Share

'Old Blacks' | Aussies poke fun at 'ageing' New Zealand

Sydney - Former Wallaby Peter FitzSimons mocked the All Blacks as "old and slow" on Friday just days after a Sydney tabloid labelled them "senior citizens", stirring the pot ahead of a crunch Bledisloe Cup clash.

Their brazen confidence follows Australia stunning the world champions 47-26 in Perth last weekend, although the New Zealanders were a man down for the entire second half after lock Scott Barrett was sent off.

FitzSimons, now a media commentator, said the Wallabies "simply outclassed the All Blacks" in the record win.

"They humiliated those poor All Blacks and it was good for rugby," he said on Newstalk ZB radio.

The scale of the defeat raised questions about whether New Zealand's dominance was at an end, and about the wisdom of relying on players aged over 30.

"Sonny Bill Williams is 34, how's Sonny Bill going to go up against James O'Connor?" FitzSimons said. "The All Blacks just looked a bit old and slow."

Earlier this week, the Sydney Daily Telegraph poked fun at the "Old Blacks" by manipulating photos of Williams, skipper Kieran Read (33) and Sam Whitelock (30) to make them look like elderly men.

Williams responded by saying he had faith in the senior players to win the match in Auckland and retain the annual Bledisloe Cup, which Australia have not won since 2002.

"Australia are coming, we know that, but we're hungry to keep that Bledisloe as well - so don't forget that," he said.

In response to the Perth defeat, New Zealand coach Steve Hansen dumped three veterans - prop Owen Franks and wings Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane, who have a combined total of 213 Test caps.

"I don't think it's a risk and there's lots of reward in it," said Hansen, after opting for the relatively raw talent of Nepo Laulala (18 Tests), George Bridge (three) and Sevu Reece (one).

Even against a New Zealand team built around over 30s, Australia face a huge task in Auckland on Saturday.

They have not tasted victory since 1986 at Eden Park, where the All Blacks are on a 42-match unbeaten streak.

Saturday's Test is scheduled for 09:35 (SA time).

Teams:

New Zealand 

15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Ardie Savea, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody

Substitutes: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Jackson Hemopo, 20 Matt Todd, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Ngani Laumape, 23 Jordie Barrett

Australia

15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Reece Hodge, 13 James O'Connor, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Nic White, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Scott Sio

Substitutes: 16 Folau Fainga'a, 17 James Slipper, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Liam Wright, 21 Will Genia, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Adam Ashley-Cooper

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE