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'Hard to believe': Bledisloe Cup photo sparks worldwide frenzy

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·5-min read
Wallabies defending against the All Blacks (pictured left) and a packed crowd in Wellington (pictured right).
Fans around the world have watched in awe as the Wallabies played the All Blacks in Wellington in front of a packed stadium. (Getty Images)

The world watched in awe as New Zealand and Australia played out a remarkable Bledisloe Cup game, but fans overseas were startled at the image of a packed stadium in Wellington.

The Wallabies and the All Blacks couldn’t be separated after nine minutes of extra time, which saw the first Bledisloe Cup match in 2020 end 16-16 in wet and windy conditions.

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While rust was evident, the thrilling finish to the match will see the titanic clash go down in the history books.

But fans around the world were not only treated to an incredible encounter between the bitter sporting rivals, but witnessed a rare sight in the coronavirus global pandemic.

Fans packed into a stadium.

New Zealand’s strict lockdown measures have helped wipe out active coronavirus cases in the community, while the US is still struggling with the global pandemic.

This was clear from the reaction of overseas commentators when viewing 31,000 fans packed into the stadium.

Former NBA star, turned social media influencer, Rex Chapman led the praise for New Zealand and how they have handled the pandemic.

Political commentator Brian Taylor Cohen reiterated Chapman’s dig at the US and said “leadership matters”.

Irish rugby writer Cian Tracey said the spectacle made it ‘hard to believe we’re living in the same world.”

Fans around the world watch in awe at the incredible atmosphere, which is a startling image in the current climate.

Wallabies fall short of breaking 19-year curse

The draw means the Wallabies still haven’t won a Test match in New Zealand since 2001, however many believed they were dudded.

Reece Hodge had a shot at penalty goal from 55 metres out after regulation time, however the incredible strike hit the post.

Matt Burke was then left gobsmacked that the Wallabies weren’t awarded another penalty for ruck infringements after they regathered the ball.

James O’Connor kicked a penalty in the 63rd minute to split a 13-13 deadlock and it looked like it could be enough for Australia to break through for their first win in New Zealand in 19 years.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 11: Ardie Savea of the All Blacks and Michael Hooper of Australia following the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies at Sky Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 11: Ardie Savea of the All Blacks and Michael Hooper of Australia following the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies at Sky Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

But veteran lock Rob Simmons gave away a penalty with two minutes remaining, allowing All Blacks fullback Barrett to level.

The Wallabies trailed 8-3 at half-time but wingers Marika Koroibete and debutant Filipo Daugunu both scored to put the Australians on track for an unlikely victory.

Playing the first of four Bledisloe Cup Tests, the Australians looked a little shaky early on.

The Wallabies kept busy, dominating possession and territory in the first half with halfback Nic White mixing up his game to keep the All Blacks on their toes.

with AAP

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