All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett makes a break during last night's test match against the Wallabies in Brisbane. Photo / Getty Images
All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett makes a break during last night's test match against the Wallabies in Brisbane. Photo / Getty Images
Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray answer three questions about Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane.
1. Does Beauden Barrett still have his nose in front in the No 10 stakes?
Gregor Paul: There is never going to be anything but a whisker between Barrett and Crudenand last night didn't do much to alter that. It's easy to be overly critical of a 10, especially when the forwards aren't doing what they should be doing. The All Blacks didn't produce enough quick ball and they didn't build enough momentum, hence Barrett didn't have a great platform from which to operate. Even Daniel Carter can't work magic in that circumstance. The one area Barrett does need to look at is his defence - linespeed, positioning and technique.
Wynne Gray: It's still lineball. If his forwards had delivered better possession you sensed he had the game to slice the Wallabies open with his pace, passing and kicking game.
2. How does last night's thrilling comeback compare to the one against Ireland in Dublin last year?
GP: Similar but maybe not quite as heroic in terms of the skill and bravery required to execute the winning try in Dublin, but not far behind. Same qualities got them through - self-belief, conditioning, mental strength.
WG: Any late comeback is a sporting defibrillator. Dublin was a more awkward challenge because both sides played well, this time the All Blacks were more erratic.
Image 1 of 7: All Black players sing the national anthem prior to kick off. Photo / Getty Images
3. On a scale of one to 10, how good was Aaron Smith?
GP: He was very good and he made that try he scored look a lot easier than it was. His speed of thought was impressive, but so too was his step. Probably a nine out of 10.
WG
: About a nine. He detonates his pass, his fitness is amazing and his game management has touches of gold like his tap-'n-go try. Top drawer.
