The All Blacks narrowly defeated the Wallabies 31-28 in a tense match in Sydney, retaining the Bledisloe Cup.
Despite leading 21-0 early on, the All Blacks nearly lost control as the Wallabies mounted a fierce comeback. Head coach Scott Robertson expressed relief at his team’s ability to hold on, despite a difficult final quarter and two yellow cards.
The All Blacks struggled to finish strong, scoring only three points in the second half. Jordie Barrett’s knee injury adds to their challenges ahead of their next match in Wellington. Robertson praised his team’s resilience, though he acknowledged room for improvement in finishing opportunities. Damian McKenzie’s final passes and decision-making will be a focus for the return match.
Despite the win, Robertson gave credit to the Wallabies for their fighting spirit. The Wellington match may no longer impact the Bledisloe Cup, but it will still count for Rugby Championship points, and both teams will aim for better execution next time.
