New Zealand beat Australia 50-14 in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park, extending their remarkable unbeaten run at the venue. The All Blacks led 17-14 at half-time, then dominated after the break, scoring five further tries to pull away. Jordie Barrett delivered a man of the match performance, and Damian McKenzie kicked accurately as New Zealand secured a convincing win over the Wallabies.
Early Exchanges
Australia were awarded a penalty in the fourth minute after the All Blacks’ number 2 collapsed the maul. The Wallabies opted for the lineout, mauled the ball and played a few short phases, but the New Zealand defence held firm, and Australia knocked the ball on over the try line.
In the 12th minute, Roigard put the ball to the boot, and Barrett collected it beautifully in the air. McKenzie broke the line and found support to his left, and New Zealand scored their first try.
In the 24th minute, the Wallabies conceded a penalty just outside their 22. Lonergan swung it to the left of the posts, and the All Blacks had a restart on the 22. They took it cleverly short in the corner, retained possession, carried the ball upfield and won another penalty just outside the Wallabies’ 22.
Defensive Pressure
In the 29th minute, New Zealand held a lineout on the 5-meter line and swung it wide. The Wallabies defence stood strong and forced a knock-on from Will Jordan.
In the 43rd minute, Donaldson kicked a grubber through after Valentini broke the line, and Jorgensen was through on goal. Beauden Barrett covered superbly, however, and ran the ball out of touch on the 5-meter line.
Two minutes later, in the 45th minute, Roigard launched a massive box kick. Donaldson collected it, and Barrett pounced after a perfectly timed tackle, winning a penalty for New Zealand.
Second Half Surge
In the 48th minute, the All Blacks broke through after quick hands and found themselves in a 2-on-1 situation with a clear run at goal. Lonergan tracked back, made a try-saving interception and kicked the ball clear.
In the 71st minute, Rieko Ioane lost the ball forward as he was placing it after the tackle, and the All Blacks’ sixth try was ruled out.
The All Blacks did not have to wait long for another score. In the 72nd minute, Tupaea produced a perfect jackal to win the ball back, and it ended in a try in the corner.
Next Match
The two sides meet again next Saturday, 17 October 2026, in the second Bledisloe Cup Test at Accor Stadium.