On a crisp Saturday in Perth, the All Blacks dispatched the Wallabies with a 28-14 victory, igniting their Rugby Championship title dreams while simultaneously dousing Australia's hopes of their first title in ten years. Despite an injury-hit squad and a raft of changes from their last Bledisloe Cup-retaining match, the All Blacks clinched a bonus point that catapulted them to the top of the standings. However, their stay at the summit could be brief, as the Springboks have their fate in their own hands with a later match against Argentina at Twickenham.
The game marked a sorrowful farewell to James Slipper, Australia’s most capped player, playing in his 151st and final Test. Unfortunately for Slipper and the home crowd, the match did not provide the fairy-tale ending they hoped for. The All Blacks' Quinn Tupaea ensured the spotlight shifted swiftly from tributes to triumph, scoring two critical tries just before half-time, which tore the game wide open.
Australia initially looked poised to rewrite the script of their recent encounters with New Zealand, energized by the return of heavyweights Will Skelton and Rob Valetini. However, the Wallabies' aggressive start was marred by penalties and a yellow card to Tom Hooper, which erased an Allan Alaalatoa try and shifted momentum in favor of the New Zealanders.
"HOW GOOD! Quinn Tupaea wins the foot race to score the @AllBlacks' second"
By the break, the All Blacks were leading 17-9, a scoreline not quite reflective of their dominance, partly due to Damian McKenzie's unusual struggles with the boot. The second half saw the retiring Slipper receive a heartfelt ovation as he made his exit, just before the heavens opened, turning the match into a gritty battle against both the opponents and the elements.
As the game progressed, McKenzie found his form, slotting a crucial penalty in the 61st minute to fend off a brief Wallaby resurgence sparked by a Len Ikitau try. His kick essentially put the game beyond Australia, continuing New Zealand’s imposing record over their trans-Tasman rivals.
The All Blacks' ability to adapt and overcome adversity was on full display, leaving the Wallabies to rue what might have been and the Springboks to ponder the challenge ahead. With the Rugby Championship still hanging in the balance, all eyes now turn to Twickenham where the Boks face a must-win scenario against Argentina.
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On a crisp Saturday in Perth, the All Blacks dispatched the Wallabies with a 28-14 victory, igniting their Rugby Championship title dreams while simultaneously dousing Australia's hopes of their first title in ten years. Despite an injury-hit squad and a raft of changes from their last Bledisloe Cup-retaining match, the All Blacks clinched a bonus point that catapulted them to the top of the standings. However, their stay at the summit could be brief, as the Springboks have their fate in their own hands with a later match against Argentina at Twickenham.
The game marked a sorrowful farewell to James Slipper, Australia’s most capped player, playing in his 151st and final Test. Unfortunately for Slipper and the home crowd, the match did not provide the fairy-tale ending they hoped for. The All Blacks' Quinn Tupaea ensured the spotlight shifted swiftly from tributes to triumph, scoring two critical tries just before half-time, which tore the game wide open.
Australia initially looked poised to rewrite the script of their recent encounters with New Zealand, energized by the return of heavyweights Will Skelton and Rob Valetini. However, the Wallabies' aggressive start was marred by penalties and a yellow card to Tom Hooper, which erased an Allan Alaalatoa try and shifted momentum in favor of the New Zealanders.
"HOW GOOD! Quinn Tupaea wins the foot race to score the @AllBlacks' second"
By the break, the All Blacks were leading 17-9, a scoreline not quite reflective of their dominance, partly due to Damian McKenzie's unusual struggles with the boot. The second half saw the retiring Slipper receive a heartfelt ovation as he made his exit, just before the heavens opened, turning the match into a gritty battle against both the opponents and the elements.
As the game progressed, McKenzie found his form, slotting a crucial penalty in the 61st minute to fend off a brief Wallaby resurgence sparked by a Len Ikitau try. His kick essentially put the game beyond Australia, continuing New Zealand’s imposing record over their trans-Tasman rivals.
The All Blacks' ability to adapt and overcome adversity was on full display, leaving the Wallabies to rue what might have been and the Springboks to ponder the challenge ahead. With the Rugby Championship still hanging in the balance, all eyes now turn to Twickenham where the Boks face a must-win scenario against Argentina.