Richie McCaw talks to his side during their 12-12 draw with Australia. Photo / Getty Images
Richie McCaw talks to his side during their 12-12 draw with Australia. Photo / Getty Images
Our rugby writers answer three key questions following the 12-12 draw between the All Blacks and Australia which ended New Zealand's 17-test winning streak.
1. Who leaves Sydney happier?
Gregor Paul: Hard to say, but probably the All Blacks. They were under more pressure in the final 10 minutes andonly Australia looked capable of winning it. The All Blacks with 14 men were hanging on.
Patrick McKendry: Australia. There would have been a degree of relief from the All Blacks at the final whistle that they hadn't lost this test because they were under the pump for most of the second half, but their failure to clinch the victory which would have given them the world record will hurt. The Wallabies would have been disappointed not to have won it given their wealth of possession, but they will have extra belief as they prepare to storm fortress Eden Park.
Wynne Gray: The Wallabies. Usually they shed the first leg of the Bledisloe, this time they are still well in the contest and have added another layer to their confidence against the world's best.
2. Was the decision not to bring Crockett back on following his sin binning a stern message from the coaches?
Paul: It wasn't so much a message as a realisation that Crockett wasn't playing well prior to his card. There is a message of sorts - ill-discipline is not acceptable.
McKendry: No, merely a pragmatic attempt to avoid further penalties. Wyatt Crockett was a marked man in Jaco Peyper's eyes and the All Blacks' coaches were fully aware of that.
Had to be unless he has an undisclosed injury. Discipline needed to be better at the breakdowns although he was not the Lone Ranger in offending.
Image 1 of 7: All Blacks Aaron Smith, left, and Dane Coles in action in the first Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images
3. Any changes, aside from injury and paternity issues, for Auckland?
Paul: It was the right team on the park. Selection wasn't the problem - execution was. The All Blacks just didn't play well so it would be a surprise to see any changes other than those necessitated by injury.
McKendry: No, if fit they all deserve another chance, apart from Malakai Fekitoa, who will make way for Conrad Smith. Crockett might be fretting over the next few days but he scrummaged well and the All Blacks' pack have a point or two to prove in Auckland.
Gray: Can't see any unless there is more fallout at loosehead prop. The team will have to be rejigged because of injury and availability with most focus on transforming their mental purpose and delivery.
