"The Bledisloe Cup was gone for a 23rd straight year, but the Wallabies still had plenty to play for in Perth. It was James Slipper's final Test after 15 years and 151 games in gold. The Rugby Championship was still winnable and there was a 10-Test losing streak against New Zealand to snap. Most of all, despite four wins from nine in 2025, Australia were desperate to reassure fans they were back as a global force."
"And for much of Saturday night's Test, the Wallabies looked sure to end a 1,792-day drought since they last beat the All Blacks. They were strategically enterprising, accurate off the kicking tee and unleashed long phases of blistering attack. But ultimately, a heathen's brew of dud luck, ill-discipline and errors cruelled the quest as the Wallabies fell to a 28-14 defeat, extending their losing streak against New Zealand to 11 Tests since 2020."
"In all five Rugby Championship Tests, the Wallabies have started poorly and stormed home. On Saturday night they started superbly, fast hands and daring play rattling the All Blacks early and allowing Tane Edmed to kick them to a lead. But when Will Skelton won a turnover and celebrated with a shove, the English referee, Matthew Carley, quixotically reversed the penalty. It was to be that sort of night."
The Wallabies played strongly in Perth but lost 28-14 to New Zealand, extending their losing run against the All Blacks to 11 Tests. Australia started superbly with enterprising strategy, accurate kicking and long attacking phases that produced leads and a disallowed try. Discipline issues, a failed HIA for Will Skelton, turnover reversals by referee Matthew Carley, and handling errors undermined the performance. New Zealand scored from a maul after a kick-off fumble and capitalised on penalties. Despite spirited defense and attacking flair from players like Tane Edmed, Allan Alaalatoa and Filipo Daugunu, the Wallabies could not overcome luck and mistakes.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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