This match could have been a first final for the victory of the tournament which also brings together South Africa and Argentina, it was only a meeting of fear between Australia, humiliated in Argentina (67-27) fifteen days earlier, and New Zealand, three defeats in four days including two against South Africa.
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But in Sydney, the most worrying patient was Australia. It took barely 100 seconds for Will Jordan, repositioned at the back, to pierce the yellow curtain with astonishing ease to flatten under the posts. The All Blacks took full advantage of the generosity of an apathetic defense and a team without resources (four tries after 25 minutes).
The score could have been much higher as the English referee reversed his decision to award a try to the All Blacks three times after video review. Australia took advantage of this to stay in the game and attempt a comeback at the end of the game, taking advantage of two New Zealand yellow cards, only to end up with just three points.
“We found a way to win, I’m very pleased,” New Zealand coach Scott Robertson said. “We’re gaining experience in winning these close games,” he added. “There are things to be proud of… like the way we managed to come back into the game. But when you give New Zealand a start like that, it’s too hard to overcome,” Australia coach Joe Schmidt said.
Match ball for the Boks
Wallabies prop James Slipper, who came on for his 140th cap, would have dreamed of a more glorious match to break scrum-half George Gregan’s national record. The loss leaves Australia all but doomed to last place ahead of the return match against New Zealand on the final day next weekend.
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