New Zealand narrowly defeats Australia one month before the start of the World Cup

New Zealand narrowly defeats Australia one month before the start of the World Cup

Rugby: New Zealand narrowly beats Australia one month before the start of the World Cup

Trailing by 14 points at half-time, New Zealand narrowly beat Australia 23-20 on Saturday 5 August in Dunedin, almost a month before the Rugby World Cup in France (8 September – 28 October).

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New Zealander Shaun Stevenson (left) during his debut against Australia on August 5, 2023 in Dunedin.
Photo: AFP/VNA/CVN

A week after their thrashing of the Australians (38-7) in the Rugby Championship, the New Zealanders this time had to rely on a last-minute penalty to win during this second Bledisloe Cup Test.

After trailing 17-3 at half-time, the All Blacks responded by scoring two tries in the second half thanks to debutants Shaun Stevenson and Samibini Finau and were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute.H Successful minute by Richie Monga.

It was a real test (…) We showed our composure and commitment to get back into the game when we were under pressuresaid captain Sam Keane as the Lions extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches.

The Wallabies, who are yet to win under Eddie Jones since his return to charge this year, produced an encouraging performance.

While New Zealand coach Ian Foster made 12 changes, Jones made far fewer changes to his 15th team despite the harsh setback he suffered last week in Melbourne.

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Led by new captain Tate McDermott, the Australians scored two tries in the first seven minutes and believed they would secure their first win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil since 2001.

The first attempt was scored by winger Marika Koroibete (3H), before Tom Hooper drove the point home a few minutes later (7H). Carter Gordon, 22, who favored Quade Cooper, gave more scope to the Wallabies' perfect start by converting two tries and adding a penalty. The New Zealanders were only awarded a penalty by Damian McKenzie for eating.

After the break, the All Blacks increased their intensity and found more cohesion and Stevenson went on to score a try in the corner (44H) Before a penalty kick from Monga reduced the gap further. Gordon missed the chance to give the Wallabies the lead again when his penalty hit the post.

But Finau allowed blacks to benefit (63H). However, Cooper brought the teams back level with a penalty kick of around 50 meters before Monga finally gave his side victory.

AFP/VNA/CVN

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