Aussies crash Kiwi’s party with stalemate

AUSTRALIA foiled New Zealand’s bid to win a historic 18th successive Test as the Bledisloe Cup rivals played out a 12-12 stalemate.

Steve Hansen’s World Cup holders were heavy favourites to cement their place in the history books with a win, but Australia maintained their recent resurgence to spoil the party.

Kurtley Beale, given the nod at fly-half for the hosts, and Aaron Cruden kicked four penalties apiece to set up a tasty return clash on Saturday.