New Zealand beat Australia 50-14 in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park, extending their remarkable unbeaten run at the venue. The All Blacks led 17-14 at half-time, then dominated after the break, scoring five further tries to pull away. Jordie Barret delivered a man of the match performance, while Damian McKenzie kicked accurately as New Zealand secured a convincing win over the Wallabies.
First half
Australia were awarded an early penalty after number 2 collapsed the maul. They opted for the lineout and mauled it, playing a few short phases, but the All Blacks defence held firm and the Wallabies knocked the ball on over the try line.
New Zealand struck first in the 12th minute. Roigard kicked for the boot, and Barret collected it beautifully in the air. McKenzie then broke the line and found support on his left to score the All Blacks’ first try.
In the 24th minute, the Wallabies conceded a penalty just outside their 22. Lonergan swung it to the left of the posts, and the All Blacks took the restart quickly from the corner, retained possession and carried the ball up the field. They won another penalty just outside the Wallabies’ 22.
The All Blacks went to a lineout on the 5-metre line in the 29th minute and swung it wide, but the Wallabies defence stood strong and forced a knock-on from Will Jordan.
Australia came close in the 43rd minute. Donaldson kicked a grubber through after Valentini broke the line, and Jorgensen was through on goal if he could catch it. Beauden Barret covered superbly, running the ball out of touch on the 5-metre line.
Two minutes later, Roigard launched a massive box kick, and Donaldson collected it. Barret pounced after a perfectly timed tackle, and New Zealand won the penalty.
Second half
In the 48th minute, the All Blacks broke through after quick hands and created a 2-on-1 with a clear run at the line. Lonergan tracked back, made a try-saving interception and kicked the ball away.
New Zealand’s sixth try was ruled out in the 71st minute. Rieko Ioane lost the ball forward as he was placing it after the tackle.
The All Blacks did not have to wait long for another. In the 72nd minute, Tupaea produced a perfect jackal to win the ball back, and it ended in a try in the corner.
Next match
The teams meet again next Saturday, 17 October 2026, in the second Bledisloe Cup Test at Accor Stadium.