All Blacks Beat Wallabies To Move Top of Rugby Championship — But Springboks Still Favourites
New Zealand climbed to the top of the Rugby Championship standings after defeating Australia 28-14 at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
Despite the All Blacks’ victory, the advantage still lies with the Springboks, who only need to beat Argentina at Allianz Stadium in London to retain their title.
The result also secured another Bledisloe Cup triumph for the All Blacks, their 11th consecutive win over the Wallabies. New Zealand now sits on 18 points after six matches, while the Wallabies end their campaign with 11 points. The Springboks, on 15 points before facing Argentina, require just a win — without needing a bonus point — to seal their back-to-back championship for the first time.
James Slipper Retires After Record-Breaking Career
The clash marked the final Test appearance for Australia’s most capped player, James Slipper, who bows out after an illustrious career. The 36-year-old prop finishes on 134 caps, making him the most capped Wallaby of all time and the most capped international prop in rugby history, surpassing Ireland’s Cian Healy by 14 Tests.
Slipper joins an elite group of Test centurions, with only Welsh legend Alun Wyn Jones (171) and New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock (153) surpassing his tally. Fittingly, his final Test came in Perth, the same city where he debuted in 2010 against England.
How the Match Unfolded
The All Blacks struck early through Leroy Carter, but Australia responded with three penalties from Tane Edmed. A key moment came when Tom Hooper was sin-binned for a dangerous “croc roll,” costing the Wallabies a potential try from Allan Alaalatoa.
New Zealand capitalized, with Quinn Tupaea scoring twice before halftime to give the visitors a 17-9 lead. The Wallabies’ struggles deepened when Len Ikitau received a yellow card after a head clash, although it wasn’t upgraded to red.
In the second half, Damian McKenzie stretched the All Blacks’ advantage with a penalty before Ikitau redeemed himself with Australia’s only try. However, another McKenzie penalty and a late score from George Bower sealed the victory, ensuring New Zealand retained both the Bledisloe Cup and top spot in the tournament.
What’s Next: Springboks Hold the Key
While the All Blacks celebrated in Perth, all eyes now turn to the Springboks vs Argentina clash in London. A Springbok win — regardless of bonus points — will secure them the Rugby Championship title, keeping the All Blacks in second place despite their strong finish.
