Editorial: Wimpy Wallabies dull win

I smiled to myself when New Zealand Rugby Union president Bryan Williams handed over the Bledisloe Cup to All Black captain Richie McCaw at Eden Park on Saturday night.

The reason? "Beegee" probably never touched the Bledisloe Cup during his esteemed nine-season international career. That's despite the fact that he fronted and was on the winning side against Australia in 1972, 1974 and 1978.

It wasn't until 1979 that many New Zealanders sighted the giant cup, the symbol of transtasman international rugby supremacy.

After the Wallabies defeated the All Blacks in a one-off test at the Sydney Cricket Ground it emerged and was paraded with a brashness which truly annoyed.

It was the beginning of a genuine rivalry.

But 33 years later I found myself underwhelmed, for the first time, with the latest locking up of the Bledisloe. It was a strange feeling.

All power to Richie and the boys, who have built on the confidence of being a World Cup-winning side. The result was never in doubt. The All Blacks are in imperious form.

New Zealand is home to some of the most talented rugby players ever seen. To have a player like Daniel Carter backed up by a talent like Aaron Cruden, for example, the emergence of Aaron Smith, the brilliance of Israel Dagg, the rebirth of Liam Messam, the quality of Kieran Read ... well, it's a healthy picture, even if Sonny Bill Williams may never be sighted in an All Black jersey again.

No, my lacklustre response to a superb, if not clinical, performance by the home team was influenced by the Wallabies, who were simply awful. I felt sorry for them, and that was a unique experience. They were so un-Australian, so on the back foot. There was nothing mercurial (think Genia-Cooper), nothing dangerous (think Ioane), nothing muscular (think Ashley-Cooper), and while their forward pack gave it their all they couldn't carry their side to within striking distance.

Ever since that sobering day 33 years ago when the Wallabies rejoiced like wild men at a first Bledisloe Cup victory in 30 years, we have relied on our closest neighbours for a thorough examination of our national team's rugby pedigree.

Therefore, it was somehow alarming to suddenly realise that this current Wallaby side are not on the same street as the All Blacks.

They clearly need a fresh start. And it can't be long now before Robbie Deans is looking for his next assignment.

The shine on the Bledisloe Cup clearly relies on both teams.