New Zealand triumphed over Australia in a thrilling 23-20 win, pulling off a stunning comeback in their final home test before the Rugby World Cup.
Trailing 17-3 at the break in Dunedin, the All Blacks clinched the victory with a 79th-minute penalty by Richie Mo’unga, following two tries in the second half.
The win came on the heels of New Zealand’s 38-17 victory over the Wallabies in Melbourne the previous week, earning their third consecutive Rugby Championship.
Since taking over the Australian team, former England head coach Eddie Jones has yet to secure a win.
In a game that saw New Zealand’s 22-year winning streak against Australia at home in jeopardy, the All Blacks’ resilience emerged as debutants Shaun Stevenson and Samipeni Finau scored tries. Mo’unga’s precise kick from a difficult angle confirmed a 2-0 Bledisloe Cup series triumph for New Zealand.
The outcome was a bitter blow to Australia, especially after their 38-7 defeat by the All Blacks just a week earlier.
The Australian captain, Tate McDermott, expressed his disappointment but acknowledged significant improvement from the previous game. “A huge improvement,” he noted.
The New Zealand captain, Sam Cane, admitted the game was a tough challenge, characterizing it as “a proper Test match,” and highlighting Australia’s aggressive play in the first half.
The match began with Australia scoring two quick tries within the first seven minutes, taking a 14-0 lead. Injuries plagued both sides early in the game, with key players exiting the field.
New Zealand’s comeback was ignited when Stevenson scored in the right corner shortly after half-time. Mo’unga’s penalty and Finau’s try gave the All Blacks the lead. Australia managed to tie the score at 20-20, but a late mistake gave New Zealand the chance to win, with Mo’unga converting a crucial penalty.
With this victory, New Zealand maintained a perfect record this season against Argentina, South Africa, and Australia (twice). Conversely, Australia has lost all four matches against the same teams but showed promising signs in this performance.
The Rugby World Cup is set to commence on September 8, with host nation France facing New Zealand.
The game’s line-ups were as follows:
New Zealand: Jordan, Stevenson, Ennor, Lienert-Brown, Fainga’anuku, McKenzie, Christie, Savea, Cane (capt), Finau, Whitelock, Retallick, Laulala, Taukei’aho, Williams. Replacements: Coles, Tuungafasi, Newell, Vaa’i, Jacobson, Smith, Mo’unga, McLeod.
Australia: Kellaway, Nawaqanitawase, Petaia, Kerevi, Koroibete, Gordon, McDermott (capt), Valetini, Hooper, McReight, Arnold, Frost, Fa’amausili, Porecki, Bell. Replacements: Faessler, Slipper, Nonggorr, Skelton, Leota, White, Cooper, Perese.
The match was refereed by Karl Dickson.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: New Zealand victory
Who won the match between New Zealand and Australia?
New Zealand won the match against Australia with a score of 23-20.
What was the dramatic turning point in the game?
The dramatic turning point came when Richie Mo’unga scored a 79th-minute penalty, completing New Zealand’s comeback from a 17-3 halftime deficit.
Who were the try scorers for New Zealand and Australia?
For New Zealand, the tries were scored by debutants Shaun Stevenson and Samipeni Finau. For Australia, Marika Koroibete and Tom Hooper scored the tries.
Has Eddie Jones won any games since taking charge of Australia?
No, former England head coach Eddie Jones has not won a game since taking charge of Australia.
When does the Rugby World Cup start?
The Rugby World Cup starts on September 8, with the hosts France facing New Zealand.
What was the significance of the win for New Zealand?
The win preserved New Zealand’s 22-year winning streak against the Wallabies on home soil and confirmed a 2-0 Bledisloe Cup series win. It was also part of a perfect season against Argentina, South Africa, and Australia (twice).
More about fokus keyword: New Zealand victory
- All Blacks Official Website
- Rugby World Cup Official Site
- Australia Rugby Union
- Bledisloe Cup History
- Rugby Championship Information
6 comments
Tough loss for Australia, but at least we saw some improvement since last week, there’s hope for the future, right?
Cant believe the All Blacks pulled off that win! Late penalties always get me on the edge of my seat.
That Mo’unga penalty was something else! What a game and what a win. Go NZ!!
just started watching rugby and this match was amazing, can someone explain how penalties work tho?
Former England coach Eddie Jones has got to be feeling the pressure now, no wins yet with Australia, what’s happening there?
Stevenson and Finau on their debut, wow. The future looks bright for NZ rugby!