New Zealand held off a Wallaby fightback to safe a 33-24 victory over Australia and lengthen their grip on the Bledisloe Cup to a twenty third 12 months.
The All Blacks bounced again from their record defeat against South Africa last weekend as a late Cam Roigard strive ensured they retained the trophy and stretched their unbeaten file at Auckland’s Eden Park to 52 matches.
The victory additionally means they leapfrog their opponents to maneuver prime of the Rugby Championship standings earlier than Saturday’s later sport between the world champion Springboks and Argentina.
New Zealand began the match strongly, with winger Caleb Clarke crossing the road inside three minutes and Leroy Carter and Roigard including additional tries to determine a 20-3 halfway by means of the primary half.
However a strive from hooker Billy Pollard diminished the Wallabies’ deficit, and a transfer completed by winger Harry Potter simply earlier than the half-time whistle meant they trailed by solely three factors on the interval.
Two penalties from Damian McKenzie prolonged the All Blacks lead within the second half, however a transformed strive from Wallaby flanker Carlo Tizzano arrange an thrilling final 10 minutes, placing the guests inside three factors of a primary victory in Auckland since 1986.
Nevertheless, scrum-half Roigard calmed dwelling nerves, sealing the win as he crossed underneath the posts from a Jordie Barrett cross.
New Zealand now lead the Rugby Championship with one match remaining, though South Africa will overtake them with victory over Argentina afterward Saturday.
Australia sit in second with two wins and three losses, going into their remaining match of the event in opposition to the All Blacks in Perth subsequent weekend.
Australia haven’t gained at Eden Park since 1986 and have now suffered 23 consecutive defeats on the stadium.
The Bledisloe Cup is competed for yearly by the 2 nations. The 2025 version is over two matches – within the occasion of a 1-1 draw the cup stays with the holders.
