Wallabies and All Blacks Draw in Opening Bledisloe Clash

The All Blacks and Wallabies have ended each other’s winning streak after a 12-12 draw in a wet encounter at ANZ Stadium. 

The Match

The Wallabies were looking to change things up before the match had even started as they interestingly stood in a staggered formation whilst watching the Haka.

The match started off at a rapid pace with the Wallabies taking a quick lineout and then unsuccessfully attempting a second, suggesting were set to play an up tempo game.

It was only a short while before the All Blacks were awarded a penalty after a Wallaby player failed to roll away.  Aaron Cruden had no problems to give New Zealand the early lead.  3-0 after 3 minutes.

With the exception of an early break from Aaron Smith, the All Blacks were struggling for metres against a solid Wallaby defence.  The Wallabies were then able to earn a penalty after a huge hit from Jerome Kaino on Kurtley Beale.  However, Beale recovered from the hit and was able to kick the penalty to level the scores at 3-3 after 11 minutes.

The All Blacks had the opportunity to hit back immediately, however, the penalty attempt from Cruden was unsuccessful.  Moments later, the All Blacks were awarded another penalty and this time Cruden was able to add another 3 points.  6-3 after 16 minutes.

The All Blacks were putting significant pressure on the Wallabies through the clever use of short kicks in behind the defensive line.  They were once again were awarded a penalty at the scrum and Cruden extended the lead to 9-3 after 21 minutes.

After several strong attacking phases the Wallabies were awarded several penalties and All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett was shown a yellow card.  The Wallabies eventually decided to go for the 3 points but Beale hit the post and the Wallabies were left empty handed.  The Wallabies went into the half time break behind 9-3.

The Wallabies opened the second half were they left off in the first half and they were rewarded with a penalty 3 minutes in.  Beale kicked the penalty to close the gap to 9-6 after 44 minutes.

The All Blacks were put under pressure after Nic White kicked the ball down field and corned the All Blacks just out from their try line.  As a result the Wallabies were awarded a penalty.  Despite pressure from the crowd to go for the try, Beale kicked another 3 points to level the scores at 9-9.

It was not long before the All Blacks were in front again thanks to an Aaron Cruden penalty.  12-9 after 60 minutes.

The Wallabies were they granted with a wonderful attacking opportunity and came so close after Pat McCabe was pulled out just short of the try line.

Another attacking raid from the Wallabies saw a cynical infringement from Beauden Barrett for which he was yellow carded for.  Kurtley Beale levelled the scores once again to 12-12 with just 10 minutes remaining.

Neither team could break the dead lock in the end and the scores finished at 12-12.

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The Game Changer

The Wallabies needed to score when they had the opportunity around the 60 minute mark. [/one_third]
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The G&GR MOTM

It was hard the single out one player as the whole team worked well as a unit but James Slipper seemed to be everywhere.  He made some great runs showing the skills of an outside back and was strong in defence.

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Honourable Mentions

Matt Toomua played a good game at inside centre and provided good structure for the backline.  Nathan Charles also proved to be a worthy backup with a strong performance in his first start for the Wallabies.  For the All Blacks, Ben Smith was solid at fullback whilst Aaron Smith had one of his best games in the Black jersey.

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The Details

Crowd: 68, 627

Score & Scorers

[one_half last=”no”]Australia: 
Tries: N/A
Conversions: N/A
Penalties: Kurtley Beale 4

[one_half last=”yes”]New Zealand: 
Tries: N/A
Conversions:
Penalties: Aaron Cruden 4[/one_half]

Cards & citings

Yellow card: Wyatt Crockett, Beauden Barrett