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Top 5...Greatest Tri Nations Clashes

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Here in the Attic, we love nothing more than debating all things sport.

Completely subjective things - like, the greatest sportsman ever, the greatest comeback of all time - that sort of thing.

So we thought we'd start a weekly Top 5 - there have been literally hundreds of debates in the Attic, and it's only fair to share the results of those debates with you! As we said, these arguments are purely subjective. We're not claiming to be 'right', and the Top 5's we come up with are based on our view of the topic.

If you think we're wrong - tell us!

We start with the greatest Tri Nations clashes, seeing as this year's Tri Nations has kicked off with such a bang.

Here's our Top 5:


5

July 12, 2008, Carisbrook, Dunedin
South Africa 30 New Zealand 28

Ok, so it may have only been played last Saturday, but this game was one of the real greats. It was one of the toughest games we've seen in a long time, and right up to the final whistle, either side could have walked away with the win.
With less than ten minutes to go, the Springboks were down to 14 men when Matfield was sent to the bin for a high tackle. It looked as though the All Blacks had the game sewn up, until a piece of pure magic from Janurie gave the Springbok's an incredible 30-28 victory.
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4

August 5, 2000 - Westpac Trust Stadium, Wellington
Australia 24 New Zealand 23

This Test came just three weeks after the All Blacks had beaten the Aussies in that 39-35 thriller in Sydney, and was just as entertaining (other than the fact the All Blacks lost, of course). The Wallabies took a 12-nil lead early on, and looked to be in control of the game - until Christian Cullen sparked, and scored a double to put the All Blacks right back in the game. The All Blacks led 23-21 in the final minutes, but with the Wallabies hot on attack Craig Dowd gave away a penalty, which gave the Wallabies a chance to pick up the win. Step up the unlikely hero, John Eales (not known for his goal kicking abilities) - but, cool as you like, he slotted it down the middle. An unbelievable end to an amazing Test.
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3

July 6, 1996, Athletic Park, Wellington
New Zealand 43 Australia 6

This was the first ever Tri Nations match, and really could not have got off to a better start - for the All Blacks, at least. The weather was appalling, with heavy rain and a very cold southerly. Despite the weather, the All Blacks opened up the Australian defence, crossing the line six times. They played a near-perfect game, and kept the Wallabies to just two penalty goals. This game marked the beginning of the greatest competition in international rugby, and it has never looked back.
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2

July 26, 2003, Telstra Stadium, Sydney

New Zealand 50 Australia 21

This Test was another try scoring bonanza for the All Blacks. The backs carved up the Wallablies, and finished the day with seven trys to the Wallabies three. Joe Rokocoko dotted down for a hatrick, while Howlett, Umaga, Carter and Mauger all chimed in. What makes this performance even more impressive was the fact that the week before, they had thrashed the Springboks 52-16 in South Africa. One hundred points in two Tests, against their two biggest rivals. The Wallabies would get their revenge at the World Cup, but at that moment the All Blacks were untouchable.
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1

July 15, 2000, Stadium Australia, Sydney
New Zealand 39 Australia 35

This choice was easy, and it's no surprise given that this is considered one of the greatest Tests of ALL time. In front of a record 110,000 screaming Aussies, the All Blacks opened up with an early 24-nil lead in only eight minutes. The Wallabies hadn't even touched the ball. It looked over before it had even started, but the Wallabies began an incredible fightback, and at halftime the scores were even 24-24. The second half was just as entertaining, and when Jeremy Paul crossed the line towards the end of time, it looked as if the Wallabies had pulled off the greatest comeback of all time. Cue Taine Randell, setting up Jonah Lomu, who beat a George Gregan tackle to score the winning try. Final score - 39-35 to the mighty All Blacks.

This really was the 'Greatest Test match EVER', and rightly sits as number one on this week's Top 5.

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