Australia vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby Championship result and reaction as All Blacks retain title
The All Blacks sealed a third successive Rugby Championship title as they blew Australia and Eddie Jones apart with a 38-7 victory in Melbourne
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Your support makes all the difference.New Zealand wrapped up a third successive Rugby Championship title with a 38-7 victory over rivals Australia in Melbourne.
While the Wallabies showed improvement defensively, they struggled to match the pace and power of the All Blacks, who appear to be hitting formidable form ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Tries from Shannon Frizell, Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea and Rieko Ioane ensured that the Bledisloe Cup will remain in New Zealand’s hands for another year, extending their run with the trans-Tasman trophy to 21 years ahead of next week’s encounter in Dunedin.
And injuries to tighthead props Allan Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou will only cause Eddie Jones further frets as a tough start to his second stint in charge of Australia continues.
Follow live updates from Australia vs New Zealand in the final round of the Rugby Championship below
Australia 0-5 New Zealand, 6 minutes
Here come the Wallabies! Mark Nawaqanitawase pops up in midfield far from his right wing, weaving into a gap and then onwards into New Zealand’s 22.
TRY! Australia 0-5 NEW ZEALAND (Shannon Frizell try, 4 minutes)
A crunching hit from Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell touches down!
New Zealand strike early! It’s the simplest try Frizell could ever wish to score, capitalising on the work of his back five colleague. Australia toss off the top back to their scrum-half, but Barrett shoots out of the defensive lineout to positively pulverize Tate McDermott just as he passes. The ball tumbles a metre or so away and Frizell can hardly believe his luck, pressing ball against turf in goal to get New Zealand on the board. Richie Mo’unga misses from the tee.
Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes
Austraia kick to contest, Carter Gordon switching back infield and releasing an up-and-under, which Mark Telea takes at the second attempt. New Zealand make a mess of the Australian backfield, though, Andrew Kellaway fumbling and Scott Barrett scooping it up on the floor. An intelligent box kick into the corner from Aaron Smith will force Australia to throw a pressure lineout five metres out from their own line.
Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 2 minutes
Mark Telea claims the next kick, Samu Kerevi’s right boot in use before the centre leads a nicely formed chase. The All Blacks explore the blindside but Aaron Smith throws between three potential receivers, his pass fizzing out of play on the bounce.
Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
Straight to the boot for Carter Gordon, punting long after Australia claim the opening kick-off effectively. Beauden Barrett replies with an upward hoist, which is also well handled.
Australia vs New Zealand
Here we go. New Zealand will kick off, Beauden Barrett having a quick chat with Wayne Barnes as he prepares to get things underway.
Bledisloe I is up and running!
Australia vs New Zealand
Allan Alaalatoa strides forward, presenting a boomerang to the All Blacks as they start the “Haka”, native tradition meeting native tradition as Australia accept the challenge. Ardie Savea retrieves it with a respectful bow.
Australia vs New Zealand
A rumbling roar as the Wallabies emerge, Carter Gordon’s mullet flapping about as he jogs across the Melbourne Cricket Ground surface, still showing the markings from last night’s AFL action. There were about 87,000 in to watch Carlton take down Collingwood - it looks like we’re right around that figure tonight.
Australia vs New Zealand
The MCG is virtually fit to burst. Ardie Savea makes the long trek out from the sheds, up through the tunnel with smoke clearing in front of him from the pre-match fireworks as New Zealand ready themselves to provide a few of their own.
Australia vs New Zealand
Right, we aren’t too far away at all from kick-off in Melbourne. Australia can’t afford to let New Zealand get up and running in the way the All Blacks managed against South Africa, with the home side lacking in the bench strength to bring an early lead back. A fast start is surely a must for the Wallabies.
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