The Wallabies have defeated the All Blacks 27-19 in Sydney to win the Rugby Championship and to set up a decider for the Bledisloe Cup next week.
The Match
The match began with an uncharacteristic drop ball by the All Blacks off the kick off which gave the Wallabies an early opportunity to attack.
The All Blacks did not take long to make an impact after they made a big break down the right hand side through Nehe Milner-Skudder. The All Blacks were then awarded a penalty which was taken quickly by Aaron Smith. Sekope Kepu was yellow carded for tackling Smith before getting back onside. The All Blacks then elected to take the penalty kick which was successful by Carter.
Some wayward passes and a charged down kick put the Wallabies under enormous pressure where they were lucky to escape without conceding a try. They managed to get themselves out of it, however, with some good scrambling defence.
The Wallabies finally got some good possession and looked dangerous in the All Blacks 22.
A scrum was then given to the Wallabies 5 metres out from which they earned a penalty. Matt Giteau slotted it from out in from to level the scores. 3-3 after 26 minutes.
The All Blacks hit back immediately, earning a penalty 40 metres out. Carter had no troubles and put New Zealand back in the lead. 6-3 after 29 minutes.
A break from Israel Folau put the Wallabies within inches of the try line. Fortunately for the All Blacks, a poor pass from Nick Phipps led to a knock on which gave the All Blacks the ball back.
Just before half time the All Blacks were hot on attack and they looked certain to score when the ball was given to Julian Savea with the line wide open, however, a huge Michael Hooper tackle put Savea into touch.
The Wallabies went into the break down by 3 points.
#AUSvNZL #TeamAllBlacks pic.twitter.com/oIhhcSBNda
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 8, 2015
The All Blacks began the second half with another uncharacteristic mistake after the kick off did not go 10 metres.
The Wallabies then earned a penalty at the subsequent scrum. Aaron Smith was then yellow carded for a high tackle on Adam Ashley-Cooper.
After a strong rolling maul the Wallabies were rewarded with a penalty advantage but they didn’t need it because Sekope Kepu busted through the line and scored under the posts.
Matt Giteau converted to put the Wallabies in the lead, 10-6 after 44 minutes. As they do, the All Blacks hit back immediately as Carter brought the All Blacks to within a point. 10-9 after 51 minutes.
The Wallabies were in the All Blacks 22 looking for their second try but some strong All Blacks defence saw them earn a penalty. Conrad Smith took it quickly and Nick Phipps was yellow carded for being offside.
In the blink of an eye, Ben Smith had made a break and passed it on to Nehe Milner-Skudder for him to score on debut. Carter missed the conversion but New Zealand were still in the lead by 4 points.
A clever grubber kick from Matt Tooomua saw Adam Ashley-Cooper score a well finished try in the corner. Matt Giteau converted from the sideline.
The Wallabies were ahead 17-14 with 20 minutes to go. It didn’t take long for the All Blacks to hit back with Milner-Skudder going over for his second try on debut. Carter missed the conversion but the All Blacks held the lead by 2 points.
A long range penalty from Nic White put the Wallabies in front by a point but it was soon after that he made a dart just out from the All Blacks line to score. Matt Giteau converted to put the Wallabies in front by eight points. The Wallabies held on to claim an eight point victory and the Rugby Championship.
Quick Observations
Scrum was excellent, lineouts were still a bit shaky.
Phipps’ passing was abysmal. It has been decent in recent test matches but it needs to be fixed immediately.
Matt Giteau played well out half back in place of Nick Phipps and Nic White played even better when he came on.
[one_third last=”no”]
The Game Changer
Nic White’s try with ten minutes to go put the game out of reach for the All Blacks. [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
The G&GR MOTM
Hard to give it to just one player so I’ll give it to the Pooper. David Pocock was a menace over the ball whilst it felt like there was three Michael Hooper’s out there. Honourable mentions also to Israel Folau and Scott Fardy.[/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
World Cup Watch
Matt Toomua was sharp when he came on. Scott Sio and Sekope Kepu were also solid upfront. [/one_third]
The Details
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”] Wallabies 27 Tries: Kepu, White Conversions: Giteau 2 Penalties: Giteau, White. [/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”] All Blacks 19 tries: Milner-Skudder 2 Penalties: Carter 3 [/one_half]
Cards & citings
YC – Sekope Kepu (offside), Aaron Smith (high tackle), Nick Phipps (offside).
