New Zealand put in a complete performance against Australia at Eden Park, thrashing their trans-Tasman rivals 57-22 to retain the Bledisloe Cup yet again. The hosts ran in eight tries, including another intercept and a brilliant score from big Brodie Retallick.
Another outstanding moment came from the boot of Damian McKenzie. The Suntory-bound full back added to his growing list of accomplishments with this mammoth penalty kick from well beyond halfway.
Damian McKenzie UNLEASHES from over 55m 🤯
The #BledisloeCup. Every Match. Ad-free. Live & On Demand.#NZLvAUS #TRC2021 pic.twitter.com/QrMNo53Wgf
— StanSportAU (@StanSportAU) August 14, 2021
McKenzie will take his unique skillset to Japan at the end of the northern tour after signing with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath as they look to replace Beauden Barrett.
WATCH: Vintage Frans Steyn launches last-minute missile to beat the Sharks
It also looks as if the Wallabies are now serious about scrapping the ‘Giteau Law’. Perhaps as a consequence of yet another lopsided result at the hands of the All Blacks, Rugby Australia may be getting serious about changes to eligibility criteria. According to chief Andy Marinos, that criteria could soon be drastically overhauled.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Marinos said: “I’m not saying we have to open the gate completely. But we have to be more specific in identifying where we need to bolster the team.”
“We need to be able to choose from as broad a pool as possible. That’s all part of building a high-performance programme.”
WATCH: Michael Hooper’s touching gesture to Aaron Smith after 100th cap
“In my view, the Giteau Law was brought in at a specific time in the calendar for a specific group at the 2015 World Cup… We are now working out what the eligibility piece looks like. It’s not the whole answer. But it’s a part of the holistic view.”
WHAT. A. TRY. 😍#NZLvAUS #BledisloeCup
pic.twitter.com/iUum50aeCU— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) August 14, 2021
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