Ciaran Baynes's match report
Wallabies end drought with win over New Zealand in scintillating Bledisloe Cup conclusion
The last time the Wallabies beat the All Blacks, Tony Abbott and John Key were the prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand respectively. Several political changes later on both sides of the Tasman, Australia has again defeated their arch rivals following a thrilling finale to the 2017 Bledisloe Cup in Brisbane.
Tries to Reece Hodge, Israel Folau and Marika Koroibete gave the Wallabies’ momentum throughout the night, but it would be two late penalties converted by Hodge that would prove the difference. While electric attacking play from Sonny Bill Williams and Rieko Ioane gave the home side plenty of frights, Michael Cheika’s side showed great composure to see out the game and end the Southern Hemisphere test season on a high.
Both teams now head to Europe for a string of tough matches. Australia will face Wales in mid-November after a brief stop-off encounter against Japan, while the All Blacks have a forthcoming clash with the Barbarians in London.
Thanks for your company and contributions throughout the match tonight. I’m on live blog duty again tomorrow for the Sunday sportswatch - until then!
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Wow. You don't see that everyday. The @AllBlacks actually lose a Test Match. Wallabies defending for their lives. #AUSvNZL
— Alastair McCollum (@AliMcC512) October 21, 2017
Incredible defensive effort from the Wallabies tonight. Incredible. In the vicinity of 90% effectiveness. Great signs.. #AUSvNZL
— Brett McKay (@BMcSport) October 21, 2017
All Blacks never lost to Aussie when @pmbillenglish was PM. Thanks for nothing Jacinda. #AUSvNZL #JustSaying
— david anderson (@davidandersonnz) October 21, 2017
No amount of rain will dampen the spirit of Australian fans at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, after the Wallabies secured their first victory over New Zealand since August 2015.
WE DID IT! Our #Wallabies have defeated the @AllBlacks 22-18 here at #BledisloeCup. #AUSvNZL
— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) October 21, 2017
Full-time: Australia 23-18 New Zealand
80 min: Peeepppp! A sweeter whistle Australian fans have not heard for a long time. Victory to the Wallabies - the first over New Zealand in two years.
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80 min: New Zealand with one last throw of the dice, taking a line-out on the 22 metre mark.
79 min: That was a monster kick from Adam Hodge, about 55 metres from the goalposts. Australia take the ball from the kick and hold on for dear life.
Australia 23-18 New Zealand
78 min: And Hodge hits it! The All Blacks will need a converted try to win this with two minutes remaining.
77 min: Miserly defence from the Wallabies culimates with a turn-over after some threatening New Zealand attack. Australia awarded a penalty on the half-way line, and Reece Hodge elects to kick.
Two points in it heading into the final four minutes at Suncorp, and four minutes of injury time for either sided to break the deadlock in the A-League’s Sydney derby. How good is sport!
Here’s rugby league convert Marika Koroibete crossing the line earlier for the Wallabies’ third try of the night.
Australia 20-18 New Zealand
70 min: Rieko Ioane is just too fast for the Wallabies, taking the ball wide after some quick passing and outpacing the Australian defenders. Try New Zealand! Damian McKenzie kicks the attempt conversion wide and Australia hang on to a two point lead.
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An email from Martin Turnbull (who, if I recall correctly from a previous Bledisloe match, is not related to the Australian prime minister). “My kingdom for a reliable [Wallabies] goal kicker,” Turnbull offers. Any takers?
69 min: Huge bust from the Wallabies to move out of danger and into the New Zealand half. The ball is turned over and Rieko Ioane is almost away on the wing. Thrilling stuff - and it’s a dead-rubber!
67 min: Australia leading the Kiwis on several fronts on the statistics spreadsheet: 423 attacking metres to 189, 116 carries to 63, 150 passes to 76, 88 rucks won to 43. But as we all know, there is only one stat that matters. Currently it’s 20-13 to Australia, but still over a dozen minutes to go.
Australia 20-13 New Zealand
64 min: Reece Hodge is given kicking duties for the penalty, and adds three points without difficulty. Australia now with a converted try advantage.
62 min: Australia with another piercing set of phases. Tevita Kuridrani almost finds the gap but can’t slide through. Phase number 11 and counting, before the referee blows for an Australian penalty.
