“We came in with real belief, we came in on a good trajectory,” says Wallaby skipper Harry Wilson. “We didn’t win the big moments… when you give the All Blacks ball it’s hard to get it back.”

Compared to many previous Australian defeats I wouldn’t suggest the post mortem requires a complete dissection of the squad and the gameplan – simply because the All Blacks were so good in that second half. The relationship between the halves, Roigard and McKenzie, the cleanliness of the pack, and the instinct of the outside backs made for some irresistible footy with ball in hand.

Roigard was my player of the match, Jordie Barrett was outstanding, and Will Jordan remains a match-winner.

Very specifically the high ball was critical. Against the Springboks it was a weapon for the Wallabies but in Auckland they could never get to grips with Roigard’s box kicking and the power of the All Blacks kick-chasers. “They were probably a little hungrier at the crumbs,” admits Tom Wright. Before dropping in plenty of AFL terminology with ‘hard-ball gets’ and whatnot.

“When I started watching the game, just into the second half, there was a brief window of optimism for the Wallabies,” emails Phil Withall. “In the following 30 minutes, a disallowed New Zealand try is the only positive. Tough night.”

Indeed, Phil. A bit of a reality check for the Wallabies in the second half, and a demonstration that that they really need to be at the top of their game to compete with the very best opposition. The drop-off after half-time, especially in defence, will need work before the World Cup.

80 mins: Play resumes with a scrum, after which McDermott, then Wright continue their fruitless task on the DMZ 22.

79 mins: Australia spend ten phases trying to the run ball outside their 22 but for little reward. Then play is halted for a nasty clash of heads between Aumua and Segner.

75 mins: Australia continue to attack at all opportunities, but with replacements on the field and the scoreline gurning at them there is little cohesion. An offside penalty helps and the ball is kicked deep to the right corner.

73 mins: Australia earn a scrum free-kick but as they try to run the ball out of their own red zone they’re monstered on the ground by Tupaea, the ball doesn’t come free and the All Blacks kick to the left corner.

72 mins: New Zealand get a maul rolling on the left that Australia repel in the first instance. The All Blacks don’t mind, their big men get to work, munching ruck after ruck infield, keeping the Australian defence shifting ledtwards until Tosi straightens up and burrows his way over. But the try won’t stand. The TMO has identified a knock-on from Preston during one of those speedy forward-led phases. It was a tight one behind the breakdown, but it was a correct call.

70 mins: New Zealand are straight back on the attack and Suaalii is penalised for a no-arms tackle. According to the referee, that’s his second of the night. He offered the TMO the opportunity to review a stricter punishment.

Incidentally, the referee has been superb tonight, with clear communication and the establishment of discipline from both teams.

68 mins: That was a painful score from the All Black winger. In the act of dragging Valetini in his slipstream the Australian clung on, performing a sort-of hip-drop tackle, which put enormous strain on the New Zealander’s ankles as they buckled beneath him. The try-scorer is helped off the field and will sit out the final 11 minutes. Hopefully it’s nothing serious.

65 mins: Yet another high ball makes a mess of Australia’s defence. This time Vaa’i hurtles through to take the mark and set up an attacking platform. A kick for territory forces Australia on the back foot and that frenetic tendency rears its ugly head twice with Wright kicking crossfield – but backwards – along his 22, then Potter offloading with little care or attention after contact.

63 mins: It’s all getting a little frantic from the Wallabies. They execute the lineout then come back to the short side, but there isn’t enough room and neither Wright not Henry are prepared to accept contact and set up repeat possession, sending the ball bobbling out of play.

62 mins: A rare long kicking exchange ends with Australia running into contact on halfway, recycling through Wilson and Shaw, but under pressure Wright is forced to kick for distance – and he overcooks it, out on the full in New Zealand’s half. Wright is adamant it was touched off the boot – which it was – by the onrushing Lakai. So after fearing the worst the Wallabies have an attacking platform.

