The All Blacks secured a decisive 33-13 victory over the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup test held in Wellington, marking their last home game of the year. This win ends a six-year winless streak in the city for the New Zealand team and concludes their Rugby Championship with a record of three wins and three losses.
Captain Scott Barrett expressed his relief at finally winning in Wellington, highlighting the team’s strong defensive performance that helped them fend off the Australians. “We didn’t start too well but I am really pleased with how we finished, some grit on defense and we held out the Aussies,” Barrett stated.
The All Blacks also ended a concerning trend, as they had not scored in the final quarter of their previous matches. Their scoring resurgence came in the second half, with tries from Tamaiti Williams and Caleb Clarke. Barrett noted the importance of taking ownership of their effort, which was reflected in their defensive stance.
Former captain Sam Cane reached a significant milestone as he played his 100th test match. He expressed gratitude for celebrating this moment in his home country and praised the younger players in the squad for their impressive development.
This match also marked the final appearances for both Cane and TJ Perenara, with Barrett acknowledging their contributions to the team.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson reflected on the disappointing campaign for his team, commenting that despite having moments of potential, they ultimately fell short.
The match began with the Wallabies applying early pressure, leading to an eighth-minute try by flanker Fraser McReight. The All Blacks responded with a try from Sevu Reece, though they initially fell behind 10-5 after a penalty kick.
Will Jordan’s try put the All Blacks in the lead, and a penalty shortly before halftime allowed Caleb Clarke to score, sending the teams into the break with New Zealand ahead 19-13. The All Blacks gradually asserted control in the second half, with tries from Williams and Clarke extending their lead.
In the final moments, while Clarke received a yellow card, the Wallabies could not capitalize on their one-man advantage, and the match concluded with the scoreline firm at 33-13, leaving New Zealand with a satisfying end to their Rugby Championship.