All Blacks Defeat Wallabies To Keep Rugby Championship Hopes Alive

New Zealand powered past Australia 28-14 in a rain-soaked clash at Perth Stadium on Saturday, keeping their Rugby Championship title hopes alive while ending the Wallabies’ faint chances.

In front of 60,113 spectators, most cheering for the visitors, the All Blacks crossed for four tries to one. The win marked their 11th consecutive triumph over Australia, extending a decade-long drought for the Wallabies in the tournament.

Quinn Tupaea’s quickfire double late in the first half broke the contest wide open, giving New Zealand a commanding 17-9 lead at the interval. Despite tricky kicking conditions, Damian McKenzie missed several opportunities to extend the margin before finding his rhythm later in the match.

James Slipper’s Emotional Final Test

The night also marked the final international appearance of Wallabies stalwart James Slipper, Australia’s most capped player with 151 Tests.

Substituted shortly after half-time, the veteran prop left the field to a standing ovation from fans, though the Wallabies were unable to give him the winning send-off he had hoped for.

Australia’s early efforts suggested an upset could be possible. Will Skelton and Rob Valetini provided muscle up front, and the Wallabies had a try disallowed after Tom Hooper’s infringement saw him shown a yellow card.

However, their momentum was short-lived. Skelton was forced off in the 14th minute following a failed Head Injury Assessment, a blow that shifted control firmly towards the All Blacks.

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As heavy rain set in, the pace of the second half slowed dramatically. McKenzie stretched New Zealand’s lead with a penalty in the 61st minute, only for Len Ikitau to briefly reignite Wallaby hopes with a well-taken try.

But McKenzie responded with a brilliant long-range penalty to kill off Australia’s comeback and secure the result.

The All Blacks’ injury-hit squad had made several changes after last week’s 33-24 win at Eden Park, which ensured they retained the Bledisloe Cup. The victory in Perth moved them to the top of the Rugby Championship table, though South Africa can still claim the title with a win over Argentina later in London.

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