Nine-try Ireland thrash hapless Japan

Ireland made a superb start to their Autumn Nations Series campaign when they sealed a 60-5 victory against Japan at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Andrew Conway led the way with a well-taken hat-trick while James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Johnny Sexton, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose and Cian Healy also crossed the whitewash for the home side.  Sexton finished with a 16-point haul as he also slotted four conversions and a penalty and Joey Carbery added two conversions.

Japan’s only points came via a try from Siosaia Fifita but they were outclassed and powerless to prevent the Irish stretching their winning streak to six successive games.

Sexton became only the seventh Irishman to reach a century of appearances ― following Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara, Rory Best, Paul O’Connell, John Hayes and current team-mate Healy ― and was afforded a standing ovation ahead of kick-off.

Any negativity regarding the swathes of empty seats and Ireland’s decision to ditch their traditional green jerseys in favour of a purple alternative swiftly dissipated in a spellbinding opening quarter.

New Zealand-born Lowe ― recalled after being dropped for March’s Six Nations win over England ― set the ball rolling by diving over in the left corner just four minutes in.

Scrum-half Gibson-Park, another native Kiwi, played a pivotal role in the opener and he was also instrumental in the second.

The hosts gained serious ground with a series of neat offloads, before their number nine ― starting ahead of Conor Murray ― produced a delightful, defence-splitting kick to give Conway a straightforward finish in the corner.

Munsterman Conway was one of only three non-Leinster players in the Irish line-up.

He stretched the scoreboard further with only 19 minutes on the clock, benefiting from a quick cross-field ball following a rolling maul on the left to once again charge over out wide.

Japan, beaten narrowly on this ground by an experimental Ireland side in early July, had shocked the hosts in the pool stage of the 2019 World Cup.

Playing only a fourth fixture since that home tournament due to the coronavirus pandemic, Jamie Joseph’s men never looked likely to spring another surprise and struggled to break out of their own 22 for the duration of a one-sided opening period.

After a simple Sexton penalty in front of the posts, Ireland took further control as Gibson-Park claimed his maiden Ireland try seven minutes before the break having latched on to a Ringrose pass.

A difficult first 40 minutes for the Brave Blossoms was compounded by hooker Atsushi Sakate being sin-binned in added time for repeated infringements.

Ireland continued on the front foot after the restart and 36-year-old Sexton once again brought spectators to their feet.

The influential talisman burst on to a Gibson-Park offload to find a gap in the Japan defence and touch down, before being mobbed by team-mates and then regaining his composure to slot the extras.

Things were quickly becoming embarrassing for the Brave Blossoms as Aki went over in the 55th minute.

But just two minutes later ― after Ireland brought on hooker Dan Sheehan for an international debut ― Fifita found space to marginally reduce the arrears.

Sexton was given a rapturous reception when he was rested in favour of understudy Carbery 18 minutes from time.

The replacement 10 successfully converted after Ringrose bulldozed over, before Conway continued the rout by completing his treble six minutes from time with his 13th international try.

Replacement Healy had the final say by powering over under the posts at the death, with Carbery’s second conversion completing the scoring.

Head coach Farrell could not have wished for much more from his side’s opening match of the month but they will face a far more serious test with the All Blacks in town next Saturday, followed by Argentina the following weekend.

Error-strewn All Blacks eventually pull away from Italy

New Zealand were made to work hard for their 47-9 victory over a spirited Italy in their Autumn Nations Series fixture, with errors hampering the visitors’ game.

Despite the eventual scoreline seeing them rack up seven tries at the Stadio Olimpico, the All Blacks were out of sorts and need to improve for future matches.

Finlay Christie, Dane Coles (2), Sevu Reece, Asafo Aumua (2) and Hoskins Sotutu got over the whitewash, with Richie Mo’unga converting six of those crossings.

Italy’s only points came via the boot of fly-half Paolo Garbisi but the hosts can be pleased with how they frustrated New Zealand for large parts on Saturday.

It was an error-strewn opening half from the All Blacks as they coughed up possession on several occasions, which meant they were held scoreless for 28 minutes.

Handling mistakes from Braydon Ennor would have frustrated the All Blacks outside centre but perhaps more upsetting for the Azzurri was that they were denied a try on 12 minutes when referee Karl Dickson blew for New Zealand obstruction, one second before Monty Ioane was on his way over the whitewash for a certain score.

More errors hurt New Zealand’s game thereafter but eventually an opportunistic score from replacement scrum-half Christie came, which relieved lots of pressure.

Coles would be next to cross three minutes later via a driving maul and despite two Garbisi penalties arriving before the turnaround, Coles’ second made it 21-6.

Much like the first period, the opening to the second was similarly fractious from the All Blacks and it was in fact Garbisi who struck first with a penalty goal.

But then on the hour mark New Zealand found some form with Reece being put in by Christie to make it 28-9 before Aumua raced over off the back of a lineout.

New Zealand weren’t done and a lovely score involving Mo’unga and George Bridge then sent Sotutu over for 42-9 before the final try from Aumua added the gloss.

All Blacks romp to victory over depleted Wales

Star fly-half Beauden Barrett touched down twice on his 100th Test appearance as New Zealand proved to be far too good for a weakened Wales side, easing to a dominant 54-16 victory in Cardiff.

The All Blacks controlled the majority of the match and moved into a comfortable lead at the interval thanks to Barrett’s try and TJ Perenara’s effort.

Wayne Pivac’s men responded through a pair of Gareth Anscombe penalties, but they had been dealt a blow when Alun Wyn Jones’ record-breaking afternoon was ruined after the captain picked up an injury.

It didn’t get any better for Jones watching on, despite Johnny Williams briefly giving the hosts hope, as Will Jordan, Dalton Papalii, Sevu Reece and Anton Lienert-Brown went over.

That brought them to the cusp of the 50-point mark, but it was apt that their centurion should take them over it with the last action of the match as Barrett intercepted a stray pass and crossed the whitewash to complete the rout.

Barrett started opposite his former U20 team-mate Anscombe, who was returning to Test rugby following an absence of more than two years after being sidelined by a major knee injury.

Meanwhile, Wales’ Jones won his 149th cap, overtaking New Zealander Richie McCaw’s record for one country, although his evening lasted just 18 minutes.

It proved a nightmare start for Anscombe as he saw a pass intercepted by Barrett after just four minutes, and he sprinted clear to claim a try that his brother Jordie converted.

Wales had shown initial promising signs before the intercept, but they quickly regrouped and Anscombe kicked a penalty, making it 7-3.

The game swiftly found a rapid tempo, and Beauden Barrett was lucky to escape a yellow card following a knock-on when he looked to intercept Wales wing Owen Lane’s inside pass intended for Williams.

Jordie Barrett then booted a penalty, before Wales suffered an injury hammer-blow when Jones was forced off.

Jones left the action, being replaced by Will Rowlands, as Wales lost their leader with more than an hour of the contest remaining, with centre Jonathan Davies taking over leadership duty.

Wales had a let-off after prop Nepo Laulala dropped the ball when a try looked certain, before Jordie Barrett kicked another penalty and the home side trailed by 10 points.

New Zealand’s accuracy made the difference, and they claimed a second try six minutes before half-time when outstanding build-up play was rewarded with a score for Perenara.

Wales suffered another injury setback on the stroke of half-time when Moriarty was forced off following a tackle by Laulala and flanker Ethan Blackadder, with the former being yellow-carded for not wrapping his arm in the manoeuvre.

Anscombe then kicked his second penalty on the stroke of half-time, and New Zealand took an 18-6 lead into the interval.

Barrett completed his penalty hat-trick early in the second period, while Wales sent on Cardiff fly-half Priestland for Anscombe, making a first Test match appearance since 2017.

And Priestland was immediately in the action, kicking a penalty and setting up Williams’ score, only for the the All Blacks to quickly resume normal service when Jordan conjured a superb solo try, with Jordie Barrett adding the extras.

New Zealand finished in trademark fashion as Papalii, Reece, Lienert-Brown and Beauden Barrett added further tries during a devastating finale that showcased All Blacks rugby at its finest.

Kyle Steyn scores four tries as Scotland beat Tonga

An impressive first-half showing helped Scotland kick off their Autumn Nations Series with a 60-14 victory over Tonga at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Kyle Steyn scored four tries while his fellow Glasgow Warriors wing, Rufus McLean, enjoyed a debut double in the opening 15 minutes, with Edinburgh loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman also marking his first international cap with a try on the half-hour mark.

There were further second-half scores from hooker George Turner and substitute duo Nick Haining and Oli Kebble.

Number 10 Blair Kinghorn contributed with three of his seven conversion attempts, while debutant replacement Ross Thompson successfully kicked two of his three efforts as Gregor Townsend’s side thrived in their first match in front of supporters since March 2020.

After weathering some early Tonga pressure, Scotland made the breakthrough in the seventh minute when debutant McLean seized on a loose ball after Jamie Ritchie was tackled to the ground.  Kinghorn duly kicked the conversion.

Tonga reduced the deficit in the 13th minute as full-back James Faiva kicked a penalty from 40 metres after Scotland were adjudged not to have rolled away at a ruck in time.

McLean added a brilliant second try in the 15th minute when he received a miss-pass from Kinghorn wide on the left and waltzed superbly past Faiva before touching down.  Kinghorn converted immaculately from a tight angle.

Five minutes later, Faiva kicked another penalty when the Scots were penalised once more for not rolling away.

Steyn ― in his second Scotland appearance ― got his first try of the afternoon in the 23rd minute when he took a pass from Sione Tuipulotu and bounded over the line to finish off an impressive flowing move.

Tonga were struggling to cope with their hosts, but Faiva gave them some relief in the 27th minute when he pinged a penalty between the posts from close to the halfway line.

