Cam Roigard marked his return from injury with two tries as New Zealand edged Australia 33–24 in a pulsating Rugby Championship clash at Eden Park on Saturday, extending their Bledisloe Cup dominance for another year.
The All Blacks stormed to a 17-point lead with tries from Caleb Clarke, Leroy Carter, and Roigard in the opening exchanges. But the Wallabies, chasing a first Bledisloe triumph since 2003, fought back strongly and closed the gap to just two points when flanker Carlo Tizzano crossed 11 minutes from full time.
Momentum shifted again in the 73rd minute when Australian winger Harry Potter was shown a yellow card. The numerical advantage proved decisive, with Roigard grabbing his second try to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory preserved New Zealand’s remarkable unbeaten record at Eden Park — now 52 Tests over 31 years — and lifted them to the top of the Rugby Championship standings ahead of Argentina’s meeting with South Africa later in the day.
Match Details
Score: New Zealand 33–24 Australia
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
New Zealand: Jordan; Carter, Proctor, J. Barrett, Clarke; B. Barrett, Roigard; de Groot, Taylor, Lomax; Holland, Vaa’i; Parker, Savea, Sititi.
Replacements: Taukeiaho, Williams, Newell, Tuipulotu, Lakai, Ratima, Tupaea, McKenzie.
Australia: Jorgensen; Potter, Suaalii, Ikitau, Toole; O’Connor, McDermott; Slipper, Pollard, Tupou; Frost, Salakaia-Loto; T. Hooper, McReight, Wilson.
Replacements: Paenga-Amosa, Bell, Alaalatoa, Williams, Tizzano, R. Lonergan, Edmed, Daugunu.
English