New Zealand maintained their stranglehold on the Bledisloe Cup with a comprehensive 50-19 victory over Australia, securing the trophy for a 23rd consecutive year. The All Blacks extended their remarkable home record at Eden Park in Auckland to 54 Test matches without a loss, a streak that dates back to 1994.
Australia, known as the Wallabies, found themselves in contention at the interval, trailing only 17-14. However, New Zealand overwhelmed their rivals after the break, crossing the whitewash five times in the second period to seal a decisive win.
For the hosts, Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa’i, Cam Roigard, Codie Taylor, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, and Will Jordan all crossed for tries. Fly-half Damian McKenzie contributed 15 points from the boot, guiding the team to a commanding scoreline.
The result ended a three-game losing run for New Zealand, which followed a 3-1 series defeat to reigning world champions South Africa during the summer. Conversely, the loss marked Australia’s first defeat since Les Kiss took over as head coach from Joe Schmidt in July, bringing an end to a six-match unbeaten streak for the Wallabies.
Despite the eventual margin of defeat, Australia had looked threatening early on, with full-back Tom Wright grounding a try after his side controlled the initial phases. New Zealand responded through the creative kicking of scrum-half Roigard, who also scored a try shortly after the restart to shift momentum decisively.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson added a second-half effort, and replacement Josh Nasser scored late on, but the outcome was never in doubt by that stage. Australia had been seeking their first victory at Eden Park since 1986 but were unable to overcome the hosts’ attacking intensity.
The two-Test series continues in Sydney at Accor Stadium on October 17.
Well, that ended nicely for New Zealand after the rough summer against South Africa. Time to forget that 3-1 series defeat.
Does anyone know if this is their 23rd straight Bledisloe Cup win? I might be miscounting the years.
I was actually surprised Australia stayed within three points at halftime. The Wallabies looked dangerous in those opening thirty minutes.
Unbeaten at Eden Park since 1994? That is an absolutely insane streak. The All Blacks are practically invincible at home.