World champions New Zealand yesterday claimed their biggest win over the Wallabies in Australia with a thumping 42-8 win over the defending champions to kick off their Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup campaign in Sydney.
The dynamic All Blacks embarrassed the Wallabies six tries to one and have now lost only once to the Australians in their past 14 encounters.
It was Australia’s fifth straight Test defeat after losing to the All Blacks 34-17 in the World Cup final in October last year along with three defeats at home to Six Nations champions England in June.
Photo: AFP
If Australia thought the chance of finally mastering the Kiwi powerhouse had arrived following the retirement of legends Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter, they were sadly mistaken.
Australia’s hopes were shredded by a devastating opening half by the All Blacks, who smashed through a porous defense for four tries to lead 32-3 at halftime.
Bernard Foley kicked an early penalty goal for the Wallabies, but the All Blacks hit back quickly in the sixth minute.
Ryan Crotty broke through the tackles of Dane Haylett-Petty and Matt Giteau to storm over for an easy converted try.
The Wallabies had another setback when Giteau was forced from the field with an injured left ankle to be replaced by Matt Toomua.
Barrett kicked the All Blacks further in front with back-to-back penalties as the Wallabies struggled to get into the game against the fluent Kiwis.
The hapless Wallabies called on a second replacement when Toomua collided with Barrett and made way for Rob Horne.
More disaster befell the Wallabies when Foley’s clearing kick was charged down by flanker Jerome Kaino, who scored for a 25-3 lead.
Nothing was going right for the Wallabies with a third back forced off with injury with Horne succumbing to a left arm injury.
The All Blacks showed no mercy and scored their fourth try through left-winger Waisake Naholo after a scything run by Barrett.
The game looked well beyond the Wallabies’ reach at halftime after an explosive opening half by the world champions.
Dane Coles scored after Tevita Kuridrani dropped a pass and then minutes later another replacement Julian Savea scored in the opposite corner for a 42-3 lead.
Replacement Nick Phipps scored the Wallabies only try with five minutes left.
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