NOW WE KNOW (1)
The adidas-clad All Blacks had no chance.
They should have heeded the simple World Cup message from sporting goods rivals Nike, who have "keep the ball alive" as their cup message. Had they, who knows what might have happened?
NOW WE KNOW (2)
Another reason why the
All Blacks did not have a dog's show. Under the heading "Wallabies pack gets its bite back at last," Aussie columnist Ben Kimber said simply: "What a pack of mongrels ... " George Smith obviously took him up on that in putting the "bite" on Justin Marshall."
QUOTES OF THE DAY
"Trust yourself and trust the man next to you."
- Roosters coach and league legend Ricky Stuart when handing the Wallabies their jerseys at the hotel before leaving for the semifinal.
"We felt like the damn Beatles getting off the plane and seeing the amazing support we had at the airport"
- Wallaby captain George Gregan on arriving in Sydney for the semifinal against New Zealand.
"Yes."
- Gregan's response when asked whether the side had deliberately held things back during the year.
"It will be a tough call, but I believe at the end of the day it will be reasonably comfortable."
- Former All Black coach Laurie Mains predicting a New Zealand win over Australia.
"Win, lose or draw, Eddie Jones is the Australian coach next year, his job is not under threat, never has been."
- Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill backs Wallaby coach Eddie Jones.
LEADING SCORERS
Leading points and try scorers at the cup (before last night's second semifinal) were. -
Points: 101 - Frederic Michalak (France); 88 - Elton Flatley (Australia); 74 - Jonny Wilkinson (England); 73 - Leon MacDonald (NZ); 71 - Chris Paterson (Scotland); 57 - Mat Rogers (Australia); 51 - Mike Hercus (US); 50 - Rima Wakarua (Italy); 49 - Earl Va'a (Samoa).
Tries: 6 - Doug Howlett (NZ), Mils Muliaina (NZ); 5 - Will Greenwood (England), Chris Latham (Australia), Josh Lewsey (England), Mat Rogers (Australia), Joe Rokocoko (NZ), 4 - Pablo Bouza (Argentina), Christophe Dominici (France), Martin Gaitan (Argentina), Matt Giteau (Australia), Leon MacDonald (NZ), Caleb Ralph (NZ), Carlos Spencer (NZ), Lote Tuqiri (Australia), Stirling Mortlock (Australia).
MITCHELL'S FUTURE
John Mitchell's future as All Black coach is expected to be known as soon as Friday.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Chris Moller (pictured) has called a media conference to discuss the coaching role the morning after the All Blacks' third-fourth playoff.
Following Saturday night's loss to Australia, Moller was not prepared to comment on Mitchell's future in the position or that of coaching co-ordinator Robbie Deans.
He said it was unfair to do so while they were preparing for a test match.
Four years ago, John Hart announced his resignation as All Black coach at a Cardiff hotel the morning after their third-fourth loss to South Africa.
Following Saturday night's loss, Mitchell gave no indication that he would do the same thing.
ARRESTING FAKES
A man will appear in court after being found in possession of more than 100 counterfeit rugby jerseys in Sydney.
New South Wales state police said a search on a car located 106 fake All Black jerseys.
The man, 51, was arrested and charged with three counts of possessing goods with falsely-applied trademarks. He will appear in court on December 4.
NOW WE KNOW (1)
The adidas-clad All Blacks had no chance.
They should have heeded the simple World Cup message from sporting goods rivals Nike, who have "keep the ball alive" as their cup message. Had they, who knows what might have happened?
NOW WE KNOW (2)
Another reason why the
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.