The Wallabies weren't even in the hunt in Saturday's Bledisloe / Tri-nations game in Wellington against the Kiwis going down 16-7. The weather was atrocious, something that always has the Aussies on the back foot to start off with, but the weather can't cop the blame for the result.

By half time the score was only 3-0 to the All Blacks, and by the full time whistle there had only been one try scored a piece; Doug Howlett for the Kiwis, and Sterling Mortlock for the Wallabies. The difference came in the kicking game, with Daniel Carter potting 3 penalty kicks for his team to give them the 9 point advantage. The kicking game in general play also let the Australians down. Stephen Larkham left his kicking boots at home, and right from the fluffed kick off (out on the full) the guy just couldn't get his kicking game together. I felt bad for him :/ Still, I'm sure that everyone has an off day - maybe Giteau should have stepped in and taken over kicking duties? Just a thought.... It wasn't 'all bad' for the Aussies though - Harrison played like a champ, and it was good to see Chris Latham back in as full back. The Wallabies were always on the back foot though, starved of possession, and had to make more than 200 tackles in the game. I'm tired just thinking back on it!!

For the All Blacks, Justin Marshall was outstanding. He's everywhere and into everything isn't he? What an asset!

The hookers were both sin-binned for 10 in the second half for fighting. Brendan Cannon landed a beauty on Kevin Mealamu's face, and then Carlos was throwing punches that resembled a boxer training on a speedball. Oh well - I'm not too sure what all that was about, but the upshot is that Cannon has been suspended for 2 weeks, meaning he will miss the Tri-nations test against the Boks in Perth. Damn!

There's been some criticism of Alain Rolland's refereeing during the match. What's the point I ask? It isn't going to change anything, and you have to give credit where credit's due, the All Blacks deserved the win on Saturday!

Later!