New Zealand snapped a two-game losing streak with a nail-biting win over Australia on Saturday to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
Image: X @AllBlacksNew Zealand took a commanding 28-14 lead into the break and, despite Australia storming back into contention, held on to retain a trophy they have owned since 2003, dominating possession, set plays and the breakdown.The writing was on the wall with New Zealand winning their past seven Tests against Australia, heaping more pressure on Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, whose side were humiliated 67-27 in Argentina a fortnight ago.
But it made little difference with the hosts exposed inside two minutes when Jordan sliced open the defence to dot down between the posts, with Damian McKenzie adding the extras. But it was a temporary blip with skipper Ardie Savea sprinting over for another try in the 24th minute after a sloppy Australian spoon pass was picked up by Reece, who drew the defender to leave his teammate in acres of space.The Wallabies, though, kept plugging away and were rewarded when hooker Matt Faessler charged over after some good work in the maul ahead of the half-time hooter to give them a glimmer of hope.
It lit a fuse under the home side, who scored another try through Tom Wright with a minute left to set up a grandstand finish, only for the All Blacks to cling on.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hansen slams 'soft-bellied' WallabiesAs the Wallabies gear up to end their two-decade Bledisloe Cup drought, World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has offered a frank assessment of Australia’s shortcomings.
Read more »
Jesse Kriel tells All Blacks: ‘Boks are better team now than at World Cup’The Springboks are a better team than when they won the Rugby World Cup last year, according to inside centre Jesse Kriel.
Read more »
Springboks v All Blacks: Rugby World Cup final rematch we deserveThe Springboks have an opportunity to extend their Rugby Championship lead when they tackle the All Blacks this Saturday.
Read more »
Slipper set to make Wallabies historyJames Slipper is poised to become the most-capped Wallaby ever after being named on the bench for Australia’s crunch Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks on Saturday.
Read more »
All Blacks get some good injury news at LASTVeteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu will rejoin the New Zealand squad for the Bledisloe Cup Tests against Australia after recovering from injury.
Read more »
All Blacks star linked with French clubOne of New Zealand rugby’s most exciting and versatile backs is reportedly on the shopping list of former back-to-back European Champions Cup winners La Rochelle.
Read more »