Schoeman then muscled his way over for his debut try in the 30th minute after a period of pressure in front of the line, with Kinghorn kicking the conversion.

Steyn got his second try when he took a pass from co-captain Ali Price and cut through the Tongan defence far too easily before touching down wide on the left.

Right on half-time, Steyn made it a hat-trick after a cross-field kick from Kinghorn took a favourable bounce into his path wide on the right.

The first score of the second half came in the 50th minute when hooker Turner touched down on the back of a rolling maul.

Tonga got their first try in the 58th minute when David Lolohea pushed his way over after a period of pressure.

Haining scored Scotland’s eighth try in the 70th minute after some excellent handling by Ritchie in the build-up before Kebble and Steyn both touched down in the closing four minutes, with Thompson converting on each occasion.

16-try All Blacks make light work of USA in Washington

A rampant New Zealand racked up 16 tries as they demolished the USA 104-14 in a one-sided meeting at FedExField in Washington DC on Saturday.

Luke Jacobson (2), Ethan de Groot, Will Jordan (3), Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Angus Ta’avao (2), Quinn Tupaea, Dalton Papalii, Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles and TJ Perenara all crossed the whitewash, with Mo’unga and McKenzie adding 18 and six points off the kicking tee respectively.

In reply for the Eagles, Nate Augspurger and Ryan Matyas went over to give USA fans a small amount of cheer in an otherwise embarrassing game for the hosts.

It was one-way traffic from the outset as New Zealand got the scoreboard ticking inside a minute, running the kick-off back as George Bridge and Finlay Christie helped set up Jacobson to race over.  Mo’unga added the extras and it would be the first conversion of many as USA were about to feel the full force of the All Blacks.

Further crossings from loosehead prop De Groot and wing Jordan, who regathered his own chip kick to score, moved New Zealand into a 19-0 advantage with just 11 minutes gone.  And the procession continued as they went from deep again, this time a nice interchange ending with McKenzie scoring as USA’s woes continued.

26 points to the good there was no letting up from Ian Foster’s charges as on 20 minutes their ability to keep the ball alive allowed Jordan to find Jacobson for his second try of the match, converted by Mo’unga, before the fly-half got in on the try-scoring act five minutes later as he fought his way over to make it a 40-0 lead.

New Zealand were far from finished in the opening period as further crossings came when Jordan added his own brace on 30 minutes before having a hand in setting up Ta’avao for a run-in under the posts.  With Mo’unga’s kick that made it 52-0 and then a minute before the interval Tupaea’s score added another to the tally.

However, it was to be USA who ended the half the stronger when scrum-half Augspurger sprinted over from 40 metres out, lifting the fans’ mood in the ground.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, the All Blacks started the second stanza as they began the first, with Ta’avao adding his second with barely a minute on the clock.

New Zealand would cross again seven minutes later through Papalii, converted by Mo’unga, which made it 73-7 before USA responded well through wing Matyas.

But that was to be the hosts’ final offering in the game as the clinical All Blacks turned the screw as the contest moved into its final half-hour, replacement Lienert-Brown getting his name on the board on 54 minutes before Barrett raced over from long-range, with the visitors’ bench already offering a significant impact.

With 10 minutes remaining the free-scoring Jordan would complete his hat-trick and there was still time for two further scores in the closing minutes, hooker Coles cutting back off the right wing to make it 97-14 before Braydon Ennor’s run down the left led to Perenara going over, McKenzie adding the final two points.

Wallabies get the better of spirited Japan

Australia got their end-of-year tour of the northern hemisphere off to a positive start when they sealed a 32-23 triumph over Japan in Oita on Saturday.

As the scoreline suggests, this was a hard-fought battle with the home side proving competitive throughout but the Wallabies were deserved winners in the end and eventually outscored their hosts five tries to two.

Tom Wright, Jordan Petaia, Taniela Tupou, Robert Leota and Connal McInerney dotted down for the visitors while Quade Cooper slotted a couple of conversions and a penalty.

For Japan, Lomano Lemeki and Ryoko Nakamura scored tries with Rikiya Matsuda adding a conversion and two penalties and Yu Tamura also succeeded with a conversion and a penalty.

The Wallabies opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute when Cooper took on the home side’s defence on the edge of their 22 before offloading to Wright, who stepped past a couple of defenders on his way over the try-line.

Australia were dealt a setback in the 13th minute when Reece Hodge was forced off the field with a shoulder injury and three minutes later the Brave Blossoms opened their account when Matsuda succeeded with his first penalty.

Shortly after entering the fray ― as Hodge’s replacement ― Petaia crossed for his five-pointer after gathering a pass from Andrew Kellaway and Cooper did well to slot a difficult conversion which meant the visitors were in control of proceedings with the score 14-3 in their favour.

In the 26th minute, Japan found their attacking groove when Matsuda delivered a perfectly weighted crossfield kick which Lemeki gathered before crossing for his side’s first try.

Matsuda added the extras as well as a penalty in the 33rd minute but Cooper struck back with a three-pointer off the kicking tee of his own which meant the match was evenly poised with Australia leading 17-13 at half-time.

Three minutes after the restart Tupou ran onto a pass from Folau Fainga’a deep inside Japan’s half and he showed great determination and leg drive to power his way over the try-line for his side’s third five-pointer.

In the 50th minute, the Brave Blossoms were reduced to 14 men when Lemeki was yellow carded for a no-arms tackle on Hunter Paisami and two minutes later Leota rounded off a flowing move to give Australia a 27-13 lead.

Despite being down a man, Japan stayed true to their attacking roots and were rewarded in the 56th minute when Nakamura went over for their second five-pointer and in the 74th minute Tamura added a penalty.

That meant the Wallabies were holding a slender 27-23 lead but they secured the win in the game’s closing stages when debutant McInerney crossed for their fifth try, off the back of a lineout drive close to to Japan’s try-line.

Springboks bounce back with epic win over All Blacks

The Springboks ended a three-match losing streak when they claimed a hard-fought 31-29 Rugby Championship triumph against the All Blacks on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

In another drama-filled and exciting encounter, just like last weekend’s match between these sides, this contest also went down to the wire with Elton Jantjies clinching the result for his team with an injury time penalty.

South Africa’s other points came via tries from Damian de Allende and Makazole Mapimpi while Handre Pollard succeeded with four penalties and Jantjies added another three-pointer off the kicking tee and a drop-goal.

For New Zealand, Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea and Brad Weber scored tries while Jordie Barrett finished with a 14-point haul courtesy of three penalties and a conversion.

The Springboks did most of the early attacking although Pollard was off target with a penalty attempt in the fifth minute, after a high tackle on Mapimpi, but the Boks put that setback behind them and soon opened the scoring courtesy of De Allende’s try.

Lukhanyo Am did well to win a loose ball inside New Zealand’s 22 before offloading brilliantly out of the back of his hand to Sbu Nkosi, who drew Jordie Barrett before passing to De Allende, who crossed in the right-hand corner.

Shortly afterwards the All Blacks opened their account courtesy of a Barrett penalty after Am infringed at a ruck.

Five minutes later, Willie le Roux failed to gather an up-and-under just outside his 22 and the Boks were made to pay as the All Blacks launched a counter attack with Beauden Barrett finding Reece with a cross-field kick and he did well to score out wide despite a desperate tackle from Duane Vermeulen.

10 minutes later, Scott Barrett impeded Mapimpi while the latter was competing for a high ball and Pollard gave his side an 11-8 lead when he succeeded with the resulting penalty in the 24th minute.

Five minutes later, the All Blacks launched an attack from a lineout close to the halfway line with Beauden Barrett doing brilliantly to beat a couple of defenders before getting a pass out to Rieko Ioane.  He set off towards the Boks’ try-line before throwing an inside pass to Savea, who dove over in spectacular fashion.

Full-back Barrett converted to give the All Blacks a 15-11 lead and shortly afterwards Weber pounced when Eben Etzebeth failed to gather a throw-in at a lineout close to South Africa’s try-line.  Etzebeth knocked the ball onto the arm of Joe Moody and Weber gathered before crossing out wide.

Just before half-time, Pollard stepped up to add his third penalty which meant New Zealand were holding a 20-14 lead as the teams changed sides at the interval.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first with the Springboks on the attack from the kick off and two minutes after the restart they won a scrum penalty which Pollard converted to narrow the gap to three points.

The Boks continued to hold the upper hand and in the 52nd minute they launched an attack from a lineout close to the All Blacks’ try-line.  Malcolm Marx and Steven Kitshoff put them on the front foot with strong carries before the ball was shifted to the wing where Mapimpi dotted down in the left-hand corner.

The next 15 minutes was an attritional affair as both sides gave their all to win this Test and in the 58th minute Jantjies extended the Boks’ lead when he slotted a penalty, after the All Blacks strayed offside on defence.  Despite trailing by five points, the All Blacks did not panic and they narrowed the gap again when Barrett added his second penalty in the 67th minute.

That set up a nail-biting finish and in the 74th minute Barrett slotted his third three-pointer off the kicking tee after Frans Steyn infringed at a breakdown.  The world champions did not surrender though and soon after Jantjies landed his drop-goal from 40 metres out to give his side the lead again.

There was plenty of drama in the game’s closing stages and in the 79th minute the All Blacks went in front for the third time courtesy of another Barrett penalty after Franco Mostert was blown up for an indiscretion at a ruck.

The Boks refused to throw in the towel and launched one final attack and Jantjies added the match-winning points with the clock in the red after the All Blacks were caught offside on defence again.

Andrew Kellaway hat-trick powers Wallabies past Pumas

Andrew Kellaway was the Wallabies’ hero as he scored a hat-trick of tries in a 32-17 victory against the Pumas in their Rugby Championship Test on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Australia were full value for their win as they dominated for long periods and eventually outscored Argentina five tries to two with Folau Fainga’a and Samu Kerevi crossing for their other five pointers, while Quade Cooper added a couple of conversions and a penalty.

