All Blacks unconvincing in quelling dragons' fire

12.45am

NEW ZEALAND 53 WALES 37

SYDNEY - The All Blacks took a hesitant, unconvincing step into the rugby World Cup quarterfinals, finally quelling the bravest imaginable effort from Wales 53-37 at Telstra Stadium here tonight.

A second-string Welsh side threatened to pull off the greatest upset in the tournament's 16-year history, a passionate forward effort and willingness to counter-attack creating mistakes and angst in the All Blacks ranks.

They only put the match out of reach in the final 10 minutes, piling on 15 points in that period as superior fitness told.

It was an enormous reality check for a virtual first-choice All Blacks side, who had romped through their first three pool games and were expected to easily continue a 15-test winning streak against the Welsh.

Their error-riddled performance will have done little to instill fear in their quarterfinal opponents South Africa, who were convincing 60-10 winners over Samoa yesterday.

The New Zealand forwards failed to assert any authority until late and there were no excuses for handling errors and missed tackles in fine, still conditions.

Wales retained possession well and were able to create overlaps easily when they produced multiple phases. They caught the All Blacks defence napping with some neat side-stepping and short chips.

Chants of Wales echoed around the 80,012-strong crowd when they led 34-28 early in the second half and 37-33 with a quarter of the game remaining.

After bravely turning down a penalty in front of the posts in the 60th minute, a try to first five-eighth Carlos Spencer gave the All Blacks a one-point buffer before the late rush.

The All Blacks scored eight tries to four but a perfect seven-from-seven kicking performance by Wales first five-eighth Stephen Jones kept the underdogs in touch.

All pre-match predictions appeared spot on when Rokocoko crossed for the first of two tries in the second minute.

However, Wales levelled the scores when nearly 10 minutes of intense pressure saw centre Mark Taylor cross following a clever chip by first five-eighth Stephen Jones.

Rokocoko replied two minutes later, finishing off a counter-attack with a thrilling run that beat three defenders.

A Jones penalty was countered in the 20th minute when a quick tap by halfback Justin Marshall put MacDonald clear. The centre's try gave him 18 points for the match, including six from nine kicks at goal

Lock Ali Williams scored his first test try in spectacular fashion, leaping high wide on the right above Wales winger Shane Williams to collect a Spencer cross kick.

However, Wales surged into back into contention, dominating the middle part of the game. They scored tries through second five-eighth Sonny Parker and No 8 Colin Charvis before the break. It was a bitter-sweet moment for New Zealander Parker, who hurt his arm while scoring and was forced from the field.

Down 24-28, Wales hit the front 34-28 soon after halftime, through a Jones penalty and thrilling try for Shane Williams.

After successfully converting the first four tries, MacDonald missed after winger Doug Howlett crossed, leaving the All Blacks one point in arrears.

The All Blacks had a relieved look when the fulltime whistle blew, well aware they have plenty of work to do before facing the Springboks in the sudden death clash at Melbourne on Saturday.

All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne said after the match Wales had played a fantastic match.

"We wanted a real contest and they certainly gave it to us."

He said the All Blacks were not surprised by the fervour with which the Welsh came at them.

"They are a very passionate team."

Wales captain Colin Charvis said Wales knew they had to step up against New Zealand. "That's what we aimed for and that's what we did."

He congratulated New Zealand, who he said had shown their class, especially towards the end when they finished off their tries.

New Zealand 53

(Joe Rokocoko 2, Doug Howlett 2, Leon MacDonald, Ali Williams, Carlos Spencer, Aaron Mauger tries; MacDonald pen, 5 con)

Wales 37

(Mark Taylor, Sonny Parker Colin Charvis, Shane Williams tries; Stephen Jones 3 pen, 4 con).

Halftime: NZ 28-24.

- NZPA