Damian McKenzie kicked 15 points in a seven-try rout for the All Blacks on Saturday to retain the Bledisloe Cup and protect their proud record at Eden Park.
McKenzie goalled six conversions and a penalty, with skipper Codie Taylor and the red-hot Will Jordan among the try-scorers, in a thrilling 50-19 win against the Wallabies.
New Zealand have now gone 54 matches unbeaten at the Auckland venue against all opponents, a world record for a single ground.
The All Blacks led 17-14 at half-time after the visitors struck first and finished the half with a try of their own.
Fullback Tom Wright opened the scoring in the eighth minute before loose forwards Peter Lakai and Tupou Vaa’i crossed to put the Kiwis ahead.
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McKenzie, starting at flyhalf for the first time since November last year, added a penalty to stretch the lead to 17-7, but the Australians responded through captain Harry Wilson, who finished after a superb Ben Donaldson offload.
Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan’s second conversion of the opening 40 minutes cut the deficit to three points at the break.
But the hosts took control after the restart, with Cam Roigard scoring from close range before Taylor and Leroy Carter crossed the whitewash.
McKenzie kept the scoreboard moving with the boot, while replacement Josh Moorby finished another slick attacking move.
Substitute hooker Josh Nasser scored a late consolation for Australia before Jordan capped the All Blacks’ dominant display with his ninth try of 2026.
The teams lock horns again next Saturday at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
ALL BLACKS – Tries: Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa’i, Cam Roigard, Codie Taylor, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan. Conversions: Damian McKenzie (6). Penalty: McKenzie.
WALLABIES – Tries: Tom Wright, Harry Wilson, Josh Nasser. Conversions: Ryan Lonergan (2).
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post Rampant All Blacks hit 50 to extend streak appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Damian McKenzie kicked 15 points in a seven-try rout for the All Blacks on Saturday to retain the Bledisloe Cup and protect their proud record at Eden Park.
The post Rampant All Blacks hit 50 to extend streak appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
