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The All Blacks have broken Wallabies’ hearts with a last-gasp 29-28 win at Suncorp Stadium to rub salt into the wounds of their most tumultuous fortnight in the professional era.
After leading by 10 points with 11 minutes remaining, Australia conceded two tries as the world champions were able to get out of jail in a Bledisloe classic.
New Zealand centre Malakai Fekitoa crossed out wide with two seconds left and then Colin Slade kicked the angled conversion to complete a stunning comeback.
For all but the last minute of the match, it looked as though the Wallabies would produce their best win of Ewen McKenzie’s 15-month tenure – when it was most needed.
It was a performance that restored pride in the gold jersey but the result left all Wallabies and the Australians in the 45,186-strong Brisbane crowd gutted.
The effort and attacking strategy imposed suggested McKenzie’s coaching job will be safe at least for the coming five-match Spring Tour of Europe.
Popular vice-captain Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed for Australia’s third try in his 100th Test to give a 22-12 lead just after halftime but he didn’t walk away with the victory he deserved.
While fatigue was a major factor for the gallant Wallabies, as they played the game on the front foot and ran the ball from side to side, the telling period was midway through the second half when they failed to capitalise on a one-man advantage.
Patrick Tuipulotu was sin-binned for taking out Rob Simmons in the air but a series of missed opportunities in the All Blacks’ 22 was punished when Aaron Smith dived over, just as the reserve lock was due to return.
Smith’s try gave New Zealand the momentum for the first time in the match but Australia looked home when Nic White landed a 45m penalty for a 28-22 lead.
After the turmoil of the Kurtley Beale texting scandal, an Australian victory would have been a sorely needed morale booster but they must satisfy themselves in knowing they delivered a performance to restore some pride in the gold jersey.
The Wallabies produced their best first half of the season in a crackerjack opening in which both sides crossed twice.
They hit the advantage line hard and won collisions with man-of-the-match Tevita Kuridrani and Sekope Kepu leading the way with strong ball carries that dented the All Blacks’ defence.
With recalled centre Christian Leali’ifano producing crucial plays in defence and attack, it was the hosts who scored the first try when Nick Phipps converted concerted pressure by diving over from the ruck-base.
Each time the Wallabies put themselves in front in the helter-skelter first half, the All Blacks bounced back immediately with skilful tries to Cory Jane and Dane Coles.
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.