New Zealand 50-19 Australia: All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup after second-half surge

New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year after scoring five second-half tries in a 50-19 victory over Australia at Eden Park.

The Wallabies trailed just 17-14 at half-time, but their hopes of reclaiming the trophy disappeared as the All Blacks pulled clear after the interval.

The defeat was Les Kiss’s first as Australia head coach, while Dave Rennie celebrated victory against his former side.

All Blacks turn narrow lead into seven-try win

Tom Wright crossed first for Australia before Peter Lakai and Tupou Vaa’i replied for New Zealand.

Damian McKenzie’s penalty extended the hosts’ advantage, but Harry Wilson finished a move involving Ben Donaldson to bring the Wallabies within three points before the break.

Australia threatened again after the restart without adding to their score. Cam Roigard then crossed from a maul, before captain Codie Taylor’s try gave New Zealand control.

Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby added further tries. Josh Nasser provided a late response for Australia, but Will Jordan had the final word as the All Blacks reached 50 points.

McKenzie contributed six conversions and a penalty.

Why the Bledisloe Cup is already decided

The teams meet again in Sydney on Saturday 17 October, but Australia can now only draw the two-Test series.

As explained in our Bledisloe Cup preview, New Zealand retain the trophy as holders if the series finishes level.

“It’s pretty special, the Bledisloe Cup means a lot to this country,” Jordie Barrett told Sky Sports.

Australia last held the trophy in 2002. Their next opportunity to end that wait will come in 2027.