For the Pumas, Thomas Gallo led the way as he scored a brace of tries which were both converted by Emiliano Boffelli, who also slotted a penalty.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested with both teams awarded kickable penalties during that period but Boffelli and Cooper were both off target with shots at goal.

The Wallabies eventually took the lead in the 10th minute courtesy of a penalty from Cooper after the Pumas were blown up for illegal scrummaging.

There was enterprising play from the teams over the next 15 minutes with both sides giving the ball plenty of air but poor option taking and unforced errors meant no points were scored during that period.

The match came alive in the 27th minute when Argentina were reduced to 14 men after Tomás Lavanini was yellow carded for taking out Izack Rodda illegally at a lineout inside his 22.

Reece Hodge put the ball into touch and from the resulting lineout the Wallabies launched a drive before Fainga’a crossed for the opening try in the 28th minute.

Five minutes later, Australia were on the attack again, at a lineout midway between Argentina’s 22 and the halfway line, and from the set-piece Fainga’a and Rob Valetini combined brilliantly before the latter threw an inside pass to Kellaway, who had an easy run-in over the try-line.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Argentina finished the half stronger and spent the last five minutes camped inside Wallabies territory.  They could not cross the whitewash, however, and had to settle for a Boffelli penalty which meant Australia held a 15-3 lead at half-time.

The Wallabies drew first blood in the second half when three minutes after the restart Kerevi ran onto a well-timed pass from Cooper before barging over for his side’s third try.

10 minutes later, Kellaway found himself in space out wide inside Argentina’s 22 and he did well to shrug off a tackle from Santiago Chocobares before crossing for his second five-pointer.

Those two scores boosted the Wallabies’ confidence and just before the hour-mark Len Ikitau did brilliantly to draw in a couple of defenders before offloading to Kellaway, who cantered in for his third try.

With the game in the bag, the Wallabies took their foot off the pedal during the final quarter and the Pumas came back strongly and scored both their tries during that period.

In the 63rd minute, Argentina set up several phases close to Australia’s try-line before replacement prop Gallo, who was making his Test debut, burrowed his way over the try-line.

That score seemed to reinvigorate the Pumas and in the 73rd minute they were rewarded again when Gallo dotted down for the second time in similar fashion to his previous effort from close quarters.

Those tries gave some respectability to the final score and although Australia finished the contest with 14 players ― after their captain Michael Hooper was yellow carded for a professional foul on defence ― they managed to keep Argentina at bay during the game’s dying moments, and, in doing so, they secured a bonus-point victory.

All Blacks hold off Boks to win Rugby Championship

Jordie Barrett’s 78th-minute penalty snatched a 19-17 victory for New Zealand against South Africa in their Rugby Championship encounter in Townsville on Saturday.

This was the 100th Test between these sides and it lived up to the hype as the match was in the balance throughout, with the All Blacks’ triumph meaning they have won the tournament.

Both sides scored a try apiece with Will Jordan crossing for the All Blacks and Sbu Nkosi dotting down for the Springboks.  Full-back Barrett scored all New Zealand’s other points courtesy of a conversion and four penalties and Handre Pollard also added four three-pointers off the kicking tee for South Africa.

South Africa came into this game under tremendous pressure ― after losing their two previous Tests against the Wallabies ― but they delivered a much improved and more competitive performance which did justice to their status as world champions.

The All Blacks made a terrific start and three minutes into the game Codie Taylor tore the Springbok defence to shreds with a powerful carry from just inside his half.  He was soon inside his opponents’ territory where he offloaded to Jordan, who outpaced the cover defence on his way over the try-line.

Shortly afterwards, the Springboks struck back in bizarre fashion.  This, when George Bridge failed to gather a routine bomb from Faf de Klerk inside his 22 and Nkosi pounced on the loose ball before crossing for an easy five-pointer.

Pollard’s conversion attempt was wide of the mark but he made up for that miss when he landed a penalty in the 10th minute after Brodie Retallick was blown up for obstruction.

Two minutes later, the All Black second-row was penalised again and Pollard succeeded with a long-range goal-kick which meant the world champions were leading 11-7 by the 12th minute.

The next 20 minutes was a slugfest with the sides giving their all to gain the ascendancy and their contrasting styles was evident throughout, with the Boks’ tactic of trying to slow proceedings down countered by the All Blacks’ expansive style of play.

New Zealand managed to breach the Boks’ defence on a couple of occasions but their execution was not of its usual high standards, although they managed to narrow the gap to a point when Barrett landed his first penalty on the half-hour mark.

Five minutes later, South Africa were reduced to 14 men when Nkosi was yellow carded for a deliberate knock down deep inside his 22 and Barrett slotted the resulting penalty which gave his side a 13-11 lead at half-time.

The All Blacks were fastest out of the blocks after the interval and soon after the restart they were camped close to the Springboks’ try-line only for Nepo Laulala to knock on a short pass from TJ Perenara.

The attritional nature to the game continued with neither side giving an inch and we had to wait until the 58th minute for the first points of the half when Pollard added another penalty after foul play from the All Blacks deep inside their half.

That lead did not last long as on the hour-mark Barrett succeeded with his third penalty after the Boks strayed offside on defence.

The final quarter was a tense affair with South Africa upping the ante in possession and in the 67th minute they launched an attack from a lineout inside New Zealand’s 22.  And when the All Blacks’ strayed offside on defence, Pollard stepped up to add his fourth penalty which put his team in front for the last time.

There was plenty of end-to-end action as the game drew to a close and in its dying moments Willie le Roux was penalised for holding onto the ball on the ground, leaving Barrett a difficult shot from distance, but he held his nerve to slot the match-winning three points.

Australia get the better of Argentina in Townsville

Australia continued to impress in the Rugby Championship as they claimed a 27-8 triumph over Argentina in Townsville on Saturday.

The Wallabies were full value for their win as they had the bulk of the possession and territory and eventually outscored the Pumas three tries to one with Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi and Andrew Kellaway dotting down.

Their other points came via two conversions and a penalty from Quade Cooper while James O’Connor also added a penalty and a conversion. For Argentina, Julian Montoya scored a try and Emiliano Boffelli succeeded with a penalty.

Argentina had an early chance to take the lead when Boffelli lined up a penalty in the fourth minute but his effort was off target.

That kick proved costly as shortly afterwards Kerevi put his team on the front foot with a powerful run before his progress was halted by a thumping tackle from Santiago Carreras.  The ball was recycled quickly to Hodge, however, and he did well to step past three defenders on his way over the whitewash.

The Wallabies continued to hold the upper hand and in the 19th minute they were rewarded again when Kerevi crossed for his try.  This, after Cooper delivered a teasing grubber kick inside Argentina’s 22 which was gathered by Len Ikitau, who was brought to ground close to the posts and Kerevi regained possession at the ensuing ruck before dotting down.

From the restart, Rob Valetini was blown up for obstruction and Boffelli opened the visitors’ account by slotting the resulting penalty.

The rest of the opening period was evenly contested with the Pumas becoming more competitive as the half progressed, although the Wallabies had a try disallowed when Nic White lost the ball while trying to dive over from close quarters in the 31st minute.  Argentina committed a defensive indiscretion in the build-up and Cooper added his second penalty from in front of the posts which gave his team a 17-3 lead at half-time.

The South Americans were fastest out of the blocks in the second half and three minutes after the restart Montoya powered his way over the try-line, off the back of a lineout maul on the Wallabies’ five-metre line.

Although Boffelli missed the conversion attempt, Argentina continued to have the better of the exchanges, but poor discipline from Marcos Kremer cost his team dearly when referee Matthew Carley had to overturn two Pumas penalties after foul play from the flanker.

First, it was for a no-arms hit on Marika Koroibete in the 47th minute and 10 minutes later Kremer was yellow carded for a trip on Hodge deep inside Australian territory.

Despite playing with 14 men, Argentina were still competitive and an O’Connor penalty on the hour-mark was the only points scored during Kremer’s stint in the sin bin.

The Wallabies finished stronger, however, and in the 70th minute Kellaway crossed for his side’s third five-pointer after collecting a well-timed inside pass from O’Connor close to the Pumas try-line.

That sealed the result for the home side and although they went in search of their fourth try, which would have secured them a bonus-point, they would not breach the Pumas defence again, although they will be happy with the result which takes them above South Africa into second position on the Rugby Championship table.

Wallabies claim bonus-point win over Springboks

The Wallabies secured yet another triumph over the Springboks courtesy of a deserved 30-17 bonus-point victory in their Rugby Championship encounter in Brisbane on Saturday.

After claiming a narrow win over the world champions last week, the Wallabies continued to impress and they outscored the Boks four tries to one with Len Ikitau and Marika Koroibete scoring two five-pointers apiece while Quade Cooper succeeded with two conversions and a couple of penalties.

For the Boks, Lukhanyo Am crossed the whitewash and Handre Pollard added four penalties.

The Boks did most of the early attacking but had nothing to show for their efforts as they were met a solid defensive effort by the home side.  Things went pear-shaped for the visitors in the 12th minute when Faf de Klerk was yellow carded for slapping the ball out of Nic White’s hands at a ruck inside the Boks’ 22.

It was a needless and cynical offence and Australia made full use of their numerical advantage with Ikitau scoring his tries during the Bok scrum-half’s stint in the sin bin.

From the resulting penalty, the Wallabies attacked from a lineout and the ball was shifted quickly to their backs where Ikitau slipped past a couple of defenders before crossing for his first Test try.

