Savea double as All Blacks set new Test record
AUCKLAND, Oct 22, 2016 (AFP) - Julian Savea's stunning late burst ended Australian resistance as the All Blacks claimed a world-record 18th consecutive victory with a crushing 37-10 win in Auckland on Saturday.
It was hardly vintage All Blacks and the tense game at Eden Park wasn't settled until Savea's game-breaking effort in the second half, scoring two tries and setting up a third.
But the ultimately convincing win rewrites the record books for Steve Hansen's side, who surpass the top-tier record winning streak of 17 set by the All Blacks of 19651969 and matched twice since.
"(There was) a lot of build-up during the week, obviously a lot of talk in the media and everything. I think it will sink in later on but I'm really stoked," said New Zealand captain Kieran Read.
"It took 30-odd minutes before we really opened them up so I'm really proud of the lads... (Australia) put us under pressure in certain areas. They played really well," he added.
The All Blacks hit the front in the fifth minute when Israel Dagg scored and they never surrendered the lead, but for long periods Australia dictated terms and only stout defence earned the All Blacks their place in history.
They were only ahead 15-10 -after Australia had had a try disallowed by the TV match official -- and defending constantly with 25 minutes to play when Savea burst into life.
There were questions ahead of the game whether the Wallabies would prove giant-killers, having stymied the All Blacks three times in recent years when the record was on the cards. But Bernard Foley missed two close-range penalties and a Henry Speight try was disallowed when the TV official judged that Dane Haylett-Petty blocked Savea as he chased Speight. For all their attacking flaws, sloppy discipline and rushed decision-making, the All Blacks scored six tries with Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, TJ Perenara, Savea (twice) and Dane Coles all crossing the line. Aaron Cruden, brought off the bench early in the second half after Beauden Barrett missed the first three conversions, added seven points with the boot. Rory Arnold scored Australia's only try with Foley adding a conversion and penalty.