NZ crush Aussies in lopsided opener

SYDNEY: Australian police are investigating a possible case of sporting espionage after the All Blacks discovered a listening device inside the hotel room they use for team meetings ahead of the Rugby Championship opener against Australia.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said the team had discovered the device inside a cushion of a chair in the room used to hold meetings and discuss tactics.

NZR had asked the police to conduct an investigation after a sweep by the team’s security team on Monday found the device.

Any thoughts skullduggery might have helped the home team were dispelled on the field as New Zealand crushed Australia 42-8 in the first game of the Rugby Championship yesterday, putting the World Champions on course to retain the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand ran in six tries in a one-sided game. After Australia took an early lead with a penalty from flyhalf Bernard Foley in the fourth minute, inside centre Ryan Crotty crossed the line for the All Blacks’ first try before flyhalf Beauden Barrett scored.

The lead was extended when flanker Jerome Kaino crossed the line, while Waisake Naholo scored the fourth try in the final stages of the first half, with Barrett again instrumental. While Australia attempted a rally in the second half, a mistake from Tevita Kuridrani allowed New Zealand prop Dan Coles to score the visitors’ fifth try after 56 minutes. Replacement winger Julian Savea ran in the sixth for the winners.

Australia’s Nick Phipps contributed a consolation try after New Zealand captain Kieran Read was sinbinned. –Reuters