All Blacks: Thorn philosophical over Aussies' win

Brad Thorn says the Aussies should be pumped about the win on Saturday night. Photo / Getty Images

Perhaps it's the wisdom accumulated during 16 years as a professional footballer, or the fact that he has represented both New Zealand and Australia at the highest level.

Either way, Brad Thorn could not begrudge the Wallabies belated Bledisloe Cup success.

As a crestfallen Stephen Donald critiqued his role in the loss at Hong Kong Stadium and Tom Donnelly experienced defeat for the first time in his 14-test career, the consummate professional simply appreciated the drama that unfolded on Saturday night. "It was good to be part of," the 35-year-old lock said after the world's top and second-ranked rugby nations produced a transtasman spectacle that deserved a bigger audience than the 26,210 spectators at the ground.

"You saw some great rugby, the game is in a good place at the moment," Thorn enthused after the Wallabies snapped a 10-match losing streak against their neighbours at the last moment.

As an added bonus they also halted the All Blacks' winning sequence against all opponents at 15 - three short of the world record.

"The Aussies should be pumped, it's a big moment for them," said Thorn, who was probably unique among New Zealanders for not willing James O'Connor's match-winning conversion to go wide.

"I just thought the young kid's going to have a crack.

"I play hard, I love to compete and win. Sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn't. That's life."

It's a philosophy developed during a career that has spanned 200 games for the Brisbane Broncos, eight league internationals for the Kangaroos, 14 State of Origins and now 48 rugby tests.

And it's a message Thorn will be impressing upon Donald as the Waikato pivot tries to regroup from a horror final quarter as Daniel Carter's replacement.

"We're really keen to grow as a team and support each other," Thorn said, adding defensively: "Stephen hasn't been in the side for a year, there's a whole heap of combinations and stuff you have to get used to again."

Meanwhile, Thorn also had thoughts for Robbie Deans, his former coach at the Crusaders and Canterbury, and a friend feeling the pinch thanks to All Black dominance.

"It's a tough game, international footy.

"Everyone just wants results. You see it at club footy in rugby and in league," he said, drawing a parallel between Deans and under-pressure Broncos coach Ivan Henjak.

"You see it with Ivan, he's trying to develop a side that's got a lot of young talent. Can you hang in there and give the guy a crack?

"It's the same with Deansy.

"He's been under a whole heap of heat and you can really see a young side developing.

"There's 21- and 22-year-olds with 20 test caps under their belt, that's going to pay off."

- NZPA