All Blacks Dominate Australia to Secure Bledisloe Cup for 23rd Consecutive Year
New Zealand secured the coveted trophy with a decisive 50-19 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park, extending their unbeaten streak at the iconic venue.
The All Blacks have retained the Bledisloe Cup for a 23rd consecutive year, showcasing a powerful second-half performance to defeat Australia 50-19 in the first test of the series. This victory also extended New Zealand's remarkable unbeaten run at Eden Park to 54 matches, a streak dating back to 1994.
Australia kept the match close in the first half, trailing by just 17-14 at halftime. However, New Zealand asserted their dominance after the break, scoring five tries to seal the win. Fly-half Damian McKenzie contributed 15 points with his boot, while tries were scored by Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaai, Cam Roigard, Codie Taylor, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, and Will Jordan.
The win ended a three-match losing streak for the All Blacks, following their 3-1 series defeat against world champions South Africa earlier in the summer. For the Wallabies, the loss marked their first since Les Kiss took over as head coach in July, ending a six-game unbeaten run.
Australia had started strongly, taking an early lead through a try from full-back Tom Wright. New Zealand responded with tries from Lakai and Vaai, with scrum-half Roigard's effective kicking playing a significant role in turning the momentum. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson managed to score a try, keeping the visitors within striking distance.
However, New Zealand significantly increased their intensity in the second half. Roigard crossed the try line shortly after the break, followed by scores from Taylor, Carter, Moorby, and Jordan. Australia struggled to contain the sustained attacking pressure from the hosts, with Josh Nasser adding a late consolation try for the visitors.
The second match of the two-Test series is scheduled to take place in Sydney at Accor Stadium on October 17.
New Zealand: B Barrett; Jordan, Tupaea, J Barrett, Carter; McKenzie, Roigard; De Groot, Taylor (c), Newell, S Barrett, Lord, Vaa'i, Lakai, Sititi. Replacements: Aumua, Bower, Tosi, Frizell, Segner, Preston, Loane, Moorby.
Australia: Wright; Jorgensen, Henry, Ikitau, Sua'ali'i; Donaldson, Lonergan; Bell, Paenga-Amosa, Alaalatoa, Williams, Salakaia-Loto, Valetini, McReight, Wilson (c). Replacements: Nasser, Ross, De Lutiis, Shaw, De Crespigny, McDermott, Meredith, Potter.
Andrew Brace of Ireland refereed the match, assisted by Luke Pearce of England and Damian Schneider of Argentina. Mike Adamson of Scotland served as the Television Match Official.