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 but dominated after the break, scoring five further tries to pull away. Jordie Barrett delivered a man of the match performance, while Damian McKenzie kicked accurately as New Zealand secured a convincing win over the Wallabies.
Early Pressure and the First Try
Australia were awarded a penalty in the fourth minute after New Zealand’s number 2 collapsed the maul. The Wallabies opted for the lineout, mauled the ball and played a few short phases, but the All Blacks 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 on his left, and New Zealand scored their first try.
Penalties and Defensive Stands
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 took the restart on the 22. They played it cleverly short in the corner, retained possession, carried the ball upfield and won a penalty just outside the Wallabies 22.
In the 29th minute, the All Blacks set up a lineout on the 5-metre line and swung it wide, but 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. Jorgensen was through on goal if he caught it, but Beauden Barrett covered superbly and ran the ball out of touch on the 5-metre line.
In the 45th minute, Roigard launched a massive box kick, and Donaldson collected it. Barrett pounced after a perfectly timed tackle, and New Zealand won the penalty.
Lonergan’s Crucial Intervention
In the 48th minute, the All Blacks broke through after quick hands and created a two-on-one as they raced toward the try line. Lonergan tracked back, made a try-saving interception and booted the ball clear.
Late Tries
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.
In the 72nd minute, Tupaea produced a perfect jackal to win the ball back for New Zealand, and the move ended in a try in the corner.
Next Test
The All Blacks and Wallabies meet again next Saturday, 17 October 2026, in the second Bledisloe Cup Test at Accor Stadium.