The All Blacks have scored a narrow 31-28 win over Australia to retain the Bledisloe Cup for another year. The All Blacks started fast and held a 28-14 lead at halftime, but Australia hit back in the second half helped with the sinbinning of two All Blacks.
New Zealand: 31
Tries: Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Ardie Savea, Conversions: Damian McKenzie 4, Penalty: McKenzie
Australia: 28
Tries: Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Hunter Paisami, Tom Wright, Conversions: Noah Lolesio 4
All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Ireland for the deciding third test in Wellington this Saturday night.
Back in the side is lock Sam Whitelock after he withdrew last week with concussion symptoms, and this see's Scott Barrett move to blindside with Dalton Papalii dropping to the bench. Also in is tighthead prop Nepo Laulala, winger Will Jordan and second five David Havili who is back from Covid, while Dane Coles, Akira Ioane and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck come into the reserves.
New Zealand All Blacks:
1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Scott Barrett, 7. Sam Cane (c) 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Jordie Barrett
Reserves:
16. Dane Coles, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19. Akira Ioane, 20. Dalton Papalii, 21. Folau Fakatava, 22. Richie Mo’unga, 23. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
