[ad_1]
Test rugby returned in classic fashion overnight as an inexperienced and cunning Australia fought a thrilling draw with New Zealand in Wellington.
The Bledisloe Cup showdown, the first international match since March, ended 16-16 and the Wallabies were only denied victory by a Jordan Barret penalty at the last gasp.
Even then, the two sides could have each won, as a frenzied finish included a penalty from Australia from 55 meters that hit the post, and two thrusts to five meters at each end after the siren was gone and the game rocker went to the 87-minute mark.
The reaction in Australia did justice to what had been an epic encounter, Australia came close to beating New Zealand on their own ground for the first time in 19 years.
Fans and experts called the game one of the most remarkable Bledisloe Cup matches ever, an ‘incredible’ and ‘extraordinary’ match.
The Wallabies, under new coach Dave Rennie, had four rookies and six players who had played fewer than 10 tryouts, as they faced bitter rivals.
But they stood their ground in a showdown that stunned the rugby world and whetted an appetite for the rugby event to come this fall.
The game started controversially when Barrett found space in the overlay after nine minutes to open the scoring with a try, although television replays suggested that Rieko Ioane was in contact in preparation, which was not seen by the referee or his assistants.
A pair of penalties made it 8-3, and a mistake by Australia just before the break could have sent them into the break for 10 when a misplaced pass from Saia Fainga’a was swallowed by the All Blacks.
But Ioane, out in the open and apparently destined to score, failed to roll properly and the TMO detected the slightest bit of space between his fingers and the ball.
However, New Zealand increased their lead shortly after the second half when a deft move from the lineout saw Aaron Smith scramble down the line to make it 13-3 for the hosts.
But Australia did not finish and staged a remarkable comeback as the rain fell at Westpac Stadium.
The comeback started with another lineout move and a precise pass from James O’Conno that set up Marika Koroibete. This was followed by a try by rookie Filipo Daugunu, who crossed in the 63rd minute to tie the game at 13-13.
The All Blacks, upwind, failed to cover up a 40-meter kick through Barrett in the 72nd minute, but O’Connor, who had struggled off the tee, dunked a penalty with five minutes to go when the Wallabies they opened a three-point lead. .
They looked destined for victory, only for Barrett to tie in 79 minutes after poor discipline from the Wallabies.
However, with the score locked at 16-16, there was a frenzied ending and either side could have won.
First, Australia received a 55-meter penalty, just for Reece Hodge’s well-struck effort to get back to the post.
Australia stole the rebound and ran to the line for the winning try, but the All Blacks defense held firm.
They were then awarded a penalty and went upfield to push within yards of their own attempt to win the game, but Australia forced a loss and O’Connor kicked the ball offside to end the exciting game.
It had been an incredible showdown, even with honors, and a brilliant way for Test rugby to come back after the lockout.
[ad_2]
