All Blacks stage comeback win over Australia

The All Blacks have staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Australia 23-20 in their final home Test before the Rugby World Cup.

At half-time, New Zealand were trailing 17-3 in Dunedin, but they turned the tide in the second half with two tries from debutants Shaun Stevenson and Samipeni Finau. Richie Mo’unga’s 79th-minute penalty secured the victory for the All Blacks, clinching a 2-0 Bledisloe Cup series win.

Australia made a blistering start, scoring two tries within the opening seven minutes to take a 14-0 lead. However, New Zealand’s resilience and determination enabled them to claw their way back into the game. The visitors fought gallantly, but Mo’unga’s clutch kick sealed the victory for the hosts.

The win marked New Zealand’s fourth consecutive victory this season, adding to their triumphs against Argentina and South Africa. Meanwhile, the Wallabies, led by former England head coach Eddie Jones, are yet to secure a victory since his appointment earlier this year.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane acknowledged the intensity of the match, describing it as a “proper Test match” where Australia posed a significant challenge. Despite the loss, Australia’s captain, Tate McDermott, expressed his team’s improvement from their previous encounter against the All Blacks, noting the significant strides they made in their performance.

Both teams will continue their preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, with New Zealand aiming to defend their title and Australia seeking to make their mark under the guidance of Eddie Jones. The highly anticipated Rugby World Cup is set to begin on 8 September, with hosts France facing New Zealand in the opening match.