After years of waiting Rugby World Cup 2011 kicked off. And in some style.
The opening ceremony was fantastic and did a brilliant job of showcasing New Zealand’s artistic talent. The coordination of entertainment around Auckland, especially by the waterfront, was impressive.
And then it was time to play some footy.
Hosts New Zealand had to front up against their typically physical pacific brothers from Tonga. The All Blacks didn’t expect a comfortable start to RWC11 and weren’t disappointed.
The opening ceremony restricted the typical warm up for both sides but it was the men in black who started best. After racing away with early tries they faced a spirited and more composed second half fightback from Tonga. The final result – 41-10 to New Zealand – was a pretty good reflection of the match.
Richard Kahui scored two tries and was deserving of his man of the match award. He’s surely put up his hand for a place in the All Blacks top starting side; certainly the match day 22.
Israel Dagg picked up a brace of tries as well and is putting serious pressure on Mil Muliaina for the fullback spot. There were plenty of other strong individual performaces, particularly from Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Ma Nonu.
Sonny Bill Williams, always a big talking point, showed some fantastic touches and was involved in most of the tries. But you feel he could equally lose a big game as win it. A logical place for him seems to be as the ultimate bench imapct player to unlock a defense in the final quarter of a tight match.
The coaching team should be happy with many of the individual performances but will be looking for a more cohesive team performace as they build throughout the tournament.
Jimmy Cowan had a forgettable night and must be close to third choice halfback as a result.
Overall the All Blacks should be happy enough with the start. It will do them good to have had such a physical match and realise there’s still plenty of work to get to where they want.
And hats off to Tonga for playing their part. They will cause plenty of problems for all other teams in the pool. France, take note.