Owen McArdle speaking the truth via Twitter.
Foley's goal kicking is a big issue in a game this close against this team. Wallabies have effectively left a try's worth of points out there, and kicks which Sopoaga would have probably got. #AUSvNZL
— Owen McArdle (@McArdle_Owen) October 21, 2017
I wouldn’t normally post Twitter content from a betting company, but...
🇦🇺 Who is the greatest player to ever pull on a Wallabies jersey?#AUSvNZL #BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/lj5IZihejS
— bet365_aus (@bet365_aus) October 21, 2017
Nice pic from an agency snapper at Suncorp.
Australia 17-13 New Zealand
56 min: And the gamble pays off! Marika Koroibete with a try in the corner after some delicious cross-field movement - advantage Australia! Bernard Foley misses again - time to take the kicking duties away? Just over 20 minutes remaining and the Wallabies lead by four.
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55 min: Australia are on the Kiwi 40 metre line and gradually moving their way forward. Will Genia takes a quick tap from a penalty, and finds some space. Advantage to Australia for an offside, but the Wallabies swing wide with Tevita Kuridrani. He puts the ball down, and proceedings are called back for the penalty. The green and gold kick for touch, a bold call given they are right in front and one point down.
A one point difference here and 2-2 midway through the second half in the A-League Sydney derby. It’s all happening in Australian sport tonight.
50 min: Australia are awarded a penalty on the 40 metre mark, and elect to kick for goal. Bernard Foley shanks wide - that’s one from three this evening for him. If the Wallabies ultimately lose by a couple of points, Foley won’t sleep well tonight.
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The pitch at Suncorp Stadium is in average form tonight.
Good news Brisbane Roar fans. Penalty box at Caxton St end should be in great nick for tomorrow #AUSvNZL #BRIvNEW pic.twitter.com/2gVDadD2Ya
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) October 21, 2017
Let’s hope referee Barnes isn’t on Twitter. As if to make the point, some obvious offsides from the All Blacks go uncalled by the British whistleblower.
Are they saying Boo or Booarnes? #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/kFD9iOQDrC
— Steve Lenthall (@steve_l15) October 21, 2017
The troubling element of rugby.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Rob Simmons as he's stretchered from the field - giving a thumbs up on his way off 🙏#BledisloeCup #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/Zzcu4sy0WZ
— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) October 21, 2017
46 min: The Wallabies cross the line after stealing from an All Blacks scrum, but the referee has already blown for a penalty. Good scrum from Australia, although a disappointing outcome for the home fans with that try chalked off.
44 min: We’re back underway following a lengthy injury time-out with Rob Simmons stretchered from the ground. The Wallabies attack down the left-hand flank, and some quick-hands passing leads to a dangerous opportunity.
Some consensus on Twitter.
LOVE this jersey. Make it permanent, @qantaswallabies #AUSvNZL #BledisloeCup
— Rich Wisken (@RichWisken) October 21, 2017
Do one (1) thing right this year @ARUhq and keep this jersey permanently #AUSvNZL
— Mark O'Shea (@markoshea75) October 21, 2017
And some haircut chat:
😂😂😂@AllBlacks @qantaswallabies @masiulangapo #AUSvNZL #BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/cWiZZfLXPx
— Toa & Pua Siulangapo (@Stapukz) October 21, 2017
While we’re waiting for the action to resume, let’s take a moment to appreciate tonight’s great Wallabies jersey. Israel Folau doing a good job modelling it here.
Australian lock Rob Simmons is down and getting treatment, with the game stopped. Looks nasty - he’s prone on the grass and not moving.
43 min: Relentless pressure from New Zealand as the All Blacks search for the Australian line, but the tension is eventually eased by a penalty to the Wallabies.
Whoever runs the All Blacks Twitter account is far more creative than their Wallabies counterpart.
We are back underway in the second half with the #AllBlacks leading Australia 13-12.#AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/zXiG93SKTg
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 21, 2017
Second-half underway
40 min: We’re back in action at Suncorp Stadium. An important half of rugby here for the Wallabies, which could set the tone for their forthcoming European campaign.
Israel Folau in action earlier. His 39th minute try could prove crucial to the Wallabies if they are to stay in this contest.
While you’re waiting for the second-half, pop over to the Saturday sportswatch for the latest from the A-League’s Sydney derby and more.
