SYDNEY, Sept 21 (Askume) – New Zealand scored four tries in the first 25 minutes and withstood an Australian counter-attack with a 13-man team to beat Australia 31-3 in a thrilling Rugby Championship game at Stadium Australia 28 on Saturday for the Wallabies.
The All Blacks were awarded a penalty in the second half and had two players booked, but their early lead proved enough to secure an eighth consecutive win over their neighbours and ensure they retained Bledisloe for another season.
“I’m very proud of our effort,” All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said.
“Unbelievable defending at the end, struggle in the D, two yellow cards. We were in a tough battle and we found a way to win. We won the trophy.”
The Wallabies will be looking to bounce back with a second-half comeback, especially after their record 67-27 loss to Argentina two weeks ago.
However, their inability to convert the pressure into points was enough to account for an error-prone first quarter, and their Bledisloe Cup drought would last for at least 23 years.
“I thought we deserved it in the first half, but we really rolled up our sleeves in the second half,” coach Joe Schmidt said.
“We’re starting from zero… I think we’re making a little bit of progress, but nothing is linear, so even in that game, it was volatile.”
After Beauden Barrett’s late pullback, Will Jordan dropped to full-back and burst through a huge gap in the middle of the home defence to score New Zealand’s first try within two minutes.
Seven minutes later, centre Rieko Ioane scored a second goal from the left corner after some strong forward play in midfield, before winger Caleb Clark’s third shot less than an hour later made the score 21–0.
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Despite making several basic mistakes, Australia managed to score through Fraser McReight after a lineout error in the 18th minute, and the open wing made it 50–22 soon after.
However, the Wallabies had their work cut out for them from the lineout, with number eight Adi Savea racing over the line immediately after being stopped by winger Sev Reece for his fourth All Black try.
Australia hit back again, with wide receiver Matt Fessler kicking for a touchdown and at half-time Noa Lolesio converted from wide receiver and the All Blacks tied the game 28–14 at half-time.
Damian McKenzie’s penalty in the 45th minute extended the lead to 31–14, with the All Blacks pressing before Australia came back into the game by counter-attacking with a long range try.
The home side had plenty of possession but were unable to convert it into points until Paisami went close in the 65th minute amid the roar of the 68,061 crowd.
Anton Linnett-Brown was booked for a foul before the try and six minutes later Clarke followed him into the bin, deliberately knocking on the door to leave the All Blacks two behind.
In the 73rd minute Wallabies centre Len Ikitau missed a shot before defender Tom Wright finally narrowed the deficit to three with Australia’s fourth shot of the minute point.
The Australians pressed forward in search of victory, but New Zealand’s defence, again consisting of 14 men, sealed the win.
Wallabies regular James Slipper came on in the second half and made his 140th appearance for the team, breaking George Gregan’s long-standing Australian Test appearance record.
After losing to Argentina at home and twice to South Africa, the All Blacks have secured their 21st rugby title and face the Wallabies again in Wellington next week.
