All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup with 33-24 win over Australia

New Zealand beat Australia 33-24 at Eden Park on Saturday to retain the Bledisloe Cup for a 23rd consecutive year, extending their unbeaten run at the Auckland venue to 52 matches. The All Blacks recovered from a heavy defeat to South Africa last weekend and preserved their lead in the fixture late to secure the win.

New Zealand began strongly, with Caleb Clarke crossing inside three minutes, followed by tries from Leroy Carter and Cam Roigard to push the lead to 20-3 midway through the first half. Australia answered with a try from hooker Billy Pollard, and a move finished by winger Harry Potter just before half-time left the teams trailing by three at the interval. Two penalties from Damian McKenzie extended the All Blacks' advantage after the break, but a converted try from Wallaby flanker Carlo Tizzano set up an exciting last 10 minutes, keeping the visitors within reach. Roigard calmed home nerves with a late score, crossing under the posts from a Jordie Barrett pass to seal the win.

New Zealand now lead the Rugby Championship with one match remaining, though South Africa can overtake them later on Saturday with a victory over Argentina. Australia sit in second, having won two and lost three ahead of their final tournament game against the All Blacks in Perth next weekend. The two teams contest the Bledisloe Cup over two matches in 2025; if the series ends 1-1, the cup remains with the holders.

Australia have not won at Eden Park since 1986, and the latest result marks the 23rd consecutive defeat for the Wallabies at the venue. The win preserves New Zealand’s grip on the trophy and places them in a strong position heading into the remaining rounds of the Rugby Championship.