All Blacks snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in Dunedin, denying Wallabies a 22-year first
The All Blacks came back from a 14-point deficit at halftime to defeat Australia 23-20 in Dunedin on Saturday, denying the Wallabies their first win in New Zealand since 2001.
The understaffed Kiwis scored twice in the second half, including an 80th-minute penalty kick from Jordie Barrett, to secure a narrow victory.
All Blacks Vs Wallabies: Full match in detail
All Blacks Secure Remarkable Victory Over Wallabies in 2023 Encounter.
Reflecting on the match, Coach Jones expressed the team’s disappointment, stating, “It’s a bitter feeling. We had the potential to emerge victorious in that game, but our inability to consistently execute the basics cost us dearly.”
The game displayed a clear contrast between the two halves. The Wallabies dominated the first 40 minutes, making their mark with two early tries within the opening seven minutes. However, the second half saw a complete shift in momentum, with the All Blacks asserting their dominance.
While the Australians showcased a strong performance initially, their second-half performance was marred by errors and a lack of discipline, overshadowing what could have been considered a stellar display after years of struggling.
Wallabies captain Tate McDermott, speaking after the match, expressed his disappointment with the outcome, noting, “We positioned ourselves to secure a victory, but the second half proved challenging. We have to credit them for their intense start. Though we’re disappointed with the loss, I’m proud of the effort we put in. We’ve come a long way from last week.”
Despite the earlier retention of the Bledisloe Cup through a convincing win at the MCG, the All Blacks underwent significant changes ahead of the match. Australia initiated the game strongly, opting for a kick to touch instead of taking the three points after receiving an early penalty advantage. This bold decision paid off, leading to a well-executed try by winger Marika Koroibete.
However, the All Blacks soon regained possession after a botched lineout throw. A linebreak orchestrated by Andrew Kellaway paved the way for the Wallabies’ second try, with Tom Hooper securing it. Although New Zealand managed to narrow the deficit, a penalty kick from Damian McKenzie, the Australians’ lead remained considerable.
The match witnessed several dramatic moments, including a remarkable save by Ardie Savea to prevent a certain try by Wallabies’ McDermott. Gordon’s impressive 50-22 kick was nullified due to the Australians’ slow setup, granting the All Blacks a reprieve.
While Australia’s lead at half-time was historic, the second half saw a resurgence from the All Blacks. Their determined efforts and consistent pressure resulted in their first try, setting the stage for a gripping comeback. New Zealand’s persistent strategy of pick-and-go drives ultimately paid off, as Samipeni Finau scored a crucial try.
Despite the Wallabies’ resilience and a notable penalty conversion by Quade Cooper, the All Blacks managed to secure victory through an 80th-minute penalty kick by Mo’unga. This marked the culmination of a 2-0 Bledisloe whitewash.
Reflecting on the match, Savea acknowledged the team’s challenges and the remarkable second-half turnaround. He emphasized the significance of their win, noting, “Though we’re not at our desired level yet, securing this victory is incredibly special.”
With just 35 days remaining until the World Cup, both teams will undoubtedly use this experience to further refine their strategies and prepare for the upcoming tournament.
All Blacks Vs Wallabies: Full match in short
In a dramatic turn of events, a last-minute penalty goal by Richie Mo’unga secured a nail-biting 23-20 victory for the All Blacks over the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup Test held in Dunedin.
The Wallabies initially surged ahead in the first half, leading the All Blacks with a score of 17-3. However, the hosts mounted a spirited comeback, eventually taking a 20-17 lead with just 16 minutes left in the match.
A 72nd-minute penalty goal by Wallabies replacement Quade Cooper leveled the scores, but Mo’unga’s decisive penalty goal in the final 60 seconds clinched the victory for the All Blacks by a narrow three-point margin. This win secured a clean sweep for the All Blacks in the two Bledisloe Cup Tests, building on their earlier triumph of 38-7 in Melbourne the previous Saturday.
Unfortunately for the Wallabies, this loss marked their fourth consecutive defeat this year, leaving Eddie Jones winless in his second stint as Wallabies coach. Looking ahead, the Wallabies are set to face France in Paris on August 28 in their final Test before the Rugby World Cup commences next month.
While the Wallabies had aimed for their first victory over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil in 22 years, their promising start couldn’t be maintained. Swift converted tries by Marika Koroibete and Tom Hooper within the opening six minutes, along with a Carter Gordon penalty goal, enabled the Wallabies to establish a commanding 14-point lead at halftime.
Notably, Ardie Savea’s heroic play prevented Wallabies captain Tate McDermott from scoring just before halftime. In contrast, the All Blacks managed only a single Damian McKenzie penalty goal in the first half.
After making a substantial 12-player lineup change from the previous Bledisloe Cup match, the All Blacks demonstrated a marked improvement in the second half. Debutant winger Shaun Stevenson scored their first try in the 43rd minute, rejuvenating their performance.
With 30 minutes remaining, the introduction of key players like Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, and Dane Coles, boasting a combined 252 caps, revitalized the contest. A potential try by Leicester Fainga’anuku in the 55th minute was denied by a TMO review due to a dropped ball over the line.
Both teams had their share of missed opportunities, as Gordon’s missed penalty kick was followed by Samipeni Finau’s try for the All Blacks. This shifted the lead to the hosts after over an hour of Wallabies dominance.
The match’s intensity persisted until the end, with Cooper’s penalty leveling the score with seven minutes left. Despite Cooper’s earlier knock-on, the defining moment arrived from Mo’unga’s clutch penalty goal in the final minutes, sealing the All Blacks’ triumph.
While the Wallabies showed signs of vigor, especially from captain McDermott and improved play by Gordon, they faced the reality of a winless southern hemisphere season with a 0-4 record. As they approach the World Cup, the Wallabies have an opportunity to regroup and strategize for better outcomes on the international stage.
FAQ(s) about Wallabies Rugby
Q1. What country is Wallabies Rugby associated to?
Australia played its first international rugby match in 1899, but it took nine more years for the team to be officially named the Wallabies. The first Australian team to tour the British Isles was in 1908.
Q2. Why are the Wallabies called the Wallabies?
The Australian rugby team was originally nicknamed the “Rabbits” by English newspapers. The Australian players found this nickname derogatory and instead chose to call themselves the “Wallabies,” after the marsupial native to Australia.
FAQ(s) about All Blacks Rugby
Q1. What does All Blacks Rugby mean?
The first New Zealand rugby team to tour the British Isles in 1905 was nicknamed the “Originals.” The name “All Blacks” emerged during this tour, when a London newspaper reported that the New Zealanders played as if they were “all backs” because of their black uniforms and their aggressive style of play. The New Zealand national rugby team is known as the All Blacks because of the black uniform they wear. The uniform includes the jersey, shorts, socks, and boots. The color black was first used by the New Zealand Native team that toured Britain and Australia in 1888–89, so it is possible that the All Blacks adopted the color for consistency.
Q2. How good is the All Black Rugby team?
The All Blacks are the most successful international men’s rugby team of all time, with a winning percentage of over 77%. They have played 612 Tests since 1903, and have won 475 of those matches. The All Blacks have also won the Rugby World Cup three times, and have been runners-up twice. They are considered one of the most dominant teams in any sport, and their success is due in part to their tradition of excellence, their physical prowess, and their commitment to teamwork.
Q3. Why All Blacks Rugby is so good?
Perseverance is a core value in New Zealand Rugby. Players are taught from a young age that the game is not over until the final whistle sounds, and that they should never give up, no matter how difficult the odds may seem. This resilience has helped the All Blacks to achieve great success over the years, and it is one of the things that makes them such a feared opponent.