A pint of the black stuff is pleasant enough in Dublin but the stuff dished out to the locals by the men in black yesterday was something else entirely. When this black tide washes over you, there is no pleasure involved whatsoever.
That a New Zealand side without nine of
its best players could so humble one of its traditionally feistiest opponents tells us something about them and the opposition.
We've been concerned about the gap growing even wider between the top-tier nations and countries like Argentina, Italy and Fiji. Now we must add Wales and Ireland to that list after the demolition job done on both countries in the last seven days.
The sobering reality is that the power of New Zealand and perhaps South Africa and France, is threatening to leave everyone else in world rugby far behind. Can England do that much better at Twickenham next Saturday ? It is highly unlikely.
True, Ireland have never beaten New Zealand, but there have been some close calls. This was not one of them. Pretty much from the start it was clear that even this New Zealand scratch side carried far too much power and pace for the locals.
There was a precision in New Zealand's game that Ireland could only watch with envy and a penetration that was viewed with similar awe. The intensity of Southern Hemisphere rugby, derided in some stupid corners of the Northern Hemisphere, has prepared New Zealanders for the expectation that goes with the jersey. Frankly, you could only admire the creative genius, cunning, supreme professionalism and driving determination.
They used to say you couldn't score tries off first phase in the modern game. But New Zealand did it with aplomb.
The pressure to which Ireland were subjected caused significant lapses in defensive concentration and the eager New Zealanders poured through the resultant holes.
In all, there was much to admire about this New Zealand display. It was supremely innovative and the superb execution of their skills was in stark contrast to Ireland's shaky efforts. Overall, this New Zealand side was almost 100kg heavier than their rivals and the way Weepu brushed aside Peter Stringer's puny challenge was typical of the weight and power differential. Ma'a Nonu introduced himself to Irish fullback Geordan Murphy early on like a bus meets jay-walkers.
And yet, for all that you left scratching your head about New Zealand teams. I mean, what is it with this spear-tackle? Are these guys just dumb, or what?
Even Graham Henry condemned Nonu's up-ending tackle on Gordon D'Arcy. Haven't the All Blacks done enough damage to Irish centres (and their own reputation) for the time being? How he stayed on the field is a mystery only a weak referee can answer.
Indeed, the New Zealanders were allowed to get away with other tricks all afternoon. Weepu fed the scrum straight all right - the ball went straight into his own second row every time. And there was so much subtle obstruction from the decoy runners not in possession behind the scrum that it became almost absurd. They would have been blown off the park by a stronger referee.
Do All Black teams need to do this to ensure victory? Of course not.
If Graham Henry has as much sense as I think he has, he will cut it out and let us focus entirely on his team's supreme talents. Gee, they've got some skills to show.
* Peter Bills is a rugby writer for Independent News & Media in London.
Opinion by
A pint of the black stuff is pleasant enough in Dublin but the stuff dished out to the locals by the men in black yesterday was something else entirely. When this black tide washes over you, there is no pleasure involved whatsoever.
That a New Zealand side without nine of
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