The margin of victory the Springboks need to win the Rugby Championship
New Zealand put one hand on the Rugby Championship trophy with a convincing 40-14 victory over Australia in Auckland.
The result on Saturday morning meant South Africa must beat Argentina by 40 points or more later in the day to pip them.
The All Blacks now lead the table by five points with a points difference 39 better than that of the Springboks.
Australia had started the day with a chance of taking the title themselves but they were unable to repeat the performance of their narrow – and controversial – loss to the All Blacks last week.
Ill-discipline repeatedly undermined the Wallabies’ cause at a venue, Eden Park, where they had not won since 1986.
Jed Holloway was sin-binned for a bad tackle on Dalton Papalii with just two minutes on the clock and, although they held out with 14 men initially, they trailed 17-0 by the break.
Richie Mo’unga opened the scoring with a 20th-minute penalty and converted after Will Jordan followed with a fine try.
Australia then conceded a penalty try before half-time after an indiscretion during a rolling maul and Dave Porecki became their second player to be shown a yellow card.
New Zealand tightened their grip in the second half as Sam Whitelock went over from close range and Codie Taylor also crossed. Mo’unga converted one of them and added a penalty.
Australia finally got on the scoreboard through Folau Fainga’a but Samisoni Taukei’aho responded for the All Blacks and Mo’unga landed another penalty.
Jordan Petaia scored an Australia consolation in stoppage time.
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Dear Ben Smith you are a genius! God please become the next all blacks coach that can take on the mighty BOKS. Your rugby acumen is second to none - imagine your dads sperm bounced as unfortunately as that oval ball did….we would not be blessed with your presence. Just as the all blacks were missing a man you too are missing a chromosome for 80% of your life, so your insights are not only profound but ring true from your own experiences. Just as the TMO interfered with citing an illegal pass I am sure your local authorities interfere with your illegal passes you make on women - How dare they!!! God forbid that rugby be officiated fairly. You are the right man for the job. Next all blacks coach is here ladies and gentlemen Miss Ben Smith (He/She/They/IT)
Go to commentsHuge engine this guy and great to see him back ..The amount of clean outs he does at the ruck are ridiculous !!
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