Australia stun All Blacks in Brisbane thriller
Wallabies overcome fierce challenge from world champions before Hodge’s 53-metre penalty seals it for home side
Australia withstood a furious late charge to upset New Zealand 23-18 in a pulsating Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday, piercing a fresh hole in the world champions’ aura of invincibility.
Reece Hodge’s monster, 53-metre penalty just before the final whistle sealed victory for the Wallabies, who celebrated just their second win in 19 games against their exalted neighbours.
After trailing by one point at half-time, Australia fought back to claim a physical victory over the All Blacks, scoring three tries to two in a high-quality match.
Australia coach Cheika was beaming from ear to ear after the match and said: “I’m especially happy for the fans, they’ve supported us since the World Cup through lots of defeats to New Zealand and the boys worked hard for this one.
“I know we didn’t win the Cup, which is disappointing because I know how much we want it back here, but before the game I said you’ve got to fight for everything. I thought we did tonight and we were able to get the win.”
New Zealand, who had already retained the Bledisloe Cup after winning the opening two games during the Rugby Championship, dominated early and seemed certain to make it a clean sweep in Brisbane.