Half-time
40 min: Phew! What a half of rugby. A very important try in the dying seconds of the first stanza from Israel Folau to keep the Wallabies within striking distance of New Zealand. Stay tuned - I’ll be back shortly.
Australia 12-13 New Zealand
39 min: Folau! The NRL convert finds a gap on the Kiwi flank to cross in the corner. Bernard Foley misses the conversion, and New Zealand head into the break with a one point lead.
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39 min: The Wallabies desperately searching for a line-break before the half - a converted try would give Australia the lead. Tevita Kuridrani makes a busting run but is eventually brought down.
36 min: Kurtley Beale with a nice break, and the momentum swings towards Australia. A try before half-time would be very useful. It’s not to be, with Beale knocking-on.
The All Blacks have also brought their Twitter game tonight.
Nicely done! @LimaSopoaga strikes a long range penalty which hits the cross bar and goes over to make it 10-7 to the #AllBlacks. #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/becW6CX3Ob
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 21, 2017
Getting emotionally invested in a Wallabies test against the All Blacks is just a recipe for ending up curled up in a ball crying to myself. So frustrating #AUSvNZL #BledisloeCup
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottliebFOX) October 21, 2017
Michael Cheikas new coaching technique is to cover his players hands with butter it seems #AUSvNZL
— Gareth Rees (@GTRees1992) October 21, 2017
Nice action snap. Imagine seeing these chaps bearing down on you - a troubling sight indeed.
Australia 7-13 New Zealand
30 min: An easy three points for Kiwi Lima Sopoaga, and that’s his third successful kick of the evening.
28 min: Sonny Bill Williams space with a dangerous intercept, but is dragged down by valiant Australian defenders. The All Blacks work their way towards the try line, but Jack Dempsey steals for the Wallabies. Referee Barnes calls it back though, and it’ll be a New Zealand penalty - they elect to kick.
Some correspondence trickling through: Elliot Williams on Twitter was convinced of a New Zealand victory, but his mind has been swayed by the early action. Jordan Bradfield is also tipping a Wallabies win, although thinks the rain may play a factor. Robert Allen via email promises not to brag about the impending Kiwi victory to his Australian friends (Robert, they’re probably used to it). Your thoughts? Let me know: email or Twitter.
Australia 7-10 New Zealand
24 min: New Zealand’s Lima Sopoaga converts a penalty. It’s in off the post, but they still count! The All Blacks take the lead.
22 min: Wallabies building pressure with several tackles around the 22 metre mark. The ball ends up on the ground and it’s a New Zealand scrum.
19 min: Aggressive Australian defence becomes overly ambitious and the All Blacks make a line-break. But the Wallabies’ Will Genia snatches a loose ball and charges forward. Exciting end to end stuff at the moment.
The Wallabies celebrating earlier following Reece Hodge’s opening try. They’ll need a few more tries if they are to still be cheering after the final whistle.
Australia 7-7 New Zealand
14 min: Desperate defence from the Wallabies denies the All Blacks on several occasion, but it can’t last - Waisake Naholo with a try in the corner following an overlap. Lima Sopoaga converts from the sideline to level proceedings.
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Not much love on Twitter for tonight’s whistleblower.
Was advantage over, Wayne? #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/JMjedEPplV
— Hike Mosking (@damnelley) October 21, 2017
Me: Great, home from shopping in time for #AUSvNZL
— Anthony Russell (@84arussell) October 21, 2017
TV: The referee is Wayne Barnes pic.twitter.com/GaJD9vPuOB
#WorldsLongestAdvantage#AUSvNZL #BledisloeCup
— Paul Warren (@thenewnumber2) October 21, 2017
Here’s the absolutely ace Wallabies jersey for tonight, designed by university student (and Kamilario/Gamilaraay person) Dennis Golding. It has the Aboriginal flag on one sleeve and the Torres Strait Islander flag on the other.
Australia 7-0 New Zealand
7 min: Reece Hodge! The winger intercepts and runs 70 metres to open the scoring. Australia convert.
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4 min: New Zealand with the first real chance of the game, finding a big gap in the Australian defence on the run. The Wallabies recover, not before some nervous moments, and end up with a line-out.