61 mins: Now Australia steal a lineout! Again they try to run out of defence but Suaalii is hauled down and Lonergan has to box kick. New Zealand go to the sky in return so Donaldson tries a trick play, kicking crossfield flat to Wilson, but the skipper is nailed on the touchline.

60 mins: Australia’s scrum holds and they run out of defence down the left but it’s telegraphed and Potter cuts infield at a poor angle and he’s unable to roll away after being scythed down. New Zealand resume their onslaught.

59 mins: And that task gets worse as the All Blacks steal the lineout. Can New Zealand squeeze their way over again? No! The tackle machine Wilson takes Tupaea man and ball, winning a much needed penalty and a breather as the replacement benches empty on the hour mark.

58 mins: The All Blacks are purring. The forwards are hitting the line at speed, drawing in bodies, and the backs are crisp through hands always looking for the attacking option. A grubber down the left edge sends New Zealand inside Australia’s 22. The Wallabies have an uphill task getting back into this contest.

56 mins: The All Blacks won’t mind the rain that’s started to fall on Eden Park as yet another Roigard box kick forces the Wallabies into a tight spot. The No 9 has excelled tonight.

53 mins: The scrum has been even and steady all night and the latest feed sees Australia recycle and kick 40m clear.

52 mins: Another box kick causes havoc in the Australia defence. Carter prospers and Roigard gets to work over halfway, inviting Vaa’i into contact twice. Then McKenzie gets to work, sending Taylor through a gap – but he loses possession on the ground and Australia get a breather.

48 mins: The ball is quickly off the lineout so the All Blacks shift from left to right with Tupaea the target. Play returns infield with Roigard and McKenzie working through the phases, looking for the marginal gains. Jordan joins his pack in grinding towards the 22, then Carter tries to find a gap in open play. By phase 13 the ball is a blur, liquid phase footy from New Zealand, patient and crisp, and space opens up on the left edge with Jordan joining the attack and jinking through the line. Is there a support runner? Yes, but Lonergan works tirelessly to get his body in between Jordan and Sititi and scramble clear. Brilliant attacking and defensive rugby.

47 mins: Roigard box kicks to halfway, Donaldson is a sitting duck underneath it, and he is absolutely munched by J Barrett steaming through. The ball doesn’t come out and New Zealand win the penalty and kick into attacking territory for the first time this half.

45 mins: The visiting lineout holds and Valetini smashes his way through the line! The big flanker streaks out of defence, play is recycled on halfway and Donaldson kicks cannily towards the right corner where B Barrett is forced to run into touch close to his own line. Huge opportunity for Australia – but there’s a penalty against gold as the maul forms after the lineout. Massive dissapointment for the Wallabies.

44 mins: Ikitau has failed his HIA so when Donaldson kicks to the left it’s Potter that attempts to spoil in the air. He fails, so B Barrett can toe ahead down the line and send his team near Australia’s 22.

42 mins: New Zealand kick downfield and attack off the lineout but run out of room as they spin the ball from right to left. The commitment to running rugby from both teams continues.

41 mins: Australia get on the front foot early with Wright and Jorgensen dovetailing superbly down the right from the restart. New Zealand regroup, win a breakdown penalty, then Williams is marched 10m for backchat.

36 mins: Australia’s lineout is crisp and Valetini gets to work in midfield. The second phase is slower and Donaldson gets caught in no-man’s land but wins a penalty for his troubles on the ground. Edging over halfway the Wallabies engage in the grind but Henry can’t find the rushing Suaalii and play is recalled to the earlier infringement.

35 mins: Donaldson’s restart is too long for the chasing gold jerseys so the All Blacks have time to steady themselves and invite Roigard to punt fully 50m downfield and into touch.

32 mins: Australia feed a scrum 15m from their own line on the right. It holds firm. Lonergan belts 30m downfield. The All Blacks attack off the resulting lineout and there’s a near immediate penalty advantage for offside. The pattern of ball runners approaching the line then slipping short inside passes continues as the 22 comes and goes. Roigard is the conductor, feeding forwards over the gainline, but as momentum stalls the earlier penalty is blown.

