Nobody expected the Wallabies to really challenge the All Blacks in Perth. Let alone win.
Let alone put the biggest score ever conceded by New Zealand in a Test match on the board!
Last weekend’s emphatic 47-26 victory in Perth will go down fondly in the memory of Australian rugby fans forever but, after seemingly being nowhere near it for the last few years, how exactly did they pull it off?
Can they turn that upset victory into a rare win on Kiwi soil and the first Bledisloe Cup victory since 2002?
We were joined on the Game of Codes podcast by Roar rugby expert Brett McKay to analyse how Australia pulled off the Game 1 win and work out whether they’ve got what it takes to do the same in Auckland.
Listen to the discussion:
The result on Saturday has big implications for the upcoming World Cup too. New Zealand’s close-fought win over Argentina and draw with South Africa were both brushed off as Steve Hansen experimenting, but with a nearly full-strength side at Optus Stadium his charges were battered.
Are the All Blacks no longer the World Cup favourites?
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
piru
Roar Rookie
They played for each other. Their work rate was noticeably higher than it has been. They got the little things right. Overall they looked to be enjoying playing rugby It was a sight to behold and long may it continue
Boosho
Roar Pro
You need to visit a wonderful place on the mid north coast of NSW called far Kew.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
The All Blacks lack weight and height in the second row and at six compared to the Wallabies, especially now that both Retallick and Barrett are gone. Their skill abs home ground advantage will go long way towards neutralising the death of really big bodies, but it does mean that the Wallabies have their best chance in years.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Easy . The ABs lost a man for 44 minutes after an even first half. Secondly they benefited from an easy to please referee. Thirdly the ABs are not on song, it’s a WC year, and they will be then. The English, South Africans , Welsh and Ireland are looking good. France, Scotland and us are trying.