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Well it couldn’t have been closer for the Wallabies on Saturday night. Despite having 62 per cent of the possession, and spending 52 per cent of the game in the All Blacks half, Australia were defeated in the final play of the game.
Tries from Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley and Adam Ashley-Cooper in his 100th Test, were cancelled out by Corey Jane, Dane Coles, Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa, who crossed on the final siren to give replacement fly half Colin Slade the opportunity to convert and break Wallaby hearts.
The Wallabies can take a huge amount from this game, and not only the pride in knowing that once again they came within touching distance of beating the reigning World Champions.
Embattled coach Ewen McKenzie sensationally resigned after the match, leaving the Wallabies in an even deeper mess than before, despite this spirited performance.
Tactically, Australia and McKenzie got it right, and the players played their hearts out for their coach, the forwards creating a perfect platform for the talented backline to fire.
This performance should have given the side a huge confidence lift ahead of the Spring Tour, making McKenzie’s resignation all the more unbelievable.
The Wallabies looked fantastic going forward, especially off set pieces from the lineout. The flat running lines of Tevita Kuridrani, the frequent incursions to the midfield of fullback Israel Folau and the quick ball movement from either side of the pitch, caused the All Blacks problems in defence all night.
The Wallaby forwards were exceptional, every ruck was hit with the upmost intensity, their illustrious opposition struggling to impose themselves at the breakdown.
The atmosphere prior to kick off was one of confidence from the numerous, boisterous All Black fans – and nervous apprehension from the home fans.
The first half performance however was great. It successfully banished all thoughts of the tumultuous fortnight that preceded this contest.
Gradually, the All Black fans – who made up roughly half the 45,186 attendance – slowly retreated into their shells, and those in green and gold found their voice.
The high intensity game the Wallabies pursued throughout the first half was always going to be hard to maintain, and the tempo gradually started to slide throughout the second half.
As they struggled to maintain their game, Australia were given a huge boost when on the hour mark Patrick Tuipulotu was sin binned for taking Rob Simmons out in the air.
However, what should have been a blessing for the Aussies turned into a curse as the All Blacks used the adversity to spark into life, as is so often the case when winning sides are cornered and seemingly on the run.
The tiring Wallabies couldn’t capitalise against the 14 men in black, and it was instead the undermanned New Zealanders who crossed for a try, scrum half Aaron Smith taking advantage of a distracted defence to take a quick penalty and dart over the line.
The Wallaby forwards appealed that the penalty wasn’t taken from the mark, but with Craig Joubert happy, the damage was done.
The atmosphere, exceptional throughout the game, was truly incredible at the death as the fans in black urged their team home.
Despite Nic White nailing a 45-metre penalty goal to extend the Wallabies lead to six with three minutes to go, the All Blacks had the momentum.
After some ferocious defence from Australia to win the ball back, New Zealand were gifted possession from an ill-advised box kick from White, and it seemed inevitable that they would cross the line.
The roar as the All Blacks crossed nearly raised the roof. Relief for New Zealand, despair for the Wallabies and McKenzie, who came so close to scoring a superb upset victory and put a line under a difficult end to the Rugby Championship campaign.
Where the Wallabies go from here though, well now that’s anyone’s guess.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.