New Zealand captain Codie Taylor believes the All Blacks answered their critics in emphatic fashion after thrashing Australia 50-19 in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park.
The All Blacks scored five second-half tries to pull away from the Wallabies, retaining the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year and extending their winning streak against Australia to 12 Tests.
The victory also marked a strong response after their recent disappointment against South Africa.
Response was essential
Taylor said the team had arrived determined to produce a response in front of their home supporters.
“We were hurting a little bit,” Taylor said.
“But it's awesome to come home, play in front of our fans, our people.
“We've missed it, and to get a result like that... hugely proud of the boys.”
The contest was closely fought during the opening 40 minutes, with New Zealand taking a narrow 17-14 lead into half-time after tries from Peter Lakai and Tupou Vaa'i.
Australia had threatened early through Tom Wright before captain Harry Wilson crossed just before the break.
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Second-half dominance
However, the match changed dramatically after the interval. Cam Roigard scored eight minutes into the second half, sparking a run of tries that also included Taylor, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby and Will Jordan.
Wallabies captain Wilson admitted his side had taken a step backwards after building confidence with a victory over South Africa two weeks earlier.
“It's disappointing. We came here tonight with real belief that we'd get the result, and we didn't,” Wilson said.
Australia had an opportunity to apply pressure early in the second half but failed to convert a promising attacking position.
“And gee-whiz, when you give the All Blacks a bit of ball, it's hard to get it back,” Wilson added.
Weak points addressed
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie also praised his side's ability to win key moments after identifying those areas as weaknesses in the defeat to South Africa.
The teams meet again in Sydney on Saturday, October 17, with Australia seeking a response despite the Bledisloe Cup already being retained by New Zealand.
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