The All Blacks demonstrated their dominance once again as they crushed the Wallabies 38-7 in a thrilling match. This victory secured their hold on the Rugby Championship title and the Bledisloe Cup, further establishing their status as a powerhouse in the sport. The Wallabies, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing and suffered another defeat under new coach Eddie Jones.
From the start, the All Blacks proved their superiority, silencing the crowd with a commanding 19-7 lead at halftime. The visiting team continued their dominant display in the second half, scoring six tries compared to Australia’s one. Shannon Frizell, Codie Taylor, and Will Jordan notched tries in the first half, while Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea, and Rieko Ioane added to the tally during a devastating eight-minute blitz in the second half.
Australia’s only try came from Rob Valetini, but it was not nearly enough to turn the tide in their favor. Compounding their struggles, stand-in captain Allan Alaalatoa suffered a serious leg injury and was stretchered off, adding to their miserable night. Ill-discipline further hampered their efforts, with two yellow cards making their task even more difficult.
With this victory, New Zealand secured their ninth Rugby Championship title out of 11 editions, as well as the treasured trans-Tasman trophy for the 21st consecutive year. The All Blacks are clearly in top form as they head into the World Cup in France, riding a 10-game unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, the Wallabies find themselves in a deepening hole, with Jones desperately searching for the right combinations to rally his team.
In a separate match, Japan earned a morale-boosting victory over Tonga as they ramp up their preparations for the Rugby World Cup. The Brave Blossoms overcame early pressure from Tonga to claim a hard-fought 21-16 win. After suffering three recent losses, including one against Samoa, this victory provides a much-needed boost for Japan as they look ahead to crucial matches against Fiji and Italy.
Japan’s coach, Jamie Joseph, expressed his satisfaction with the win and the team’s performance in a physical match. Having reached the World Cup quarter-finals on home soil four years ago, Japan aims to replicate that success this time around in Pool D, where they will face tough opponents such as England, Argentina, Chile, and Samoa.
Michael Leitch, former captain of the Japanese team, received a red card for a high tackle in the previous match against Samoa and will be sidelined for three matches until the end of August. Despite this setback, Japan remains focused on their World Cup campaign, aiming to make a strong impact on the international stage.
Overall, the All Blacks continue to overpower their opponents, while the Wallabies face mounting challenges. As the World Cup draws closer, all eyes will be on New Zealand to see if they can maintain their impressive form and claim another major title. for their travels to France. At the same time, Japan’s victory over Tonga has lifted their spirits and set them on the right path as they prepare for the highly anticipated global tournament.
