Rugby Championship match between Australia and New Zealand, held on September 21, concluded with a narrow victory for the All Blacks, who triumphed 31-28 in a gripping contest. This encounter marked another chapter in the storied rivalry of the Bledisloe Cup, as Australia sought to end their prolonged losing streak against New Zealand. Despite their efforts, the Wallabies faced challenges that reflected their inconsistent performance throughout the tournament .
New Zealand survived a thrilling Australia comeback to cling on to a narrow victory in Sydney and continue their stronghold over the Bledisloe Cup.
Ardie Savea before half-time suggested that Scott Robertson’s visitors would pull clear in the second half to incflict more punishment on a wounded Wallabies side still searching for direction.
But the hosts swelled in the second half, with their bench making a significant impact to swing momentum their way. Keeping the All Blacks to just a single Damian McKenzie penalty after the interval, late tries from Hunter Paisami and Tom Wright moved Australia to within a score as they threatened to produce a remarkable, unexpected fightback.
Damian McKenzie’s 45th-minute penalty proved the All Blacks’ only points of the second half.
It seems no matter what they do the All Blacks can’t solve their final-quarter meltdowns.
This time they buckled to concede two yellow cards to Anton Lienert-Brown and Caleb Clarke to cast themselves under huge pressure to scramble two players short for the tense closing stages.
History will show it’s another year without the cup. And I must admit at 21-0 I persoanlly thought w were looking at 60+ to NZ. The Wallabies rediscovered some belief, rediscovered some aggro and skill and I rediscovered my love for the team. I’ll take that from a defeat any day of the week.
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