Australia v New Zealand LIVE: Result and reaction as All Blacks survive thrilling Wallabies comeback
The Wallabies threatened to pull off a remarkable turnaround but fell just short
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Your support makes all the difference.New Zealand survived a thrilling Australia comeback to cling on to a narrow victory in Sydney and continue their stronghold over the Bledisloe Cup.
With both sides looking to salvage difficult Rugby Championship campaigns, the All Blacks started fast and surged into a 21-0 lead as they ran rampant in the first 15 minutes. A further try from Ardie Savea before half-time suggested that Scott Robertson’s visitors would pull clear in the second half to incflict more punishment on a wounded Wallabies side still searching for direction.
But the hosts swelled in the second half, with their bench making a significant impact to swing momentum their way. Keeping the All Blacks to just a single Damian McKenzie penalty after the interval, late tries from Hunter Paisami and Tom Wright moved Australia to within a score as they threatened to produce a remarkable, unexpected fightback.
Yet despite New Zealand losing two backs to the sin bin, there was always just slightly too much for Joe Schmidt’s side to do after their sluggish start. With a second and final Bledisloe Cup meeting of the year to come in Wellington next week, the All Blacks have retained the trans-Tasman prize, as they have done each year since 2003.
Re-live all the action from Sydney in our live blog below:
Held up! Australia 14-31 New Zealand, 52 minutes
The All Blacks forwards pile on the pressure and has Ardie Savea managed to ground? The number eight had been upright in his carry but such is his strength that he might just have writhed free...or not! Held up briliantly by Nic White, Noah Lolesio and Harry Wilson. Karl Dickson was quick his on-field call, and spot on, as a TMO check confirms.
Australia 14-31 New Zealand, 50 minutes
A history-making moment - James Slipper replaces Angus Bell and becomes the most-capped Wallabies player of all-time, surpassing George Gregan.
Australia 14-31 New Zealand, 49 minutes
A bizarre passage! Both teams throw the ball away: Australia first allow Sam Cane to nip in as three Wallabies watch a bouncing ball but don’t act upon it, affording the flanker the time to nip in. Anton Lienert-Brown’s clever grubber sends Sevu Reece onwards and his pass to Damian McKenzie is sharp - unlike the fly half’s blind ball out the back door that evades a teammate. Curious!
Australia 14-31 New Zealand, 48 minutes
A nasty bounce threatens to cause undue stress for Noah Lolesio after Will Jordan had kicked slightly aimlessly ahead, but the fly half composes himself and passes to Nic White, who clears his lines well.
Australia 14-31 New Zealand, 48 minutes
But after 14 phases, Ardie Savea latches over the top and draws a holding on penalty.
Australia 14-31 New Zealand, 46 minutes
Punchy carries from Len Ikitau and Angus Bell generate momentum for Australia, while Harry Wilson and new man Allan Alaalatoa keep the continuity going. Into the All Blacks 22 they go.
PENALTY! Australia 14-31 NEW ZEALAND (Damian McKenzie, 45 minutes)
A simple way to get the second half scoring started for Damian McKenzie, gobbling up three points from bang in front.
Australia 14-28 New Zealand, 44 minutes
Anton Lienert-Brown is on for Jordie Barrett and makes metres with his first carry. Australia are then penalised again for playing the ball on the floor.
Scott Barrett points at the sticks.
Australia 14-28 New Zealand, 43 minutes
The All Blacks again get a nudge on at scrum time, and are rewarded with a penalty on this occasion.
Australia 14-28 New Zealand, 42 minutes
Australia employ the same long lineout play that worked so well for Fraser McReight’s try in the first half, though this time go to the outside and a charging Marika Koroibete. Not for the first time today, the wing can’t take a pass on the run.
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