The Wallabies turned things around from their loss last weekend to rush out to a 17-0 lead, starting with a try after just 25 seconds, but the All Blacks came back multiples times in a ding-dong battle that ended with the hosts snatching it 35-29 in Dunedin.
It was a heartbreaking loss for the Wallabies, as a last-gasp Beauden Barrett try sealed off a thrilling Test match, one of the best seen in recent years.
The visitors were dramatically improved, putting huge amounts of pressure on New Zealand, who made a number of uncharacteristic errors in the first half.
By the end, both teams had scored five tries, with the lead changing hands five times.
“It’s gutting. Believe me, we came here full of confidence that we could win this game tonight and I thought we did well to put them under pressure,” said Australian skipper Michael Hooper.
“I’m proud of the turnaround (from last week) and we took many steps in the right direction but in the end it wasn’t good enough. (The last try) was a dagger in the heart.”
Kurtley Beale dived over for what seemed like the winner on 76 minutes, before Barrett scored his second with a well worked bit of lovely hands, allowing him to streak away for the late win.
With 11 points and four places between the sides at kick-off, Bledisloe Cup holders New Zealand did not pick up any reward from a World Rugby rankings perspective, but they remain 5.07 points clear of second-placed England. Australia are in fifth.
Below are both short and extended highlights. Definitely take the time to watch the latter.
SHORT HIGHLIGHTS (4:21)
EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS (24:29)
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