It's that man again

By WYNNE GRAY

NEW ZEALAND 53 WALES 37

This was even more surreal than the All Blacks' semifinal loss to France in the last World Cup. It was certainly more embarrassing, perhaps the most discomforting international for the All Blacks since World War II.

Wales were wasted 55-3 by the All Blacks mid-year in Hamilton but last night in Sydney they created all sorts of havoc before ebbing away in an extraordinary final qualifying match of the tournament.

Wales had not beaten the All Blacks in 50 years, not really come close since Sir Edmund Hillary became the first man to scale Everest in the same year the Queen was crowned.

A mix and match Welsh selection, based on the need to conserve and restore players for the World Cup quarter-final, should have been consumed by the best available All Blacks last night in Sydney.

But after 60 minutes, the All Blacks were still behind, just as tournament co-favourite England had been against Samoa a week ago.

NZ rectified that in a frantic final quarter but doubts about their ability to go all the way in this fifth tournament have risen after this significant misfire.

It continued the All Blacks' mystery tour of this cup, where three massive victories gave no clue about their levels or that they were about to be tested by the unbeaten but unfancied Wales.

The men in black were in an expressive mood. They wanted to back their growing array of skills and destroy another side with their vicious pace and athleticism.

But as a statement about their readiness to take on the physical Springboks, a side which has improved against decent opposition in their section, it was an indecipherable declaration.

The All Blacks' strikepower looked frightening when Joe Rokocoko scored after two minutes but they lost their way with the game held up for a neck injury to Welsh fullback Garan Evans.

After that the All Blacks' mistake rate and defensive frailties became disconcerting. They had wanted to get immersed in a decent arm-wrestle, a test of their setpiece structures and patterns to take on the Springboks in the first quarterfinal in Melbourne next Saturday.

Instead, Wales replied with their version of running rugby, a style long hidden since the majestic days of Phil Bennett, Barry John, Gareth Davies, JPR Williams and Co.

The modern men - Stephen Jones, Shane Willams, Mark Taylor, Sonny Parker, Jonathan Thomas and Robert Sidoli - challenged the All Black line as it has never been attacked this season.

The rewards were huge and a signal to the rest of the tournament competition about the All Blacks' frailties.

Wales were unable to sustain their defiant display for the entire match but for 60 minutes their work was as productive as Samoa showed last week against England.

Even All Black legend Colin Meads was left gasping as he watched Wales score three first-half tries in response to the All Black quartet.

His raised eyebrows as he left for halftime showed massive concern.

All Blacks 53: J Rokocoko 2, D Howlett 2, L MacDonald, A Williams, C Spencer, A Mauger tries: L MacDonald 5 con, pen. Wales 37 (M Taylor, S Parker, C Charvis, S Williams tries: S Jones 4 con, 3 pen) Halftime 28-24.