The All Blacks have maintained their impressive record at Eden Park, Auckland, with a 54-test unbeaten streak, following their 50-19 victory over the Wallabies in the first of two Bledisloe tests. This win also secured their 24th consecutive Bledisloe Cup title. The last time they lost at home was in 1994 to France. The match showcased the All Blacks' determination to apply lessons learned from their recent losing series against South Africa.
The All Blacks made significant changes to their lineup, including the inclusion of physical lock Scott Barrett and substitute flanker Shannon Frizell, who played a crucial role in the team's scrums. The introduction of speedy Damian McKenzie at fullback and Beauden Barrett at fullback provided the necessary spark. McKenzie, along with scrum-half Cam Roigard and center Jordie Barrett, stood out as top performers. McKenzie's shift to fullback was due to injuries to Ruben Love and Richie Mo'unga.
The Wallabies started strong, taking the lead in the eighth minute through Tom Wright's try. However, the All Blacks quickly responded, with McKenzie playing a pivotal role in both attacks. Peter Lakai scored the first try after Barrett gained possession from a Roigard kick. Three minutes later, another attack led to Tupou Vaa'i's try, solidifying the All Blacks' momentum. Ryan Lonergan's penalty kick narrowed the gap, but McKenzie's successful penalty kick extended the All Blacks' lead to ten points.
As the second half began, the Wallabies had the opportunity to take the lead, but the All Blacks took control, dominating the set pieces and showcasing impressive handling and teamwork. The All Blacks' fifth try came through Leroy Carter, and Josh Moorby added another in the corner. Despite Rieko Ioane's forward pass being penalized, the All Blacks continued to score, with Will Jordan sealing the win with his 56th test try.
The All Blacks' 31-point margin marked their largest win over Australia in six meetings and their first 50-point win in five years. The Wallabies' wait for their first win at Eden Park since 1986 continues. The second test in Sydney next Saturday appears to be a formality, rather than a decisive clash.
The Wallabies' coach had aimed to end a 40-year drought against the All Blacks but was left disappointed. The visitors managed three tries through Tom Wright, Harry Wilson, and Josh Nasser, but it was not enough to challenge the All Blacks' dominance. The All Blacks' scrum-half, Cam Roigard, and fullback, Damian McKenzie, were among the standout performers.
The final score reflected the All Blacks' superiority, with a 50-19 win. The points were scored as follows: New Zealand - tries: Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa'i, Cam Roigard, Codie Taylor, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan; conversions: Damian McKenzie (6); penalty: McKenzie. Australia - tries: Tom Wright, Harry Wilson, Josh Nasser; conversions: Ryan Lonergan (2).
Key points
- The All Blacks extended their unbeaten streak at Eden Park to 54 tests.
- The All Blacks secured their 24th consecutive Bledisloe Cup title.
- The Wallabies' wait for their first win at Eden Park since 1986 continues.
