Rugby Championship highlights: All Blacks put one hand on title after emphatic victory over Wallabies

Enjoy the highlights from the thrilling Rugby Championship encounter in Auckland, where the All Blacks claimed a 40-14 victory against the Wallabies.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested although the Wallabies were on the back foot from the outset when Jed Holloway was yellow carded in the second minute for a dangerous tackle on Dalton Papali’i.

All Blacks take control

Despite their numerical advantage, the All Blacks would not score points until midway through the half when Richie Mo’unga slotted a penalty and soon after Will Jordan extended their lead when he crossed for the opening try.

New Zealand continued to dominate as the half progressed and were awarded a penalty try in the 27th minute after Dave Porecki was blown up for illegally a lineout drive close to his try-line – an offence for which he too was sent to the sin bin.

That gave the All Blacks a deserved 17-0 at half-time and they went further ahead when their captain, Sam Whitelock, went over for their third try shortly after the restart.

The home side upped the ante on attack during the rest of the half and were leading 32-0 by the 54th minute when Codie Taylor crossed for a five-pointer before Australia struck back via a Folau Fainga’a try on the hour mark.

Wallabies finish on a high

Five minutes later, the All Blacks responded through a Samisoni Taukei’aho try before Mo’unga added a penalty before the Wallabies had the final say courtesy of a consolation try from Jordan Petaia in injury time.

The result and margin of victory boosts New Zealand’s chances of retaining their Rugby Championship title as it means South Africa will have to secure a bonus-point win over Argentina, when the countries meet in Durban later on Saturday, and the Springboks have to beat Los Pumas by 40 points or more if they want lift the title.

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