FIRST HALF TRIES from Israel Dagg and Corey Jane, along with 17 points from the boot of Dan Carter had New Zealand looking imperious in the opening match of the new Rugby Championship in Sydney.
An early scrum penalty would give Australia the lead, but the All Blacks dominated the breakdown and soon found themselves leading 18-3.
Veteran second row, Nathan Sharpe crossed over in the 39th minute to narrow the gap to 18-10 at the halfway point. It proved to be the Wallabies only five-pointer.
Berrick Barnes kept the hosts in touch with faultless aim off the kicking tee. However, a mounting error count from the hosts kept their bitter rivals on the front foot and Carter’s left foot would keep the World Champions out of reach.
The result means that Steve Hansen can claim his first trophy as head coach of New Zealand, the Bledisloe Cup, next weekend when they play the return fixture in Eden Park, Auckland.
YouTube credit:: Steven Brown
