Late Cam Roigard try seals All Blacks victory over Wallabies

The great trans-Tasman rivalry took centre stage at Eden Park to begin round five of the Rugby Championship, and it was another Test that went right down to the wire.

The Wallabies never led, but always threatened, with a 75th-minute try to Cam Roigard giving the All Blacks a 33-24 victory in the penultimate round of the tournament. The win also saw the Bledisloe Cup remain in New Zealand for another year.

The hosts made their way into Wallabies territory early with an Ardie Savea break down the blindside, then an offload to Cam Roigard got the team in scoring territory. While playing under advantage, a cross-field kick evaded the reach of Caleb Clarke, but New Zealand’s second attempt to find the winger was successful, and a 5-0 lead was registered after five minutes.

The visitors then got their chance to attack, and chewed through metres with rapid phase play before a penalty allowed them a shot at three points, which James O’Connor accepted.

Clarke was again involved in New Zealand’s next attack, with a run down the left edge getting his side near the Australian 22 once more. A penalty was taken quickly by Cam Roigard, creating some chaos before another Australian penalty resulted in three more points for the Kiwis.

Australia were on the back foot once more soon after play resumed, and Leroy Carter finished some rapid pick-and-go attack with an opportunistic dive for the line beside the ruck.

A couple of knock-ons and a kick that missed touch had ended the Wallabies’ early attacking opportunities, and Tate McDermott leaving the field in the opening quarter added to their challenging start. Ryan Lonergan’s debut started 18 minutes into the contest.

The Wallabies looked to have survived another All Blacks attack as the game entered its second quarter, but their penalty was overturned, and the Kiwis added to their tally with another snipe beside the ruck, this time by Cam Roigard. Beauden Barrett left the field with a shoulder injury after 26 minutes, with Damian McKenzie coming on at first five.

The Kiwi momentum had slowed by the half-hour mark, and Australia were finally getting some time in attacking field position. Some rain started to fall as the Wallabies’ lineout drive made its way just inches from the Kiwi line. Billy Pollard was on hand to provide the finishing power close to the line, with a carry that ended Ethan de Groot’s game due to a head knock with Fabian Holland.

Play remained in New Zealand’s half as the break approached, and Australia were patient with their attack. With another opportunity in the All Blacks’ 22, Harry Potter finally broke the Kiwi line and scored his side’s second try of the evening.

The score was 20-17 in the hosts’ favour after 40 minutes.

Caleb Clarke limped from the field five minutes into the second period, during a more tight passage of play. Damian McKenzie kicked a penalty for the first points of the half, following an Australian indiscretion at the breakdown.

A Wallabies restart that went out on the full was followed shortly after by a kick that missed touch, and the Kiwis benefited from another breakdown penalty with three more points.

New Zealand got another chance to extend their lead soon after, but opted for a tap and were held up over the line.

The Wallabies were in need of some points, behind nine with 10 minutes remaining, and their lineout drive was up to the challenge. A strong initial shove got them close before Carlo Tizzano was able to get the ball on the line. After the conversion, the All Blacks’ lead was just two.

New Zealand made their way back into Australia’s half, with big runs from Quinn Tupaea contributing to some momentum. A rolling maul was held up, but the backs wouldn’t be denied moments later, as slick passing set Cam Roigard away to score under the posts. Final score: 33-24.