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2 min: First scrum goes to New Zealand on their 40 metre mark. Wayne Barnes is a British barrister specialising in corruption, who moonlights as an international rugby union referee. Overachievers, hey... The All Blacks find touch on Australia’s 40, and it’ll be a line-out for the Wallabies.
We're underway
Bernard Foley is wearing some fancy boots tonight with an Indigenous dot pattern. Let’s hope they help him kick straight, after a fairly wayward performance in Argentina earlier this month.
They’ve just had a minute’s silence at Suncorp Stadium for some of the former Wallabies to pass away over the past 12 months. Now a welcome to country - Australia are wearing special jerseys tonight with an indigenous pattern. The anthems and Haka will be next and then we’ll be ready for the opening whistle.
John McEnerney has been in touch via Twitter with some words of wisdom: “Optimism is a great thing, but realism is what it’s all about and the reality is the All Blacks are streets ahead.” You’re probably right, John, but I have a good feeling about the Wallabies tonight.
We’ll be underway shortly - stay tuned for kick-off. In the meantime, here’s Sonny Bill Williams being SBW.
Some early highlights from Twitter.
Can someone please get #AndrewMehterns a suit that fits him properly @skysportnz #AUSvNZL
— andrea thomas (@a_short_t) October 21, 2017
My 5 year old girl just asked ... Are they wearing the special jersey to thank Kurtley for coming home? #BledisloeCup #AUSvNZL
— George Hoddle (@GeorgeHoddle) October 21, 2017
Refusing to talk to each other tonight. #AUSvNZL #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/UczRD90QWf
— Christian B 🏳️🌈 (@cbiggins) October 21, 2017
How can the Wallabies end New Zealand’s reign as the dominant force in world rugby union? It’s no easy question, but ABC have an interesting reflection on what might need to change. Do write in with your two cents: email or Twitter.
It’s been 16 years since the Wallabies last lifted the Bledisloe Cup. There’s no chance of that changing tonight, but Australia’s first win against New Zealand in two years would be warmly welcomed by this Brisbane crowd.
It’s been raining in Brisbane. The weather could affect tonight’s play - expect more turnovers and less silky attacking rugby if the rain returns.
It's been a wet week here in Brisbane and the fans are ready for more ☔️! #AUSvNZL 🇳🇿🇦🇺🏉 pic.twitter.com/LjB1ND2ltV
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 21, 2017
Team news
Wallabies: Israel Folau, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper (captain), Jack Dempsey, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio. Reserves: Stephen Moore, Tom Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Tui, Ned Hanigan, Nick Phipps, Samu Kerevi, Henry Speight.
All Blacks: Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (captain), Sam Cane, Liam Squire, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Kane Hames. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili.
Preamble
The paradox of Saturday’s 2017 Bledisloe Cup finale is this: the game is simultaneously irrelevant and vitally important. On one hand, New Zealand has already lifted the hallowed trophy and the Rugby Championship has concluded, leaving the third Wallabies v All Blacks tie of the season no more than a dead rubber. On the other, the Suncorp Stadium showdown provides a prime opportunity for Australia to demonstrate progress under coach Michael Cheika, while a win for the Kiwis would underscore their superiority following a tough-fought encounter in Dunedin two months ago.
Cheika has made just one change from the Australian side that defeated Argentina in Mendoza, Rob Simmons replacing the injured Izack Rodda. Multi-sport sensation Karmichael Hunt has not returned to the squad despite recovering from an ankle issue, while Stephen Moore - set to make his 125th appearance for the Wallabies (and last on home soil) - is on the bench.
For New Zealand, the main team news concerned the absences of flyhalf Beauden Barrett due to concussion and winger Nehe Milner-Skudder with a dislocated shoulder. Lima Sopoaga has been named as Barrett’s replacement, in only the second test start for the 26-year-old. In the back-line, dangerous duo Sonny Bill Williams and Rieko Ioane will be looking to repeat the efforts that saw both star last time the All Blacks were in Australia.
Will the Wallabies secure a much needed win ahead of their European tour, and send off former captain Stephen Moore in style? Or will the all-conquering New Zealand machine roll on? We’ll find out shortly.
Wherever you are in the world, thanks for joining me during this morning/afternoon/evening’s clash, and do get in touch throughout the game via email, Twitter or smoke signal.
Updated
Kieran will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s some team news:
