Wallabies make history in huge Bledisloe Cup victory
Not only did the Wallabies stun the All-Blacks in the first Test of the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday night, they made history in doing so.
The final scoreline of 47-26 represented the highest score the Wallabies had ever achieved against their Kiwi rivals.
HARSH BUT FAIR: All Blacks forward sent off for 'stupid' act in Bledisloe Cup
The home side gained a massive advantage in the shadows of half time when All-Blacks lock Scott Barrett was sent off for foul play, and took full advantage of their extra number when play resumed.
Not only did the Wallabies claim a scoring record, the All-Blacks defence will wear the dubious honour of conceding the most points in a Test.
While the All-Blacks will have work to do when they arrive home for the decider at Eden Park next week, it was all positive for the Wallabies.
Speaking after the game, captain Michael Hooper said the win marked a point of growth for the team.
“We’re delighted. It was a terrific performance,” Hooper said.
“It’s a really nice build for us - we’re growing as a team. I thought we had some good go-forward. It’s a step at a time.
“We did it here tonight, but we pack our bags tomorrow and look forward.”
Wallabies dominate shell-shocked All-Blacks
The Australians were given little chance of knocking off their arch-rivals, but delivered their best performance in years to make a statement with the World Cup starting next month.
They must crack their first win in Auckland since 1986 to secure the prized trans-Tasman trophy for the first time in 17 years.
In an extra sweetener, the All Blacks might surrender their world No.1 ranking to Wales for the first time since 2009 should the Welsh beat England later this weekend.
The All Blacks were forced to play the entire second half with 14 men after lock Scott Barrett was sent off in the 40th minute by French referee Jerome Garces for making contact with the head of Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper with his elbow and shoulder.
The thing that struck me about the Wallabies is their forwards (yes!!) were very good and matched (if not bettered) the Wallabies in the 1st half.
— LuckyMick (@WalksWithRhinos) August 10, 2019
We got spanked. The Wallabies deserved that win. Nothing to do with a red card. Good to lose now and not later when it actually matters. #NZLvAUS
— Moira Neho (@MoiraNeho) August 10, 2019
While it was a tough call, Australia already had their tails up with a dominant first half and took a 16-12 lead into the break.
It was difficult to pick the Wallabies' best with Hooper everywhere, halfback Nic White a handful and the entire forward pack deserving a pat on the back.
James O'Connor, starting his first match in six years, also booked his ticket to Japan as he set up a try and gave the attack plenty of options.
The Wallabies extended the margin to 26-12 early in the second half with giant flanker Lukhan Salakaia-Loto scoring before Samu Kerevi set up the second.
The bustling centre ran over the top of star All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett before offloading to White.
Barrett exacted some revenge six minutes later when he darted through some flimsy Wallabies defence, with the conversion closing the gap to seven points.
But that was as close as the undermanned Kiwis could get as the scoreboard ticked over for Australia.
Reece Hodge scored his second try while fellow winger Marika Koroibete, who was equally as dangerous all night, also crossed.
Fullback Kurtley Beale iced the win with their sixth try in the 80th minute to allow the celebrations to begin.
WITH AAP