Controversial decisions from referee Mathieu Raynal stole the headlines in Melbourne as a late Jordie Barrett try broke Australian hearts in a thrilling 39-37 victory for the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship.
New Zealand came flying out of the blocks and scored their opening try after just four minutes through Samisoni Taukei’aho. They stretched their lead to 10-0 through Richie Mo’unga, but Australia drew level from a Rob Valetini try and the boot of Bernard Foley, who starred in his first appearance for the Wallabies in three years.
Australia’s were down to 13 men for the final minutes of the first half and were lucky not to receive a red card after a dangerous clear out by Darcy Swain, who received a yellow card for a reckless tackle at the ruck.
All Blacks winning try vs Australia
🎙️ "Have you ever seen it?!"
New Zealand beat Australia 39-37 in the most bizarre ending! pic.twitter.com/A8lGXnsXMM— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) September 15, 2022
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New Zealand took control of the game in the second half, as Australia’s discipline continued to let them down as Jake Gordon received a yellow card, with a second try from Taukei’aho and tries from Mo’unga and Will Jordan gave them a 31-13 lead with 25 minutes remaining.
However, Australia refused to be beaten, and two tries in the space of six minutes from Andrew Kellaway, combined with a brilliant try from Pete Same either side of a Mo’unga penalty left the game at 34-34 with five minutes remaining.
A Nick White penalty from just inside the New Zealand half then put the Wallabies in front with three minutes remaining, and looked to have held on for a famous victory when they were awarded a penalty with less than a minute remaining.
However, in a bizarre turn of events, referee Mathieu Raynal punished White for time wasting and awarded a scrum for New Zealand five meters from Australia’s line.
After moving the ball wide, Jordie Barrett, dived in the corner to seal victory for the All Blacks in a classic game.
⚠️ GRAPHIC WARNING⚠️ Look away now if you're squeamish! 😬😱
↳ Bledisloe Cup First Test LIVE NOW in 4K UHD, on Stan Sport.#StanSportAU #BledisloeCup #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/7swfmAGig9— Stan Sport Rugby (@StanSportRugby) September 15, 2022
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