Cooper’s conversion attempt struck an upright before Pollard reduced the deficit with a penalty after Matt Philip infringed at a lineout.  With a man down, South Africa’s much vaunted defence looked all at sea and midway through the half Tom Banks threw an inside pass to Koroibete, who offloaded to Ikitau and he dotted down again.

Soon after, De Klerk returned to action and the next 10 minutes were evenly contested with Pollard and Cooper trading penalties which meant the Wallabies were leading 15-6 by the half-hour mark.

In the 31st minute, Andrew Kellaway was penalised when he tackled Am in the air and Pollard narrowed the gap to six points when he slotted the resulting place-kick.

Australia were then reduced to 14 men when Lachlan Swinton was yellow carded for a no-arms challenge on Duane Vermeulen.  Initially, referee Matthew Carley wanted to issue a red as he thought Swinton’s shoulder hit Vermeulen’s head but television replays showed that the initial contact was with the Bok number eight’s shoulder.

South Africa dominated the closing stages of the half but although they spent long periods inside Australia’s half, a 37th minute Pollard penalty was their only reward and the match was evenly poised at half-time with the Wallabies holding a 15-12 lead.

The Boks made a terrific start to the second period and from the restart they regathered possession before taking the ball through several phases inside Australia’s half.  They were soon on the attack on the edge of their hosts’ 22 where De Klerk stabbed through a well-weighted grubber kick which Am gathered before scoring his try.

Although Pollard’s conversion attempt was off target, the visitors’ tails were up and they held the upper hand for the next 10 minutes but the Wallabies regained the lead courtesy of a Cooper penalty in the 50th minute.

After that it was one-way traffic with Australia the dominant side while South Africa made several uncharacteristic unforced errors.

🤯 Taniela, take a bow!

📺 @StanSportAU & @9Gem#TRC2021 #Wallabies #RSAvAUS @eToroAU @cadburyAU pic.twitter.com/Otux6OSRJM

— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 18, 2021

On the hour-mark, the Wallabies launched an attack on the blindside which caught the Boks by surprise with Taniela Tupou doing well to draw in Sbu Nkosi before getting a brilliant offload out to Koroibete, who outsprinted the cover defence before dotting down.

That boosted the home side’s confidence and in the 68th minute Koroibete went over for his second try after gliding through a gap in the Bok defence.

That clinched the result for the hosts although the world champions continued to fight but, in doing so, they lost their discipline and just before full-time Jasper Wiese was also sent to the sin bin after taking Samu Kerevi out illegally at a ruck.

All Blacks see off plucky Pumas in Brisbane

New Zealand made it four wins from four in the Rugby Championship but were made to work as they beat Argentina 36-13 in Brisbane on Saturday.

As the scoreline suggests, this encounter was not as one-sided as last weekend’s Test on the Gold Coast ― with the Pumas being more competitive ― but the All Blacks still claimed a bonus point as they outscored their opponents five tries to one.

Tupou Vaa’i led the way with a brace of five-pointers while Patrick Tuipulotu, TJ Perenara and Samisoni Taukei’aho also dotted down and Jordie Barrett finished with an 11-point haul after adding four conversions and a penalty.

Emiliano Boffelli scored all Argentina’s points courtesy of a try, a conversion and two penalties.

New Zealand were fastest out of the blocks and opened the scoring after five minutes when Tuipulotu crossed from close quarters after a superb line break from Hoskins Sotutu in the build-up.

Barrett added the extras before Boffelli reduced the deficit shortly afterwards via a penalty after Ethan Blackadder was blown up for obstruction.

New Zealand had the bulk of the possession during the next 10 minutes but Argentina did well on defence and a Barrett penalty in the 13th minute was the All Blacks’ only reward during that period.

In the 17th minute, slick handling and interpassing between New Zealand’s forwards and backs from broken play saw Will Jordan crossing the whitewash but referee Jaco Peyper correctly ruled out his try due to the pass from Taukei’ahoto being forward.

Five minutes later, Jordan gathered a chip kick from Damian McKenzie in Argentina’s half before offloading to Rieko Ioane, who went over under the posts, but once again the final pass went forward and that effort was also disallowed.

The All Blacks continued to dominate and in the 29th minute they attacked off the back of a scrum on Argentina’s five-metre line and Perenara forced his way over the try-line after gathering a pass from Sotutu.

And just before half-time, Vaa’i rounded off a flowing move, in which the ball went through several pairs of hands in the build-up, which meant the All Blacks were cruising with the score 24-3 in their favour at half-time.

The second half started with Boffelli adding another penalty but it wasn’t long before the All Blacks regained the initiative courtesy of Taukei’aho’s try after great offloading from Jordan and Ardie Savea in the build-up.

Despite that setback, the Pumas did not surrender and they were soon on the attack inside the All Blacks’ half.  The South Americans’ attacking endeavour was rewarded in the 52nd minute when Santiago Carreras delivered an inch perfect cross-field kick which Boffelli gathered before scoring in the left-hand corner.

The Pumas wing showed his class as he landed the difficult conversion from close to the touchline and with the score 29-13 to the All Blacks, Argentina were more energetic during the rest of the match.

Although they did most of the attacking during the next 25 minutes, the All Blacks also had a chance to increase their lead but after doing well to charge down a clearance kick close to the Pumas try-line, Finlay Christie failed to regather the ball while crossing the whitewash.

In the game’s closing stages, Quinn Tupaea won a turnover inside Argentina’s half and the All Blacks soon launched a counter attack.  The ball came out to Scott Barrett, who offloaded out of the back of his hand to Vaa’i, who crossed for his second try which added some gloss to his side’s victory.

Quade Cooper the hero as Wallabies edge out Springboks

A late penalty from Quade Cooper secured a 28-26 Rugby Championship win for the Wallabies against the Springboks on the Gold Coast on Sunday.

In a hard-fought and tightly contested encounter, the result was in the balance until the dying moments but Cooper held his nerve to slot a difficult goal-kick, after the Boks’ pack were penalised for illegal scrummaging.

Cooper finished with a 23-point haul as he also succeeded with six other penalties and a conversion after Andrew Kellaway went over for Australia’s only try.  For South Africa Malcolm Marx (two) and Bongi Mbonambi crossed the whitewash and Handre Pollard added three penalties and a conversion.

There were some strong carries and big hits during the early exchanges and the sides were level at 3-3 after Pollard and Cooper traded penalties inside the opening 10 minutes.

Shortly afterwards, the Springboks regained the lead when Pollard succeeded with his second three-pointer off the kicking tee, after Angus Bell dropped his bind at a scrum.

However, things went pear-shaped in 16th minute for the world champions when they lost the services of their captain, Siya Kolisi, who was yellow carded for a dangerous tip tackle on Tom Banks.

And with a one-man advantage, it wasn’t long before the Wallabies breached the Boks’ much vaunted defence.  Samu Kerevi did the damage with a superb line break before throwing a long pass to Kellaway, who stepped past a couple of defenders before crossing for the opening try.

Shortly after Kolisi returned to the field, Pollard stabbed a teasing grubber kick through behind Australia’s try-line but although Lukhanyo Am gathered the ball, he lost possession while trying to dot down.

Despite that setback, South Africa soon had a numerical advantage of their own when Matt Philip was sent to the sin-bin for collapsing a lineout drive close to his try-line.  Shortly afterwards, the Boks launched a lineout drive on the Wallabies’ five-metre line from which Mbonambi went over for his five-pointer.

On the stroke of half-time, Bell made up for his earlier indiscretion at scrum-time when he put pressure on Frans Malherbe at the set-piece and the Bok front-row was soon penalised, with Cooper succeeding off the kicking tee to give Australia a deserved 19-11 lead at half-time.

The Springboks made the brighter start to the second period and spent most of the early stages of the half camped in Wallabies territory.  They could not breach Australia’s defence though but narrowed the gap to five points courtesy of another Pollard penalty in the 46th minute.

Five minutes later, the Boks were reduced to 14 men again when Willie le Roux received his marching orders for a deliberate knock down while the Wallabies were on the attack and Cooper slotted the resulting penalty which gave his side a 22-14 lead.

The Boks needed a response and that came shortly after Folau Fainga’a received a yellow card for a no-arms tackle on Ox Nché, with South Africa soon on the attack at a lineout deep inside Wallabies territory.  They had the Wallabies on the back foot with a strong drive from which Marx scored and Pollard added the extras which meant the match was evenly balanced with Australia holding a slender 22-21 lead.

Two minutes later, the Wallabies extended their lead when Cooper succeeded with his sixth penalty, after Jasper Wiese was blown up for holding onto the ball on the ground.

Despite that setback, the Boks did not panic and in the 72nd minute Marx went over for his second try ― once again off a lineout drive but, crucially, Damian Willemse was off target with his conversion attempt.

That proved costly as Cooper showed his class in the game’s closing stages when he slotted the match-winning penalty, sparking scenes of jubilation in the home camp.

Five-try All Blacks prove too strong for Argentina

The All Blacks proved too strong for the Pumas as they clinched a 39-0 victory in their Rugby Championship clash on the Gold Coast on Sunday.

As the scoreline suggests, New Zealand dominated proceedings and they were rewarded with five tries ― which secured them a deserved bonus-point ― with Luke Jacobson (2), Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece and Dalton Papalii crossing the whitewash.

Their other points came via the boots of the Barrett brothers with fly-half Beauden adding a conversion and a penalty and full-back Jordie slotting three conversions and a penalty.

The opening exchanges were tightly contested with both sides showing a willingness to run the ball but neither team would score points during that period.

The match came alive in the 10th minute when Reece took the ball into contact before he was brought to ground inside the Pumas’ 22.  From the next phase Beauden Barrett launched an attack and when he offloaded to Ioane, the ball was knocked backwards by Bautista Delguy before the All Blacks outside centre dove on it behind Argentina’s try-line.

