Sports Wrap (Union).....yawn.

Rugby Union:

The Springboks proved again that boring rugby wins matches. In a match that was high scoring (32-29), you might be excused to think that there was some running rugby (and tries) involved. Sadly this was not the case as of the combined total of 61 points, only 20 points were from tries (2 tries each). What this game also showed was the Springbok's drive to success no matter how unattractive they play, and how far the All Blacks have got to go to be serious contenders for the world cup in their own back yard in 2011.

The game itself was a little more entertaining than an episode of a nature documentary, but only just. Whilst Francois Steyne proved that he can slot penalty goals from almost anywhere on the pitch (he kicked one from 60 meters out), and Morne Steyne also added his own share of kicked goals, the game was just that, another kick-a-thon. It is no surprise that rugby fans are turning away from the game they used to love in favour of other 'running' sports. Having said that, the game was entertaining in the last 10 minutes when it appeared that the All Blacks might stage a remarkable comeback to pinch the game, and keep the chance of taking Tri Nations trophy from under the Springbok's nose, alive. That did not eventuate and the All Blacks were left ruing a number of bad decisions, poor handling and another unconvincing line out performance.

If you missed the game, you didn't miss much, but here are the highlights....

The All Blacks now await the arrival of the Wallabies in Wellington where both teams will play, or not as the case may be, for the wooden spoon. Lets hope that they throw off the shackles and throw the ball around like a hot potato.

Wallabies break the duck

The Wallabies finally brought home the bacon....well perhaps not the whole pig but at least a leg...by defeating the Springboks 21 -6 in Brisbane.

Brisbane has been a happy home stomping ground for the Wallabies when playing the Springboks as they have not been beaten there since 1971. However, going into the game, many people would have expected the Wallabies' stomping to have extended at best to grapes in France when they popped over to see Lote for a short sojourn.

The Springboks went back to their English-like kick reliant game and the Wallabies caught a bug that made their legs pump and run forward instead of kick, fumble and run around in circles. The player that caught the worst of the bug was Benn Robinson who appeared to be everywhere doing almost anything, whilst Will Genia proved to be a man on the verge of swine flu with his form. Genia was revelation on his debut. He had one try disallowed himself and also had one assist to Turner disallowed as well. His quick clean passing from the base, not to mention his previously unheralded running game, helped the Wallabies to a very positive approach.

With Genia's passing game spot on, Giteau all of a sudden had time and space to play with the ball and had the wallabies going forward. Having said that, the Wallabies forwards played unlike they have done for the past four Tri Nation games...really good. It must have been the injection of youth and pace (see Pocock and Chisholm) as the coach hasn't changed and nor have his methods.

It was a long overdue entertaining rugby match littered with the occasional poor play and errors that have recently plagued the Wallabies but all in all a temporary return to the days of running rugby. Hopefully it is the turning point the Wallabies need for the rest of the Tri Nations and the the upcoming Spring tour. Similarly, the result also keeps the Tri Nations alive and gives the All Blacks a shot of stealing the trophy from under the Springbok's nose.