All Blacks grab first 2008 tri-nations win and Wallabies wallop France

The first of the 2008 tri-nations rugby union took place in New Zealand as the All Blacks took on the Springboks.

In a match that saw both teams score one try it was once again the boot of Dan Carter that made the difference. New Zealand was up 9-0 from three penalty goals before the first try was scored by South Africa. Bryan Habana went over in the 37th minute.

The All Blacks score their try through Jerome Kaino in the 45th minute. This took the score out to 16-8 before a 72nd minute penalty goal gave us the final 19-8 scoreline.

Is there anyone out there sick of seeing penalty goals deciding the result of a game? I think the points for a penalty goal should be reduced to two, same goes for a field goal.

Meanwhile across in Brisbane the Wallabies were way too good for the French tourists. The Wallabies were more consistent in this match when compared to last week. The tries for Australia came in the 7th, 36th, 57th and 68th minutes. Peter Hynes was first over the line. James Horwill put his hand up next and then a double came to Ryan Cross.

Ryan Cross is off to a good start in his international rugby career. Two tries from two matches for the former Sydney Roosters rugby league star.

The win has come at some cost for the Wallabies as they saw Cameron Shepherd stretchered off the field with a broken leg. Centre Berrick Barnes with a shoulder injury and lock James Horwill with an eye socket injury also are on the injured list.

Overall it ws a much better performance for the Wallabies. The scoreline was made to look more impressive thanks to a perfect night with the boot by Matt Giteau as he booted over four conversions and four penalty goals.

The French scored a consolation try lat in the match when Francois Trinh-Duc got on the end of a good run down the left side to go over.

The next match for the Wallabies will be their opening tri nations match against the Springboks in Perth on July 19.

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