Bledisloe Cup 2019: New Zealand All Blacks slammed as arrogant imposters

All Blacks slammed as arrogant imposters as critics take no prisoners

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While New Zealand come to terms with being hammered by the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday night, one of the All Blacks' harshest critics weighed in again.

Stephen Jones, a journalist at the Sunday Times, didn't miss the opportunity.

Jones took to Twitter to accuse New Zealand fans of blaming French referee Jerome Garces for the 47-26 thrashing.

"Jerome Garces becomes the new Wayne Barnes. Blamed by NZ though making the correct call. Arrogance cannot absorb defeat, especially today's thrashing, so seeks to divert blame," Jones wrote.

He was referring to Garces showing a red card to All Blacks lock Scott Barrett in the 40th minute for ramming his shoulder into the neck of Wallabies captain Michael Hooper.

Jones' claims appear to be based on a small number of social media posts.

Being reduced to 14 men didn't help the cause of the All Blacks but many believe the Wallabies were already the better team for the first 39 minutes of the match at Optus Stadium.

Jones was not the only one to dine out on the All Blacks being put to the sword. "Beaten all black and blue, this wasn't just a defeat for New Zealand, it was a psychological stuffing of savage proportions," The Times' match report read.

South African rugby writer Mark Keohane went even further, suggesting that the long reign of All Blacks dominance was over and calling the current team "imposters".

The Guardian reported that "against all odds, the Wallabies restored pride to the gold jersey as they romped to a famous 47-26 victory".

"The six-try showing was a clear vindication of Michael Cheika's experimental team selection," The Guardian story read.

The Telegraph pointed towards the Wallabies' Rugby World Cup fortunes following the victory over the All Blacks.

"Australia gave themselves a huge boost ahead of the World Cup when they stunned a New Zealand side reduced to 14 men," it said.

The Daily Mail said Australia crushed the 14-man world champion All Blacks and the BBC described the victory as a thrashing.

The Independent claimed the Wallabies won bragging rights ahead of Saturday's second Bledisloe Test in Auckland.