All Blacks extend Australia’s Bledisloe misery

Jordie Barrett’s try after the fulltime siren following a contentious refereeing decision gave New Zealand a 39-37 win over Australia on Thursday and the Bledisloe Cup for a 20th consecutive year.

New Zealand established big leads in each half — 10-0 after 12 minutes and 31-13 with 25 minutes to play — but the Wallabies rallied each time in a brutal, physical encounter that featured yellow cards and injuries to both teams.

Australia fullback Andrew Kellaway scored twice within five minutes then a long-range penalty goal from replacement scrumhalf Nic White lifted the Wallabies into the lead for the first time with three minutes remaining at 37-34.

The All Blacks waived a late penalty kick to level to go for a winning try from an attacking lineout, and appeared to blow it by conceding a penalty themselves.

But veteran Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley took his time with a kick for the sideline with only seconds on the clock, and referee Mathieu Raynal intervened to give the All Blacks a scrum at close range.

The All Blacks duly won the scrum and spread the ball to the right corner for Barrett to score the winner.

It was a bitter result for the Wallabies, who haven’t won the annual Bledisloe Cup series since 2002.

“It’s probably the most gutting way to finish a game, in my opinion,” Australia skipper James Slipper said.