Just like the early stages, the next 25 minutes was scoreless although there were a few occasions when New Zealand came close to scoring a try again.  In the 14th minute, a teasing chip kick from the older Barrett was gathered by his brother Jordie, who crossed for what the All Blacks believed was their second try but that effort was ruled out after television replays revealed that he had dotted down on the dead-ball line.

And shortly afterwards centre Ioane tore the Pumas defence to shreds with a brilliant line break.  He was soon inside Argentina’s 22 and tried to offload to Reece on his outside but the pass was intercepted by Santiago Cordero, who was bundled into touch close to his corner flag.

The All Blacks were eventually rewarded in the 34th minute when Beauden Barrett kicked a penalty before Reece scored their second try from close quarters shortly afterwards.

Just before the interval, Argentina suffered a further setback when Pablo Matera was sent to the sin-bin after he committed a cynical defensive foul deep inside his half.

The All Blacks set up a lineout drive from the resulting penalty and they were rewarded when Papalii crossed the whitewash off the back of the maul on the stroke of half-time.  Jordie Barrett added the extras which meant the All Blacks were leading 22-0 at the break.

The All Blacks started the second half in a similar vein to the way they ended the first and in the 46th minute fly-half Barrett set off on a mazy run before throwing a backhanded pass out to Jacobson, who went over for their fourth five-pointer.

Although they were in control of proceedings, the All Blacks could not extend their lead over the next 20 minutes although they had a try disallowed in the 66th minute when Ethan Blackadder’s effort was chalked off for a double movement.  However, their opponents were reduced to 14 men again when Enrique Pieretto was yellow carded for a professional foul on defence close to his try-line.

With a one man advantage, it did not take long for the All Blacks to capitalise and soon after Jacobson scored his second try after breaking off the back of a scrum on Argentina’s five-metre line.

That score knocked the wind out of the Pumas’ sails and there was more misery for them in the game’s closing stages when Jordie Barrett slotted an easy penalty which gave his team a deserved victory.

All Blacks cruise past Wallabies despite red card

The All Blacks hammered home their dominance over the Wallabies when they beat their trans-Tasman rivals 38-21 in a highly entertaining and drama-filled Rugby Championship Test in Perth on Sunday.

Like the previous two Bledisloe Cup Tests, the All Blacks controlled proceedings for long periods and although they had to play with 14 men for 20 minutes, after Jordie Barrett was red carded for a dangerous flying kick to Marika Koroibete’s face ― while gathering a high ball ― late in the first half, they thoroughly deserved their victory.

In the end, New Zealand outscored their hosts six tries to three with David Havili leading the way with a brace of five-pointers while full-back Barrett, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown and George Bridge also crossed the whitewash.  The All Blacks’ other points came courtesy of two penalties and a conversion from Beauden Barrett.

For the Wallabies, Folau Fainga’a, Nic White and Tom Banks scored tries while Noah Lolesio and Reece Hodge (2) succeeded with conversions.

The Wallabies enjoyed a superb start and in the third minute Samu Kerevi made an excellent line break which had the All Blacks’ defence at sixes and sevens.  He did well to offload to Koroibete, who shrugged off a couple of defenders on his way over the try-line, but his effort was disallowed when television replays revealed that Kerevi had launched the attack from an offside position at a ruck.

From the resulting penalty, the visitors were soon inside Australia’s half but despite an extended period camped close to the home side’s try-line, they could not score a try but eventually opened the scoring in the ninth minute courtesy of a Barrett penalty.

The All Blacks continued to hold the upper hand and in the 15th minute Barrett made it 6-0 when he slotted his second penalty after James Slipper was blown up for illegal play on defence.

Shortly afterwards, fly-half Barrett delivered a perfectly weighted grubber kick which Jordan gathered before passing to Brad Weber and he was in the clear inside Australia’s half.  Weber did well to draw in Noah Lolesio before offloading to the younger Barrett, who had an easy run-in next to the posts.

In the 28th minute, Australia had a chance to open their account when Nepo Laulala strayed offside on defence but Lolesio was off target with his shot at goal.

Despite that setback, the Wallabies received a shot in the arm shortly afterwards when full-back Barrett was sent off in controversial fashion.  This, while gathering a high ball in his half but as he descended to the ground his boot struck Koroibete’s face and after watching replays and consulting his TMO, referee Damon Murphy ruled that Barrett’s kick was dangerous and issued a red card.

🇦🇺🇳🇿 Was this a red card offence in the #BledisloeCup Test in Perth?pic.twitter.com/g7Jm1usZ6R

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) September 5, 2021

With an extra man on the field, Australia were soon on the attack in New Zealand’s half and in the 39th minute Koroibete dotted down after a lineout drive deep inside his opponents’ territory.  That score was ruled out, however, as a television replay showed that he had crawled on his way over the try-line.

That proved costly as on the stroke of half-time Havili went over for his first try, off the back of a maul, and the All Blacks had their tails up at the interval with the score 18-0 in their favour.

Just like the first half, Australia were fastest out of the blocks in the second period and in the 50th minute a superb line break from Tate McDermott set up a well-taken try for Fainga’a.

The Wallabies’ joy didn’t last long as five minutes later Akira Ioane beat three defenders before offloading to Jordan, who crossed for the visitors’ third try before Havili intercepted a wayward pass from Matt Philip and raced away for his second five-pointer on the hour-mark.

The final quarter was a frantic affair with both sides running the ball from all areas of the field.  Australia were rewarded when White scored his try in the 66th minute but New Zealand cancelled that effort out with further five-pointers from Lienert-Brown and Bridge before Banks scored a consolation try in the game’s closing stages.

Dominant Springboks too powerful for Argentina

South Africa proved to be too strong for Argentina once again as they continued their fine 2021 with a comfortable 29-10 triumph in Port Elizabeth.

The Springboks controlled much of the first half thanks to another dominant display up front and the ill-discipline of their opponents.

They were too strong for the Pumas and Handre Pollard rewarded the efforts of their pack by kicking five penalties for a 15-3 advantage at the interval.

Domingo Miotti responded with a three-pointer of his own but they were outgunned and Makazole Mapimpi’s try at the start of the second period effectively sealed their fate.

Malcolm Marx then went over to rubberstamp the win and maintain South Africa’s fine start to the Rugby Championship.

Jacques Nienaber’s men will now wait to see what happens with the rest of the competition after the All Blacks dramatically withdrew from next week’s Bledisloe Cup tie and cancelled their two games with the Boks, putting the tournament in disarray.

There was more of an effort from the Springboks to find some of their dangerous runners in the outside channels on Saturday, but it was still their trusty set-piece which did most of the damage.

Lukhanyo Am made an early incursion into opposition territory as they showed a bit more intent, but it was still their lineout drive and scrum which earned the penalties from which Pollard was able to build their lead.

A number of infringements by the Pumas allowed the Springbok fly-half to move his side into a 9-0 lead before Miotti reduced the arrears from the tee.

South Africa continued to control matters, however, with Argentina continuing to concede needless penalties.  Pollard duly added two more three-pointers ― the second also leading to a yellow card for Rodrigo Bruni ― as Nienaber’s charges opened up a comfortable advantage at the break.

It got even better for the South Africans in the early part of the second period when they scored their first try of the match.

Cheslin Kolbe finally got the ball in his hands and took play deep into the Argentine 22 before the Springboks went through the phases.  The pressure was unrelenting and Mario Ledesma’s men eventually succumbed when Willie le Roux sent Mapimpi over.

Boosted by that score, a second try was soon forthcoming for the Boks as they went back to their exceptional maul and were rewarded with Marx touching down.

There was still 25 minutes left but the remainder of the clash turned into a scrappy affair as the Springboks missed out on a bonus-point.  Instead, Argentina had the final word when, with the clock in the red, Pablo Matera crossed the whitewash for a consolation score.

South Africa grind out victory over Argentina

South Africa got their Rugby Championship campaign off to a winning start as they eased past Argentina 32-12 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Tries from Cobus Reinach, Aphelele Fassi and new cap Jaden Hendrikse saw the Springboks to victory, with Elton Jantjies kicking 17 points off the tee.

In reply Los Pumas had to rely on four penalties from Nicolas Sanchez as their start to the tournament ended in a disappointing loss in Port Elizabeth.

Fresh from their series victory over the Lions, the Springboks were much-changed in terms of their starting line-up and quickly got things ticking on the scoreboard, with Jantjies sending over a penalty goal after Argentina second-row Marcos Kremer was penalised by referee Andrew Brace for not rolling away.

Despite Argentina then managing to find their feet in the game via decent possession and territory, they were floored on 15 minutes when loose play in the backline saw the ball come free and subsequently get regathered by Reinach.  The scrum-half speedster needed no second invitation as he ran in from distance.

With the score now 10-0 in favour of the Springboks, it was crucial that the Pumas struck next, which is what they did through the boot of fly-half Sanchez.  However, barely a minute later that penalty was overshadowed by South Africa’s second try as Jantjies’ low and flat cross-kick found Fassi who made it 15-3.

Unfortunately that was the last of the tries in the opening period as the remainder of the half was all about the goal-kickers, first Jantjies knocking over from in front on 24 minutes before Sanchez responded on 35 minutes.  Both kickers would strike again in the closing stages, sending the two teams in at 21-9.

That pattern would continue shortly after the resumption as Sanchez struck first on 44 minutes, this after Kwagga Smith was penalised for hands in the ruck.  But, once again, the response would come and Jantjies made no mistake moments later following a scrum offence from Argentina’s back-pedalling forwards.

The contest was quickly becoming increasingly fragmented as errors marred the next 15 minutes, Frans Steyn missing a penalty from halfway one notable moment.

Jantjies would make no such mistake from in front on 59 minutes to make it 27-12, this after a high tackle from Rodrigo Bruni was spotted by the match officials.