31 mins: The lineout is crisp but the handling thereafter leaves a lot to be desired. Taylor almost knocks on in contact, then Jordan does, with gold jerseys rushing up into his field of vision. The New Zealand set-piece has not fired at all so far.

30 mins: As the All Blacks kick to the right corner, Harry Potter comes on for Len Ikitau who leaves for an HIA.

29 mins: New Zealand set up a maul just inside Australia’s half then attack in a deep line from left to right. Jordie Barrett looks isolated but keeps the ball alive. Taylor draws bodies into contact as the All Blacks rumble towards the 22. There’s a penalty on the play as Jordan snipes down the left edge. The momentum feels irresistible but there’s some mishandling on the ground and play is recalled to the earlier penalty.

27 mins: New Zealand’s commitment to running the ball out of defence almost comes a cropper and again they rely on Roigard’s boot to send them downfield. For the third time tonight the ball is tapped back his side’s way with the Australian defence helpless under the contested mark. Roigard marshals a patient drive in the corridor until McKenzie dabs a kick to the left corner that’s mopped up by Donaldson and belted clear by Wright. The All Blacks may regret not keeping that alive against a scrambling visiting defence.

24 mins: Australia continue their excellent lineout work allowing Suaalii to pound into the New Zealand line on the burst. Play gets recycled to the left where Valetini carries heavily into Jordie Barrett. The ball is being recycled at pace and there’s an infringement on the ground from de Groot which gives the Wallabies license to expand. It doesn’t work though with Wright overhitting his grubber. Play is recalled to the gimme three-pointer.

22 mins: Finally the All Blacks win a lineout on their own throw. It allows them to move from halfway but Wilson, then Williams, execute massive tackles to stop Jordan, and New Zealand, in their tracks. The resulting penalty is kicked over halfway.

20 mins: Nearly! Australia kick clear and with so much hang time on the ball Jorgensen is able to steam through and nail McKenzie. Not before he gets the ball away though, and there’s another linebreak! Jordan this time with room to gallop, but he’s isolated. There’s a Hollywood pass open to the right – but it misses its mark and the ball bobbles into touch. Both teams are committed to attacking footy, so much fun to watch.

19 mins: Australia deal with Roigard’s latest kick but fail to gain any ground with ball in hand and Lakai wins the ruck penalty after bringing down Paenga-Amosa – but after kicking into attacking territory the All Blacks lose another lineout!

18 mins: Both New Zealand’s tries have originated from up-and-unders, an aspect of the game expected to be an Australian weapon.

14 mins: The strike power of both teams is awesome. That was a hopeful garryowen from the All Blacks and in seconds it was an exhilarating try. They needed it too.

11 mins: Yikes! The scrum holds, Lonergan feeds Donaldson, but the No 10 dabs an awful kick miles into touch on the right wing to halt any momentum.

9 mins: New Zealand’s restart goes dead! Australia will feed a scrum on halfway with all the ascendancy. Eden Park is hushed.

6 mins: Another secure lineout, another maul – this time with some momentum – and some counter-force from the All Blacks! Lonergan takes the ball out and dives inches short of the line. The ball comes out, Australia reset, we know they’re patient in these areas – but Ikitau spills a carry one-out and New Zealand survive! Bright start from the Wallabies, but no points to show for it.

5 mins: The 5m lineout is solid, the maul forms, but it’s robustly defended. Valetini his the line hard off the back and earns a breakdown penalty. Again the Wallabies kick to the corner.

3 mins: An even scrum holds allowing Lonergan to feed the charging Sua’alii coming off his wing. The Wallabies get to work between halfway and attacking 22 without much cut-through until a penalty advantage on the play. Ikitau seizes the opportunity to chip crossfield to the left wing for Jorgensen to gather but the All Blacks don’t panic and nail Henry into touch. A very long advantage is recalled for an offside against Tupaea, and Wilson declines the straightforward penalty in favour of a kick to the right corner.

