The Australian supporters got value for their money despite their 28-31 loss to the All Blacks. Their horrible start to the test, conceding three early tries the difference between winning and losing.
The first fifteen minutes belong to the All Blacks who scored three tries against a hapless Australia to lead 21-00. However, the Aussies clawed their way back into the match and scored two well-worked tries to cut the All Blacks lead to 28-14 at the halftime break. The second half was unfortunately filled with moments of individual brilliance spoilt by unforced errors by both sides. Australia dominated the fourth quarter but unfortunately running out of time.
The All Blacks started the test like a house on fire, scoring the first try by Will Jordan after just 90 seconds. The All Blacks ran hard at the Aussies, who slipped off crucial tackles, resulting in Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke adding their name to the score sheet to extend the All Blacks lead to 21-00 after just fifteen minutes of play.
A fantastic set-piece move from Australia put Fraser McReight in the open to score Australia's first try to reduce the All Blacks lead to 21-07 with twenty-three minutes still to play.
The All Blacks reply was quick when Sevu Reece intercepted, and fed Ardie Savea who scored the All Blacks bonus-point try.
Five minutes before the halftime break Australian hooker Matt Faessler broke away from the back of a lineout maul to score Australia's second try, reducing the All Blacks' lead to 28-14, which was the halftime score.
Damian McKenzie added a converted penalty after four minutes of play in the second half. The rest of the third quarter was unfortunately filled with moments of individual brilliance spoilt by unforced errors by both sides.
The Aussies started to attack with purpose and following wave after wave of pick up and drives it was Hunter Paisami who barged through several tackles to score Australia's third try, cutting the All Blacks lead to 31-21 and seventeen minutes still to play in the second half.
Australia dominated the fourth quarter but could not convert their dominance in points on the board until Tom Wright powered his way over the All Blacks tryline with seconds still to play. The Aussies were definitely "unlucky" to lose 28-31.
Scorers:
Australia: Tries: Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Hunter Paisami, Tom Wright. Conversions: Noah Lolesio (4).
All Blacks: Tries: Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke, Ardie Savea, Jordie Barrett. Conversions: Damian McKenzie (4). Penalty: Damian McKenzie.
Teams:
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell. Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tom Lynagh, 23 Dylan Pietsch.
All Blacks: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot. Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Sevu Reece.