The All Blacks have retained the Bledisloe Cup for a record 15th straight year, but the Wallabies have restored faith in Australian rugby. “We are learning, we are growing and that was a great growth step,” the Wallabies captain, Michael Hooper, said.
The inclusion of Rob Simmons, Tevita Kuridrani and Dane Haylett-Petty shored up the Wallabies’ fragile defence, while inside-centre Kurtley Beale defended in the front-line, avoiding some of the confusion in Sydney.
A lighting problem at the indoor Forsyth Barr Stadium delayed the kick-off by 10 minutes. At first the Wallabies stayed on the field, while the All Blacks went straight back to their dressing-room.
In a spectacular start, Australia raced to a 17-0 lead in the first 14 minutes and led 17-14 at half-time after outscoring the All Blacks three tries to two.
Wallabies full-back Israel Folau scored the first try of the game after 26 seconds after intercepting a pass and racing 60 metres to score.
Hooper scored in the 10th minute after peeling off a maul from a 15 metre lineout, equaling Jeremy Paul and Rocky Elsom as the leading Wallabies try-scorers in the forwards.
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