NEW ZEALAND had the last laugh after humiliating Australia in the wake of the nations’ sensational bugging row.
A majestic display from All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett helped put the Wallabies to the sword – with whatever advantage Michael Cheika and his team gained from their alleged espionage only adding to the embarrassment following their 3-0 home ‘Whitewash’ by Eddie Jones‘ England.
The day started with controversy in Sydney as cops were called in to investigate a “sophisticated” listening device that was found in the All Black’s hotel.
But it was the All Blacks left cock-a-hoop after a stunning victory over their rivals in the opening 2016 Rugby Championship clash.
And it meant Kieran Read continued his winning run replacing legendary and now retired skipper Richie McCaw – taking his streak to a lucky 13 matches.
Fly-half Bernard Foley moved past 300 Test points with an early penalty – but that was as good as it got for the Wallabies in the opening 40 minutes.
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The writing was on the wall when a superb running line from All Blacks No 8 Read sent Ryan Crotty over in the left corner for opening try.
The glue in the Aussie midfield then melted as Matt Giteau – who had made it back from French giants Toulon for the clash – succumbed to injury despite his attempts to shake off two knocks to his ankle in a matter of minutes.
Second-row colossus Brodie Retallick then thought he had the visitors’ second try but the ball was held up and Barrett knocked over the penalty when play was brought back for an earlier offside.
Retallick then had another score ruled out by South African ref Jaco Peyper, this time for offside, after charging down an Israel Folau kick.
Barrett then knocked over a penalty before the No 10 looped around to cap off a majestic touch-down of his own, converting for good measure.
The Aussies then served up another gift as Jerome Kaino charged down a Foley kick to gather and sneak over for a third All Blacks try – his first in 17 Tests against Australia.
And things then went from bad to worse for the Wallabies as Barrett brilliantly broke to send Waisake Naholo over under the posts.
Giteau’s replacement Rob Horne was then forced off clutching his arm to complete a horror first half for the hosts.
Coming out 32-2 down, Cheika’s team held out for 15 minutes after the break before the pressure eventually told as sub hooker Dane Coles got himself on the scoresheet from close range.
Julian Savea then had his 40th test try after bouncing off a couple of tackles just moments later.
Read was sent to the sin bin for the final six minutes, with the Wallabies taking advantage as Nick Phipps touched down for a consolation.
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