The game’s try drought looked to have finally ended 12 minutes later when, following sustained pressure from the Springboks in the Pumas’ 22, Reinach’s pass found Fassi for a run-in.  However, the TMO intervened after spotting hooker Malcolm Marx crawling which subsequently saw the wing’s second score chalked off.

But world champions South Africa would get their third try moments before the final whistle when replacement and debutant Hendrikse finished smartly in the right-hand corner after a solid carry from Marco van Staden.  The race for the bonus-point then ensued but the Boks did not come close to threatening again.

All Blacks’ Bledisloe Cup dominance continues

New Zealand’s dominance over Australia continued when they sealed an emphatic 57-22 victory in their Rugby Championship encounter in Auckland on Saturday.

The result is a momentous one for the All Blacks as it is a record score against the Wallabies and it means they have retained the Bledisloe Cup for the 19th successive year with Australia last lifting the famous trophy in 2002.

In a fast-paced and entertaining Test, the All Blacks were deserving winners as they outscored the Wallabies eight tries to three with Codie Taylor (2), Rieko Ioane, Ardie Savea, Brodie Retallick, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan and David Havili crossing the whitewash.

Richie Mo’unga contributed 10 points courtesy of five conversions while Beauden Barrett also succeeded with a couple of two-pointers off the kicking tee and Damian McKenzie slotted a monster penalty.

For the Wallabies, Andrew Kellaway scored a brace of tries while Tate McDermott also dotted down and Noah Lolesio added a penalty and two conversions.

New Zealand had the better of the early exchanges and opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Ioane intercepted a pass from Matt To’omua on the edge of the home side’s 22 and the outside centre outpaced the cover defence before crossing for his try.

That score did not deter the visitors, who were soon on the attack inside the All Blacks’ 22 where Kellaway stepped past McKenzie on his way over the try-line.

The next 10 minutes saw plenty of attacking from both sides but a combination of handling errors and solid defence meant neither side would score points during that period.

New Zealand regained the initiative in the 23rd minute when Akira Ioane launched a stunning counter attack from deep inside his half.  He did well to beat a couple of defenders and was soon close to Australia’s 22 where he offloaded to McKenzie, who got a pass out to Retallick and the big second-row scored under the posts.

That try boosted the All Blacks as 10 minutes later they had the Wallabies on the back foot as their forwards set up several rucks inside the visitors’ 22 before Savea powered his way over the whitewash from close quarters.

The Wallabies needed a response and after Lolesio added a penalty in the 31st minute, Rob Valetini put them on the front foot when he made a break off the back off a scrum deep inside New Zealand’s 22 late in the half.  He still had work to do but did well to offload to McDermott, who crossed for a converted try which meant Australia were still in the game with the score 21-15 in New Zealand’s favour at the interval.

The #BledisloeCup stays in Aotearoa with highest score ever posted against Australia.  #NZLvAUS pic.twitter.com/4YTyItfkcD

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 14, 2021

The Wallabies made a bright start to the second half and they received a shot in the arm soon after the restart when Savea was yellow carded for a cynical defensive foul close to his try-line.

Despite that setback, the All Blacks were next to score when Aaron Smith tore the visitors’ defence to shreds with a sniping break close to the halfway line and he did well to throw an inside pass to Taylor, who crossed for his side’s fourth try.

In the 53rd minute, McKenzie left his stamp on this Test when he stepped up to land his long-range penalty from close to his 10-metre line.  That score seemed to knock the wind out of Australia’s sails as New Zealand hammered home their dominance with quickfire tries from Reece and Taylor which meant they held a comfortable 41-15 lead by the hour-mark.

They were far from done though as five minutes later Jordan found himself in the clear out wide before crossing in the right-hand corner and although the Wallabies struck back when Kellaway went over for his second try, the All Blacks clinched the result when Havili scored his five-pointer in the game’s dying moments.

All Blacks hold off Wallabies in Bledisloe Cup opener

New Zealand made a statement of intent in their opening Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia when they sealed a 33-25 victory at Eden Park on Saturday.

The All Blacks were full value for their win as they were the dominant side for most of this match, although they took their foot off the pedal during the game’s latter stages which allowed Australia to score three unanswered tries during that period.

Richie Mo’unga led the way with an 18-point haul for the All Blacks, courtesy of a try, three penalties and two conversions and their other points came via five-pointers from Sevu Reece, David Havili and Damian McKenzie.

For Australia, Tom Banks scored a brace of tries while Andrew Kellaway, Jordan Uelese also crossed the whitewash and Noah Lolesio added a penalty and a conversion.

The opening exchanges were scrappy with both teams making several unforced errors and we had to wait until the 18th minute before Mo’unga opened the scoring courtesy of a penalty.

Shortly afterwards, he added another three-pointer off the kicking tee, after the Wallabies were blown up for illegal scrummaging, which meant the home side were leading 6-0 midway through the half.

Another Mo’unga penalty followed on the half-hour mark but despite trailing on the scoreboard, the Wallabies did plenty of attacking.  There was little reward though but they eventually opened their account in the 32nd minute when Lolesio slotted a penalty, after an illegal tackle from Brodie Retallick on Tate McDermott.

That lifted their confidence levels and in the 36th minute the game came alive when Hunter Paisami gathered a long throw-in at the back of a Wallabies lineout, just inside New Zealand’s half.  He hit the line at pace and breached the home side’s defence before offloading to Kellaway, who crossed for the opening try.

Despite that score, the All Blacks did not panic and on the stroke of half-time, Reece crossed the whitewash from close quarters with Mo’unga adding the extras to give his side a 16-8 lead at half-time.

That second half was pure #BledisloeCup footy.#NZLvAUS pic.twitter.com/ltbYPO9ZYr

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 7, 2021

The hosts’ dominance continued in the second half and soon after the restart they launched an attack from deep inside their 22.  The ball went through several pairs of hands before Reece rounded off behind Australia’s try-line but his effort was ruled out due to a forward pass from Aaron Smith to Retallick in the build-up.

That disallowed score gave the Wallabies a lifeline and they upped the ante on attack.  However, a promising attacking move went awry in the 51st minute when Mo’unga intercepted a pass from Paisami close to the All Blacks’ 22-metre line and he raced away to score his side’s second five-pointer.

It was all New Zealand during the next 15 minutes and they were rewarded with two further tries during that period.  First, Smith found Havili with a well-weighted long pass close to Australia’s try-line before the centre stepped past Lolesio on his way over.

The home side continued to dominate and in the 65th minute Smith turned provider again when he offloaded to McKenzie, who crossed for their fourth try.

Despite that score, the Wallabies finished stronger and in the 69th minute Banks rounded off out wide, after running onto a pass from Matt To’omua.  Five minutes later, the full-back benefited again after gathering a grubber kick from Lolesio before Uelese added some respectability to the final score when he dotted down off the back of a lineout drive in this Test’s dying moments.

South Africa claim series win over British & Irish Lions

A 79th minute penalty from Morne Steyn saw South Africa to a 2-1 series triumph over the British & Irish Lions as they won 19-16 on Saturday.

After losing the opening Test, the world champions bounced back to claim the remaining matches as the Lions will head home licking their wounds.

Cheslin Kolbe scored South Africa’s only try while Handre Pollard added eight points and Steyn kicked two penalties in the latter stages in Cape Town.

For the Lions they crossed through Ken Owens while Finn Russell slotted a conversion and three penalty goals, but the touring outfit came up short.

Inspired by Russell who had replaced the injured Dan Biggar, the Lions produced their best rugby of the series in a first-half they lit up with off-loads, tempo and ambition.

The only concern was that Owens’ 19th-minute try as part of a 10-6 interval lead was a disappointing return given the time spent in the opposition 22 and so it proved in a tense third quarter dominated by the Springboks.

Kolbe struck with a brilliant finish to propel South Africa back in front and set-up a nerve-shredding climax to the series as Russell, Pollard and then Steyn took over from the kicking tee.

But trailing 16-13, the Lions rolled the dice by opting for touch instead of another three points and the gamble backfired when a scrum won after they had been held up over the line saw the Springboks win a penalty to relieve the pressure.

They did not make the same mistake twice, however, with Russell completing a long-range attempt to level the score with five minutes left, but there was still time for Steyn to strike.

In a desperate blow for Biggar, his departure soon after missing a shot at goal brought on Russell who made an immediate impact with the ball in hand once Pollard had sent a kick sailing between the uprights to draw first blood.

The Lions were gaining a crucial foothold at the scrum and when they squeezed the hosts once more, referee Mathieu Raynal awarded a penalty that Russell landed comfortably.

And Russell was at the heart of a Lions attack that swept them downfield, sharp lines and slipped passes doing the damage and forcing another kickable penalty, but this time Alun Wyn Jones opted for touch.

The gamble paid off as Owens was driven over from the line-out and with Russell on target with the conversion, the lead stretched to 10-3.

Liam Williams ignored an overlap that would have led to a certain score for Josh Adams as the Lions, guided by Russell, continued to make ground with the ball in hand before a second attempt at scoring a maul try ended with Raynal’s whistle.

Wyn Jones, the tourists’ most effective scrummaging loosehead, was clutching his shoulder in discomfort and South Africa forced a penalty at the set-piece that Pollard nailed.

The first-half ended with the Springboks furiously defending their line with Siya Kolisi coming to their rescue with a critical steal.

Wyn Jones finally departed with his injury soon after the interval and it became the Lions’ turn to weather a storm as South Africa pounded away without success, their disappointment compounded by a missed penalty by Pollard.

A high tackle by Russell on Kolbe was whistled but once more Pollard could not hit the target and with 55 minutes on the clock, the tourists finally escaped their half with a long kick from their mercurial fly-half.

