3 minute read
A look at some of the decisive moments in Australia's 16-16 draw with New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup opener in Wellington.
KEY MOMENTS FROM THE WALLABIES EPIC 16-16 DRAW WITH THE ALL BLACKS
9th minute - All Blacks score a dubious try
Rieko Ioane clearly puts his foot on the sideline in the buildup to Jordie Barrett's opening try but the touch judge misses it. It's a shattering moment for Australia.
40th minute - Ioane botches it
The Wallabies have a penalty after the halftime hooter and look to make a final surge but a fumble from Folau Fainga'a allows the All Blacks to race clear for what looks to be a certain try - except for Ioane's grounding blunder.
42nd minute - A missed Wallabies chance
A penalty against Damian McKenzie allows James O'Connor a straight-forward kick to bring scores back to 8-6. In windy conditions, he sends it wide.
44th minute - Kiwis break free
Superb hands around the lineout allows Aaron Smith to break clear with only opposing No.9 Nic White in his path. White loses his footing in a last-gasp tackle allowing the Kiwi to wriggle free and score.
53min - Koroibete goes over
Finally Australia breaks through. Marika Koroibete gets the ball wide and with plenty to do, but the reigning John Eales Medalist makes it look easy as he rampages in.
62nd minute - Wallabies on the hop
A flash of brilliance from White to flick the ball to Filipo Daugunu who benefits from the overlap and races in for a try on debut. With the rain teeming down, O'Connor misses his third kick of the day from the sideline.
74th minute - O'Connor comes good
An All Blacks handling error gives O'Connor a chance from almost directly in front and this time he makes no mistake, giving Australia the lead for the first time silencing the Wellington crowd.
78th minute - Barrett restores parity
Roaring forward, Jordie Barrett makes no mistake from an almost unmissable penalty, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
81st minute - Hodge hits the post
Late substitute Reece Hodge has a chance to win it for Australia, attempting a mammoth penalty goal 54 metres from home. He leathers the kick but it hits the right upright, sparking nine mad minutes of additional time.
