Justin Marshall: Veterans still have unfinished business

NZ Herald

16 Aug, 2015 06:52 PM3 mins to read

Richie McCaw isn't a man given over to emotional scenes but admitted he left the Eden Park pitch with a lump in his throat as the crowd stood as one to applaud him tonight. His last test in New Zealand, his 142nd to create a world record, a thumping Bledisloe Cup victory after the disappointment of last weekend - it was nearly all too much for the man who must be considered one of the greatest All Blacks ever.

What a great night at Eden Park for the performance of the All Blacks and that of the crowd.

You can see why the All Blacks are so difficult to beat there - the atmosphere and the way the crowd got behind the team were superb.

The All Blacks were put under pressure at times. Australia had the better start and at halftime the game was reasonably well balanced. Dane Coles' try was against the run of play, but what an incredible effort. The catalyst for that was Dan Carter, who was exceptional in his last test on home soil. The way he controlled the game and attacked the gain line created so much space for the players around him. I think he should be really proud and satisfied with his contribution. It just showed his true quality, and I was bloody pleased for him.

I don't believe the All Blacks will be 100 per cent satisfied with their game plan yet. There is still work to be done but, once again, they showed how clinical they can be. Some of the lead-up work and finishing were of the highest quality.

The All Blacks got second in the Rugby Championship but they're in a good position heading into the World Cup. They have built such remarkable depth since the last World Cup four years ago that there are going to be some high-quality players who will miss the squad. It is going to be hard on some individuals.

All Blacks First Five Daniel Carter tries to break the Wallabies defense during the second match of the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park on Saturday night. Photo / Nick Reed

Image 1 of 11: All Blacks First Five Daniel Carter tries to break the Wallabies defense during the second match of the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park on Saturday night. Photo / Nick Reed

The All Blacks' pool (Argentina, Tonga, Georgia and Namibia) is such that their pool results are almost a given. Effectively, they need to win three knockout tests to win the World Cup.

Australia's situation is completely different. In England, Wales and Fiji they have some very tough assignments, but if they win that pool they have a pretty good path to the final. Unless there are a few upsets, they're unlikely to face a Southern Hemisphere side.

A final few words on those other top players who marked their imminent departure with such fantastic performances on Saturday. I've been around a bit and played with some legendary players, but I've never seen a reception from a crowd such as that for Richie McCaw. It gave me goosebumps the way everyone stood to applaud him from the field. That and the "Richie" chant said it all for me.

Conrad Smith was one of the best players on the field. The only man who pipped him was Ma'a Nonu. Nonu was a big part of why the All Blacks won so convincingly. He was outstanding with the ball, on defence and with his decision-making.

A fitting farewell, too, for Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu -- Kevvie for what he's given to the game on and off the field for many years. He didn't get the send-off he deserved from the Blues but he certainly got it from the All Blacks. And he and the rest of them are not done quite yet.