But disaster struck almost immediately when a hoisted ball bounced off Jasper Wiese’s shoulder and fell to Lukhanyo Am, who fed Willie le Roux.

The former Wasps full-back did his job perfectly as he drew his man and fed Kolbe who twisted and turned through despairing tackles by Williams and Luke Cowan-Dickie to score.

Russell punished an infringement by Wiese to level the score but Steyn replaced Pollard and his first act was to land a penalty.

The Lions were held up over the line and could not capitalise on a five-metre scrum, but they were back on the front foot through a rampaging break by Robbie Henshaw.

Russell then found the posts but Steyn had the final say as he returned to haunt the Lions.

South Africa level series in bruising encounter

The British and Irish Lions will collide with South Africa in a series decider next Saturday after the Springboks emerged emphatic 27-9 winners from an ugly second Test at Cape Town Stadium.

A grisly spectacle disfigured by repeated stoppages saw the Lions build a deserved 9-6 interval lead through three Dan Biggar penalties, but having been largely bossed until that point the world champions began to snarl in the second half.

Makazole Mapimpi crossed to propel them back in front and then Lukhanyo Am touched down as they capitalised on excellent kicks from Handre Pollard and Faf de Klerk.

A feature of the match was the world champions’ growing control of the air as the Lions struggled to deal with the barrage of kicks raining down on them, while up-front the home pack muscled up in a dominant 40 minutes.

Unlike in the first Test that was lost 22-17, the ‘Bomb Squad’ had the desired impact from the bench, and the size of the win as the Springboks powered over the finishing line with their forwards rampant suggests they were undercooked for the series opener seven days earlier.

A major outbreak of coronavirus severely disrupted their build-up but by full-time of this rematch they had rediscovered their swagger as the Lions fell away at an alarming rate.

South Africa were lucky to see Cheslin Kolbe avoid a red card after he took Conor Murray out in the air, while a high tackle by De Klerk, also on Murray, was given only brief attention by the officials.

Otherwise it was a fine performance by referee Ben O’Keeffe, who was subject to unprecedented scrutiny after Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus released an extraordinary hour-long critique of the officiating in the first Test.

O’Keeffe was calm and composed throughout a fractious match that was constantly interrupted by reviews on a huge number of incidents, with the first half alone lasting over an hour.

In a sign of the conflict to come, tempers flared as early as the third minute with Alun Wyn Jones and Eben Etzebeth locking horns after a South African maul was halted just short of the line.

O’Keeffe seized the opportunity to assert his authority to the captains and a cagey opening was under way with Pollard and Biggar exchanging penalties as the packs tore into each other.

Kolbe came off worse in a head-on head collision with Tom Curry that he instigated, fortunately escaping any sanction, as the Lions continued to edge a ferocious opening quarter.

Biggar was on target with a second penalty and the bad news began to pile up for the Springboks as Pollard missed the posts and 2019 world player of the year Pieter-Steph du Toit departed with a shoulder injury sustained during an earlier tackle by Duhan van der Merwe.

It was a contentious challenge that ended Du Toit’s match but Van der Merwe did not escape O’Keeffe’s attention for a trip on Kolbe that was punished with a yellow card.

The advantage was rapidly wiped out, however, when Kolbe took Murray out in the air and was also sent to the sin-bin where he could reflect on his luck that the card was not red.

Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje pinched home ball on successive line-outs as the absence of Du Toit began to bite at the set-piece.

The Lions were now on top as they camped on South Africa’s line, applying pressure with the line-out and then scrum before Robbie Henshaw was unable to ground the ball over the line because of Siya Kolisi’s intervention after grabbing Murray’s kick.

Biggar’s boot gave the tourists the lead for the first time but the second half had barely begun when Pollard hoisted a kick to the wing for Mapimpi to collect and score.

Momentum was growing behind South Africa and a powerful maul swept them forwards before De Klerk grubbered for Am to score, although he did not appear to have full control of the ball.

It was foot on the throat time as Pollard rifled over two penalties and the Lions looked a spent force, unable to match the Springboks’ physicality.

British & Irish Lions edge South Africa in series opener

The British & Irish Lions came from behind in a dominant second half to seize an early lead in their series against South Africa with a tense 22-17 win at Cape Town Stadium.

Trailing 12-3 at the interval after being picked apart by the boot of Handre Pollard, the Lions came alive as a Luke Cowan-Dickie try ignited a fightback that was completed by the boots of Dan Biggar and Owen Farrell.

South Africa were playing only their second international since lifting the 2019 World Cup but there was little sign of rustiness as their simple gameplan based around territory and forcing penalties initially unfolded as planned.

A fractured build-up that forced the entire Springboks squad to self-isolate for six days as well as key players such as Siya Kolisi and Pollard testing positive for coronavirus had no apparent impact as they played to their strengths beautifully.

It was often an ugly spectacle and at times the Lions looked slightly lost, failing to gain a meaningful foothold up-front and with half-backs Ali Price and Biggar unable to provide direction.

But a dramatic swing took place early in the second half as South Africa’s discipline collapsed as a resurgent Lions began stamping their authority in every area while Biggar kicked the points.

The feared Springboks pack went from bullies to bullied and although the world champions hustled a try through Faf de Klerk, they looked vulnerable across the pitch.

The Lions bench came on to close out an arm wrestle of a series opener with Farrell, who had replaced Biggar, slotting a 79th-minute penalty.

A predictably ferocious opening saw swarming breakdown work by both teams interrupted by persistent kicking and a savage tackle by Lukhanyo Am on Elliot Daly.

Already the Lions were looking to play more rugby as typified by Anthony Watson attempting to run the ball out from his own 22, while South Africa were content to kick, mostly through De Klerk.

Pollard drew first blood with a penalty and when Tom Curry made a late tackle on De Klerk, he added another three points as an opening quarter controlled by the Springboks came to an end.

Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s director of rugby, made his first appearance as a waterboy and soon after Biggar landed a penalty with the Lions benefiting from Maro Itoje’s predatory work at the breakdown.

But the tourists’ indiscipline was becoming a recurring problem as Pollard booted another six points to extend the lead to 12-3 while Biggar failed with a routine shot at goal.

A tense first-half neared its conclusion with Daly just falling short with a long-range penalty attempt and the Lions’ hearts were in their mouths when Robbie Henshaw stepped through a gap in defence and raced upfield until Willie le Roux arrived to tackle the Ireland centre.

South Africa changed their entire front-row at half-time but when play restarted they came under immediate pressure as Alun Wyn Jones opted for the corner rather than taking the points.

The ambition paid off as the Lions constructed an unstoppable line-out maul that swept them over the whitewash with Cowan-Dickie touching down.

Le Roux had a try disallowed for a marginal offside call when Am kicked ahead but TMO Marius Jonker had no issue with De Klerk’s 50th-minute try.

Makazole Mapimpi and Pieter-Steph du Toit were heavily involved as the Lions failed to capitalise on a wild pass by Pollard and De Klerk arrived to poach the try from close range.

But successive penalties by Biggar that punished the Springboks for repeatedly straying offside kept the Lions in the hunt.

The momentum had now swung totally towards the tourists and for the first time they were ahead courtesy of Biggar’s boot, setting up nail-biting climax.

Nerves frayed once more when only a Cheslin Kolbe knock-on saw a Damian De Allende try chalked off and it was Farrell who had the final say.

Dominant Argentina earn impressive win over Wales

Wales suffered a Test series defeat at the hands of Argentina as they were beaten 33-11 by a strong Pumas side in Cardiff.

Wayne Pivac’s men ― who were without their British and Irish Lions stars ― drew with Argentina in the first game of the two-match series, but they were lucky to only be 17-8 down at half time in the second.

They were second best in the forward exchanges, made too many basic errors and came nowhere near Argentina’s tempo.

Owen Lane did open the scoring, but Argentina capitalised on Welsh mistakes to score through Matias Moroni and Tomas Cubelli.

The kicking of Nicolas Sanchez guided Argentina home and to a fully deserved win in the second half, while Pablo Matera grabbed a third Pumas try in the 79th minute.

Sanchez missed a simple early penalty attempt on a gloriously sunny Cardiff afternoon.

Wales soon made the Pumas pay.  Leon Brown’s lovely tip on pass allowed Jarrod Evans to set Jonathan Davies free and he passed to Lane who finished well in the corner.  Evans’ touchline kick hit the post.

Argentina seemed angered by the score and, after a series of powerful forward carries, Moroni crashed over.  Sanchez, unlike Evans, was successful from wide out.

Wales’ attack initially looked promising ― Tom Rogers dropped a simple pass to stem one move ― but there were too many Welsh penalties and Argentina’s forward power was dangerous.

Their scrum-half Cubelli sniped for the line but spilled the ball.

Wales’ defence was too passive and it allowed Argentina’s forwards a foothold.

Sanchez kicked a simple three points a few minutes after prop Brown popped up at a scrum and was penalised.

Argentina grabbed their second with Cubelli making it second time lucky.

It came after Moroni kicked ahead down the left wing and caught Evans in possession.  Referee Luke Pearce initially penalised him for a knock on, but the ball came off the Argentine’s head.

The Pumas were given the scrum put-in as a result and Cubelli went over from there.

Sanchez converted and, while Evans responded with a penalty, Wales were up against it.  They did have a good attacking position before half-time, but Elliot Dee’s line-out throw went wrong.

Sanchez missed with a long-range drop-goal attempt but his team deservedly led at the break.

Evans had to get back and stop Sanchez from scoring at the start of the second half and Wales captain Davies kicked out on the full.  Rogers then passed to the floor with Lane in space.

Pivac had seen enough and replaced Brown, Dee and Ben Carter.  Matthew Screech came on for his Wales debut.  Evans then kicked a penalty and Willis Halaholo replaced the struggling Rogers.

Sanchez responded with three points of his own to make it 20-11.

But Hallam Amos was then yellow carded for taking out Santiago Carreras in the air as he looked to reclaim his own kick and Sanchez kicked Argentina further clear.

Wales could not come back with a man light as their handling errors continued in the final quarter.  Sanchez kicked another penalty after he had hit the post with a monster earlier effort before Matera added insult to injury for those of a Welsh persuasion.

14-man Australia edge France to win thrilling series

Australia had Marika Koroibete sent off early on but still managed to claim a 33-30 victory over France in Brisbane and win a stunning series 2-1.

Koroibete was red carded for connecting with the head of Anthony Jelonch and it initially had a significant impact on the hosts as Les Bleus moved 10-0 in front thanks to Baptiste Couilloud’s try.

However, the Wallabies responded as half-backs Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio touched down before Cameron Woki went over for the away team.

The second period was similarly thrilling with Pierre-Louis Barassi and Taniela Tupou trading tries before Lolesio and Melvyn Jaminet added a three-pointer each to keep the match finely poised going into the final 10 minutes.

Australia finished stronger, though, and Lolesio’s 78th minute penalty proved to be enough to spark jubilation among the Wallabies players and fans.

Fabien Galthie’s men have started all three matches impressively and they began this encounter on the front foot.  They carried well, with hooker Gaetan Barlot to the fore, and their pressure earned a penalty which Jaminet converted for a 3-0 lead.

The visitors were then boosted further when Koroibete was sent off after connecting with the head of French captain Jelonch.

There did appear to be a dip from Jelonch, which could have mitigated it down to a yellow, but the New Zealand officials deemed that it was worthy of a red card.

The home crowd were angry, particularly at the apparent theatrics of the back-rower, and they were further incensed when the visitors extended their advantage via Couilloud’s close range effort.

To the Wallabies’ credit, they composed themselves and hit back superbly as the inspirational Michael Hooper took an outstanding line.  The flanker stepped Antoine Hastoy and then produced an excellent off-load for McDermott to go over unopposed.

Although Jaminet kicked another penalty to take Les Bleus six points ahead, a French mistake inside their own half led to Lolesio intercepting and moving Dave Rennie’s charges ahead.

The fly-half converted and then added another three-pointer for a 17-13 advantage before rangy France back-row Woki reached out to regain his side’s lead.

In a thrilling half of rugby, there would be one more score as Lolesio levelled matters with another successful effort off the tee.

That excitement would continue into the second period as France scored one of the great tries.  It was started by Couilloud, who found Teddy Thomas in space.  The wing then chipped forward and combined with his scrum-half to provide Hastoy with the opportunity to send Barassi across the whitewash.

It could have been the try to finally break the Australian resistance but, once again, they hit back and were rewarded through Tupou’s effort.

The sides could not be separated going into the final quarter but the Wallabies increased the pressure and thought they had scored through Brandon Paenga-Amosa.  However, it was ruled out due to a knock on from Hunter Paisami in the build up.

Rennie’s men would get another opportunity, though, when an ill-disciplined France conceded a penalty, which was converted by Lolesio.

Les Bleus immediately responded through Jaminet but a mistake under the high ball gave Australia a scrum and Lolesio stepped up to win the game for Australia after forcing their opponents to infringe at the set-piece.

Sevu Reece hat-trick powers All Blacks past Fiji

Sevu Reece scored a hat-trick of tries as the All Blacks claimed a deserved 60-13 victory against Fiji in Hamilton on Saturday.

Samisoni Taukei’aho (2), Ardie Savea, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, and Shannon Frizell also went over for tries for New Zealand while Richie Mo’unga kicked five conversions and a penalty, and Beauden Barrett also slotted a conversion.

For Fiji, Peni Ravai crossed the whitewash and Ben Volavola succeeded with a conversion and three penalties.

Fiji made a fantastic start and had the All Blacks defence at sixes and sevens after a superb line break from Eneriko Buliruarua.  New Zealand strayed offside as their opponents hammered away at their try-line and Volavola opened the scoring off the kicking tee in the fifth minute.

The visitors held the upper hand during the next 10 minutes but couldn’t increase their lead and that proved costly as the All Blacks struck back with Reece’s first try in the 15th minute.  This, after David Havili ran onto a pass from Ardie Savea on Fiji’s 22 and the inside centre beat a couple of defenders before offloading to Reece, who scored under the posts.

That did not deter Fiji, who continued with their attacking style of play but despite another foray into the All Blacks’ half, they could not breach the hosts’ defence and had to settle for another penalty from Volavola midway through the half.

New Zealand continued to soak up the pressure and also had some good attacking moments.  But when they did launch attacks into Fiji’s half they were met by a solid defensive effort from their opponents.  Fiji committed several breakdown infringements, however, and on the half-hour mark Mo’unga slotted a penalty which gave his side a 10-6 lead.

Shortly afterwards, New Zealand launched an attack from a scrum inside Fiji’s 22 and Reece soon found himself in space out wide before going over in the left-hand corner for his second try.

New Zealand’s forwards then put their team on the front foot with strong carries deep inside Fiji’s 22 with Savea and Luke Jacobson stopped just short of the try-line.  The ball eventually came out to the backs and Mo’unga found Reece with a long pass and the wing cantered in for his hat-trick.

Fiji’s captain, Leone Nakarawa, was also yellow carded after referee Damon Murphy had warned the team for continuous infringements shortly before Reece’s third five-pointer.

Just before half-time, Savea powered through the Fijian defence to score his try which meant the hosts had their tails up with the score 29-6 in their favour at the interval.

A great series against our @fijirugby brothers.#NZLvFIJ #SteinlagerSeries pic.twitter.com/hWlD84Ul7w

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 17, 2021

New Zealand continued to dominate in the second half and shortly after the restart Jordan dotted down after running onto a Mo’unga pass deep inside Fiji’s half.

Fiji’s response was immediate and they did well to launch a lineout drive on the All Blacks’ five-metre line before Ravai broke away from the maul to cross for a deserved five-pointer.

Volavola added the extras but that was the last time the visitors would score points as the All Blacks took control of proceedings during the rest of the match.

In the 51st minute, replacement back Ioane had an easy run-in after good work from Mo’unga in the build-up and on the hour-mark Taukei’aho scored off the back of a lineout drive deep inside Fijian territory.

It was one way traffic during the game’s final quarter and the All Blacks were rewarded with further tries from Frizell and Taukei’aho which sealed a convincing victory.

France edge out Wallabies to level series

France drew level in their three-Test series with Australia when they beat the Wallabies 28-26 at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Wednesday.

For the second successive week, the result was in the balance until the end but France were deserved winners and their victory is a momentous one as it is the first time since 1990 that they have beaten the Wallabies on Australian soil.

Melvyn Jaminet was Les Bleus’ hero as he finished with a 23-point haul courtesy of seven penalties and a conversion, with their other points coming via a five-pointer from Damian Penaud.

For Australia, Jake Gordon and Michael Hooper scored tries while Noah Lolesio added two conversions and four penalties.

France gained an early lead courtesy of a Jaminet penalty from the halfway line in the second minute but the Wallabies struck back when Marika Koroibete crossed the whitewash shortly afterwards after a mazy run in the build-up.

His effort was disallowed, however, after television replays revealed a handling error from Tom Wright in the build-up.

Another three-pointer off the kicking tee from Jaminet gave the visitors a 6-0 lead but Lolesio reduced the deficit to three points when he opened Australia’s account with a penalty of his own in the 18th minute.

Soon after, Les Bleus launched an attack from just inside their half with Penaud finding himself in space down the right-hand touchline but he did well to throw an inside pass to Cameron Woki.  The flanker returned the favour and Penaud cantered in for the opening try which Jaminet converted.

The next 15 minutes was an arm wrestle as the sides battled to gain the ascendancy and Lolesio and Jaminet traded further penalties which meant France held a 16-6 lead by the 35th minute.

Just before half-time, the Wallabies were hammering away at Les Bleus’ try-line and after Matt Philip was stopped just short of the whitewash, Taniela Tupou got a delightful skip pass out to Gordon, who went over in the left-hand corner.  Lolesio did well to land the conversion from close to the touchline which meant France held a slender 16-13 lead at the interval.

The Wallabies made the brighter start to the second half and in the 46th minute Lolesio drew his side level when he slotted his second penalty.  However, it was all France for the next 15 minutes as the Wallabies lost some of their defensive shape, especially at the breakdowns where they were penalised on several occasions.

France level the series 1-1 🇫🇷 It all comes down to the decider this Saturday.

Stan Sport, the Home of International Rugby.  Ad-free, Live & On Demand.#AUSvFRA pic.twitter.com/bowcXCkCyM

— StanSportAU (@StanSportAU) July 13, 2021

And when it was within goal-kicking range Jaminet made them pay.  The young full-back showed his class as he slotted three consecutive penalties which gave France a 25-16 lead by the 63rd minute.

The Wallabies needed a response and that came in the 71st minute when Tom Banks tore France’s defence to shreds with a superb line break.  He got a pass out to Andrew Kellaway, who was brought to ground deep inside Les Bleus’ 22 but he did well to offload to Hooper, who scored in the corner.

Once again, Lolesio succeeded with a difficult conversion and the match was evenly poised with France holding a slender two-point lead.

The game’s closing stages were tense and the Wallabies thought they had clinched the result when Lolesio added his fourth penalty in the 75th minute, after Demba Bamba strayed offside on defence.

There was still another twist in the tale, however, and Bamba made up for his earlier indiscretion when he put great pressure on the Wallabies scrum in the 78th minute.

Referee James Doleman penalised the home side at the set-piece and up stepped Jaminet, who held his nerve to slot the resulting place-kick which also secured the win for his team.