New Zealand retain Bledisloe Cup for 24th Year
Codie Taylor was one of the try scorer for New Zealand
©Steve Haag
New Zealand 50-19 Australia, Eden Park
New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th straight year after overpowering Australia 50-19 at Eden Park.
The first half was competitive, with the All Blacks leading only 17-14 at the break after both teams scored twice. But New Zealand took control after half-time, adding five further tries to turn a tight contest into a commanding victory.
The result also extended the All Blacks’ long unbeaten run at Eden Park, where they have not lost since 1994.
Wallabies Make Strong Start
Australia began brightly and scored the opening try in the eighth minute. Tom Wright straightened the attack well and cut through to cross for the Wallabies.
New Zealand responded after winning the aerial battle. Jordie Barrett claimed a contestable kick and linked with Damian McKenzie, who broke through the defence before finding Peter Lakai in support. McKenzie converted to level the scores.
The All Blacks then moved ahead after a sustained attacking spell. Tupou Vaa’i carried low and hard through the defensive line to score, with McKenzie adding the conversion to make it 14-7.
Australia Stay In The Fight
Ryan Lonergan missed a penalty chance for Australia in the 24th minute, and McKenzie later made no mistake with a penalty of his own to extend New Zealand’s lead.
Australia struck again before half-time when Ben Donaldson broke through a gap and found Harry Wilson in support. The try brought the Wallabies back into the contest, leaving New Zealand 17-14 ahead at the interval.
All Blacks Take Control
Australia started the second half with energy, but New Zealand scored first after the restart. Cam Roigard darted over from close range after pressure from the All Blacks pack to push the lead out to 24-14.
Codie Taylor, captaining New Zealand, then scored the fourth try five minutes later as the All Blacks began to take control.
Australia responded through Josh Nasser, but New Zealand finished the stronger side. Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby and Will Jordan all crossed in the final quarter as the All Blacks pulled away.
McKenzie finished with six conversions and a penalty as New Zealand completed a dominant second-half display and kept their grip on the Bledisloe Cup.
