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Two second-half attempts in five minutes have prepared the All Blacks for a 27-7 victory in the second round of the Bledisloe Cup against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland.
All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke
Photo: Photosport
The New Zealanders opened an early 10-0 lead, a Richie Mo’ounga penalty driven by a converted try by running back Aason Smith after 22 minutes.
But the Australians hit back through winger Marika Koroibete as the half hour mark approached, and the All Blacks could only take a narrow 10-7 lead at the break.
It only took two minutes after the restart for fullback Jordie Barrett to join the New Zealand count, after the All Blacks showed patience and time before finding room to score wide.
Another three minutes, and Ardie Savea went on to end a brilliant run for Caleb Clarke.
Ahead 20-7, the All Blacks withstood intense pressure, holding Koroibete over the line to deny the Wallabies before a potential hooker attempt by Brandon Paenga-Amosa was nullified by a double move.
Captain Sam Cane scored after a loss from midfield, and with a 27-7 lead, the All Blacks seemed comfortable maintaining control until the final whistle.
