I think it is more that his 'style' suits NZ rather than any unconscious bias. His breakdown management is very different to WB (who allows a free for all) and he places value on the attacking team being able to recycle quickly. I don't think Moore would get away with the slow roll away that he did with WB and any defender that flops over the ball can expect a telling off.
He isn't trigger happy regarding breakdown steals and gives benefit of the doubt to the 'jackler' which plays as much into Australia's hands as NZs. Both McCaw and Pocock are expert of putting the ref in two minds as to whether they were legal. NO seems to try not to guess and assumes legality before illegality. He does appear to have a bee in his bonnet about hands on the deck/not supporting weight, which could go against Pocock who does this more than McCaw does.
I think the 'unconcious bias" is real, as I say even the Kiwis talk about it. He has a sort of reverence for the AB's that translates into one sided decision making.
I hear what you are saying about the breakdown, but based on the Argentina game, he has changed his style. He let both sides hold on to the ball for an eternity in tackles - at least he policed it just as poorly going both ways! I think thats the difference, when ever he is refereeing games without NZ playing he seems very balanced and even if you dont like his interpretation it is the same for both sides.
It never seems that way when NZ is involved, and not just with Aus. France, England and Ireland have all been on the wrong end of it at different times!
Its the same as any game though, you just have to be good enough and have enough points on the scoreboard to nullify his influence, its never an excuse for not performing well enough to win. I just find it an odd choice by WR given the perception about NO and the AB's.
