In a result that may shake the aspirations of the current World Champions, the Wallabies win Big at Optus Stadium; and have one hand on the Bledisloe Cup.
The major outcome of the match highlights above, are clear. How a red card had a massive effect on the All Blacks ability to defend. It saw over 30 points scored against New Zealand, leading to the largest defeat by Australia; 47-26. The poor discipline from Scott Barrett mirrored that of another match officiated by Jerome Garces, where Sonny Bill Williams was sent off, for the same violation – a shoulder charge.
While many will focus alone on the incident, the Wallabies win was built on confidence. Michael Hooper and his charges led from the opening, and continued to grow in confidence across both halves. Even while the second 40 minutes was 15 versus 14 players, the continued domination of the All Blacks only reinforced the appearance so far in The Rugby Championship, that New Zealand is more vulnerable than ever.
Going into the pinnacle event in World Rugby’s maligned calendar, is at the detriment (to date) of the All Blacks. And with South Africa defeating Argentina in a similar scoreline [13-46], they were crowned champions of the 2019 Rugby Championship.
South Africa claim 2019 TRC, as Wallabies win Big!
As the congratulations continue for the Springboks, the value of the Wallabies win has a follow-up fixture to come. But, as a one-off result, the spoils fall clearly in Australia’s lap. And well earned.
Head coach Michael Cheika was gleeful post-match. Feeling vindicated, he told reporters “A few things went our way but I was really pleased for the lads, they have been working hard. It’s a nice little reward for them.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika already eyeing Bledisloe glory in Auckland https://t.co/w2OARIKehp pic.twitter.com/nJeKbadKC5
— Stuff.co.nz Sport (@NZStuffSport) August 10, 2019
Proud, and enjoying the positivity (after the difficulties suffered by Rugby Australia), the magnitude of the Wallabies win was unheralded;
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It was New Zealand’s equal heaviest defeat in test history
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The most points they had conceded against any other nation.
With one hand on the Bledisloe Cup, Australia now faces New Zealand in a second match, to determine the cup holder. The conditions being, the holder must be defeated twice, to lose possession of the Cup. Thus, the All Blacks can still claim the prize, if they rebound on home soil.
Not an absolute, especially after the Wallabies win and the drawn match against South Africa.
The difficulty of winning at Eden Park, like so many before have experienced, is a most difficult task. One that has not occurred since 1992 in fact. However, with the champions in somewhat of a turmoil, and a highly confident Wallabies side – this might be the toughest test so far, for Steve Hansen’s All Blacks.
Few would have considered this scenario, when looking at the International rugby objectives. An outcome that on this Super Saturday that will be even more memorable if Wales go on to defeat England [that would promote Wales into the number one ranking, ahead of New Zealand].
