Over 60,000 fans braved strong winds and heavy rain to pack Optus Stadium for the highly anticipated encounter.

It was also the final match for Australia’s most-capped Test player, James Slipper, who played in his 151th match for his country, becoming only the third player to reach the milestone after Wales' Alun Wyn Jones (170) and New Zealand's Sam Whitelock (153).

The All Blacks dominated the first half, with winger Leroy Carter and centre Quinn Tupaea scoring the only tries—Tupaea crossing the whitewash twice in quick succession. Wallabies flanker Tom Hooper was shown a yellow card in the 11th minute, but Australia remained competitive thanks to the boot of Tane Edmed.

New Zealand led 17–9 at halftime, but the Wallabies showed resilience and intent. A second yellow card just five minutes into the second half—this time to centre Len Ikitau for head-to-head contact—did little to derail the hosts. The All Blacks failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage, and Ikitau made an immediate impact upon his return, scoring an unconverted try to narrow the gap with 15 minutes remaining.

Despite missing a couple of kicks in the first half, Damian McKenzie kept his composure to slot a crucial penalty, extending New Zealand’s lead to nine points. As the final whistle approached, prop George Bower sealed the win with a late try, putting the result beyond doubt.

The result means New Zealand powered to the top of the Rugby Championship standings, and South Africa will have to win against Argentina at Twickenham in London to clinch the title.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger