Australia vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby Championship result and reaction as All Blacks retain title

A few bruised bodies in the Australian ranks, by the looks of things: Rob Valetini was strapping his thigh during the half-time break, while Tom Hooper has made 23 tackles already in a workmanlike back row showing. Australia have offered threat whenever they’ve been able to work through the phases, but that hasn’t been often enough - and this lead that could quickly widen if the All Blacks find a higher gear.

The loss of Allan Alaalatoa to what looked like a serious leg injury just before half-time was a real shame, Australia losing their captain with the prop’s World Cup hopes surely now in doubt. It leaves the Wallabies a little short of leaders out there - Tate McDermott and Carter Gordon have added a bit of fizz in possession but lacked accuracy and authority, allowing New Zealand to take control territorially.

Can Australia rally in the second half? Most of the 83,944-strong crowd at the MCG will hope so.

A two-score lead for New Zealand at half-time, which feels about fair. It’s been better from the Wallabies defensively, finding ways to disrupt All Blacks possession at the ruck, but the visitors increasingly tooko control of possession and territory as the half wore on.

Patience is a virtue - 20 phases and finally the Wallabies dam bursts!

Brave defence from Australia but the All Blacks kept things ticking, varying their play around the fringes and biding their time before going wide. When the time comes to use the hands, they are typically effectively employed, a pop over the top leaving just enough room for New Zealand’s quintessential finisher to go over. Will Jordan scores a 23rd try in his 23rd test - and Richie Mo’unga’s touchline conversion is the final act of the half.

The goalline dropout that follows is shallow, affording New Zealand another attack before the half-time hooter. The All Blacks are soon back in enemy territory for one last offensive before the interval.

What a carry from Mark Telea! Three Australians get limbs on the wing as he charges forth from first receiver, but all are left sprawled on the floor as Telea blends footwork and power. Samu Kerevi is stepped, too, but Australia get themselves back in order, reforming just about in time to hold up Ardie Savea.

Eddie Jones shares his tighthead’s distress, losing another skipper. Taniela Tupou is a useful replacement, but the prop hasn’t had too much gametime in the last couple of months due to his own injury woes.

That looks a serious one for Allan Alaalatoa, sadly - he’s able to hop up on to the cart but what looks like a knee ligament issue could end his hopes of World Cup participation. Let us hope it’s not as severe as feared.

New Zealand put the power on at scrum-time, drawing a penalty out of Allan Alaalatoa - and this does not look pretty at all for the Australia captain, down in severe discomfort with the stretcher immediately gestured for as the medics arrive, the tighthead turned in by Ethan de Groot and his leg seemingly in real, real bother.

A wretched restart from Carter Gordon, who has been good in phase play but had a few mishaps with the boot, slicing his drop-kick and watching it travel only two of the required ten metres. New Zealand will have a scrum on halfway.

Australia are restored to full complement, though - Marika Koroibete returns.