replaced by Kiwi Robbie Deans, now in charge of Australia, following the All Blacks’ quarter-final defeat by France four years ago – their worst World Cup showing.
Henry, asked what was behind the victory, replied: “Four years of planning, I suppose. Four years of guys being frustrated and wanting to do the job, four years of trying to get things right.”
The Wallabies now have to console themselves with a bronze final with Wales on Friday – a repeat of the 1987 third place play-off.
Australia’s scattergun playmaker Quade Cooper endured another shaky night and he as guilty of taking several wrong options, much to the roaring approval of the 60,000 capacity crowd.
New Zealand had all the ball in the opening six minutes before Israel Dagg sliced past Anthony Fainga’a and Rocky Elsom to send Ma’a Nonu storming over for the only try of the game.
Wallaby flanker David Pocock was penalised for two ruck infringements in as many minutes, with scrum-half Piri Weepu kicking the All Blacks eight points ahead.
But Australia gradually clawed their way back and wing Digby Ioane was held up near the try-line before McCaw conceded a penalty kicked by James O’Connor.
Novice New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden settled his nerves with a 22nd minute drop-goal to extend the All Blacks’ lead to 11-3.
Cooper tried to get back on track with a calmly-taken drop goal to have the Australians trailing 11-6 after 32 minutes. But Adam Ashley-Cooper was caught in an offside position from an All Black high kick, giving Weepu the chance to kick the penalty for a 14-6 half-time lead.
Australia again began the restart poorly and McCabe was penalised for not releasing, giving Weepu an easy penalty for a 17-6 lead before the number nine sealed victory with his fourth penalty eight minutes from time.