Rugby Championship: New Zealand beat Australia

New Zealand 14-40 Australia

New Zealand: Jordan (23), penalty shootout attempt (27), S Whitlock (43), C Taylor (54), S. Tokiyahu (65th place).
Australia: F. Fainga’a (59), J. Petaia (80)

The All Blacks are approaching a third consecutive rugby league title. Ian Foster’s players beat Australia 40-14 on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland. A better success almost gives them the trophy unless South Africa does the unlikely against Argentina at the end of the afternoon.

In front of over 47,000 spectators, the locals demonstrated their supremacy against the valiant Wallabies who did not have the weapons to compete. The first period is controlled by blacks who put up a real wall in front of their goal as the Australians kept chipping their teeth. Dave Rainey’s men took advantage of several offensive sequences but were unable to break through the opposite curtain. Relying on such a good defensive base, the locals made the difference thanks to Will Jordan after just over 20 minutes of play. In an action initiated by Rikuo Iwan, the black winger escaped from the right wing, broke several tackles, and went steadily in at the goal. Not always disciplined and largely dominating in melee areas, Australia backed off after a few minutes. Hooker Dave Boriki drops an attack near the goal and accepts a penalty before picking up a yellow card. Without forcing their talents, the New Zealanders return to the locker room with a relaxed introduction.

A history of airships

After the break, the blacks proved their dominance. Just three minutes into the match, Samuel Whitelock reached the conclusion of a major offensive streak for his team. Just over 10 minutes later, it was the perfectly formed blow that allowed Cody Taylor to score New Zealand’s fourth attempt. Folau Fainga’a took advantage of a bad kick from Richie Mo’unga, saving honors first for the Wallabies but the Blacks quickly moved forward and wanted to secure their offensive bonus. On a new winning ball, Samisoni Taukei’aho restores 30 points in advance to the locals. The Australian Test signed to Jordan Pattaya (80th) will not change the outcome of the encounter but will slightly reduce the average goals of the Blacks in the distance duel with South Africa for the title.

However, the Springboks will have to sign an additional win by more than 39 points against Argentina to steal the trophy from the All Blacks. Almost impossible task.