Bledisloe Cup: Plenty to ponder

1     David Pocock and Michael Hooper in tandem are a potent, lethal duo. This pair could provide one of the enduring stories of World Cup 2015.

2     Scrummaging coach Mario Ledesma and his front rowers deserve huge plaudits for the vastly improved Wallaby scrum. Ledesma, who played 84 Tests at hooker for Argentina in a 15 year international career, including four World Cups, is making an impressive difference to an area perceived as a weakness. 

3     Wallaby subs Nic White and Matt Toomua made match-winning contributions. They made a strong case for the 9 and 10 jerseys.

4     Wisdom and composure gained by experience over the years at Test level and around the world can make a substantial difference. Australia’s decision to bring Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, and Dean Mumm back from overseas to join the Wallaby squad is already paying rich dividends. Adam Ashley-Cooper’s contribution was massive too.

5     Winning less than 40% possession and earning less than 40% territory in the second half, and missing 23 tackles, will be a major concern for Steve Hansen and the All Blacks.

6     The All Blacks have now lacked urgency and aggression at breakdown in all three Rugby Championship Tests – a real worry since quick recycling is a cornerstone of their game.

7     Sloppy handling cost the All Blacks tries and, unless there is a colossal improvement, could cost them the World Cup.

8    Dan Carter is one of the all-time greats in Rugby Union history, but right now his goalkicking is not good enough. And kicking a penalty into touch-in-goal instead of into touch for an attacking lineout, was a shocker from a player regarded universally as a master of skill. 

9     Nehe Milner-Skudder wasted no time in proving any doubters wrong – yes, he certainly can make the exciting impact in Tests matches that he did in Super Rugby.

10    It wasn’t an issue at the end of this Test, but accurate time-keeping can be crucial, and it is not helpful to have the clock carry on running after the referee has indicated a time-out, as happened a few times in this game.