1 min: New Zealand accept Donaldson’s kick-off on the 22, set-up and Roigard box kicks forward. Jordie Barrett wins the tap back in the air but it’s knocked-on on the ground. Early scrum.

The Wallabies stare down a Rieko Ioane-led haka.

This has been pinpoint pre-match delivery at Eden Park. Now it’s time for some rugby.

The anthems are brilliant, led by beautiful harmonic arrangements from St Paul’s College choir. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a performance like that before, but I loved it.

No surprises with the uniforms on display this evening: New Zealand are in all black, Australia are wearing gold jerseys and green shorts.

The noise level ramps up tenfold as the home heroes jog out. The host broadcaster homes in on Scott Barrett, returning to the starting XV after a year away from the sport.

Out come the Wallabies into the arena. The response, as you might expect, is muted. The Eden Park floodlights are starting to take effect as a beautiful evening transitions into a gloaming.

Tonight’s referee is the Cardiff-born, former Belgium international, now Irish Rugby Football Union official Andrew Brace.

Conditions: It is a mild evening in Auckland, one accompanied by a northerly breeze with enough force to unsettle the fullbacks. There’s also been a little rain around during the day and the likelihood of showers later on, although the pristine track should play dry.

There was so much to like about their performances against South Africa that, while losing the series, highlighted how the All Blacks are the closest challengers to the Springboks’ supremacy.

Under Dave Rennie they have simply gone back to what they are good at – playing at pace and showcasing handling skills that once made them the most feared nation.

There is a lesson there for other teams seeking to topple South Africa: focus on the way you play the game best rather than trying to ape Erasmus’s men. Richie Mo’unga has the chance to stake his claim for the No 10 jersey in forthcoming Tests against Australia with Ruben Love injured while in Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea, Rennie has a formidable centre partnership.

Leroy Carter does not look up to it defensively but the All Blacks have a habit of unearthing wing sensations in the buildup to World Cups and in Ardie Savea, New Zealand boast the world’s best player.

The Wallabies have emerged as contenders for next year’s Rugby World Cup as they look to extend a six-match unbeaten run when they face the All Blacks, with lock Jeremy Williams declaring Australia can end a 27-year wait and win the Webb Ellis Cup at home.

Australia are now sixth in the world rankings, three years after they dropped to their lowest of 10th after their elimination from the 2023 World Cup at the pool stage.

Team News:

All Blacks:
Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga and winger Fehi Fineanganofo were both ruled out late in the week. Fineanganofo with delayed concussion symptoms, Mo’unga with a calf tear that will keep him on the sidelines for some time.

They join Ardie Savea (shoulder), Luke Jacobson (elbow), Anton Lienert-Brown (knee), Billy Proctor (shoulder), Caleb Clarke (shoulder), Ollie Norris (knee) and Patrick Tuipulotu (calf) on a significant injury list.

Damian McKenzie shifts from fullback to five-eighth with veteran Beauden Barrett slotting in the No 15. Barrett’s brother Scott, fresh off a non-playing sabbatical in which he dealt with foot and back injuries, has come straight into the second row.

Wallabies:
The Wallabies make just one enforced change to the starting XV that looked so good against the Springboks with Isaac Henry replacing the suspended Hunter Paisami. That means Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii remains on the wing after his impressive display in the air against South Africa.

There are more changes on the bench with Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou returning to their clubs in Europe as the two-match Bledisloe Cup series falls outside World Rugby’s international window. Massimo de Lutiis and Nick Champion de Crespigny come onto the pine, along with fly-half Declan Meredith as Kiss returns to a 5-3 forwards-backs split.

Eden Park against the All Blacks. It is perhaps the most formidable challenge in rugby union. The last time the home side lost was in 1994, before the pride of New Zealand began their unbeaten run at Auckland’s famous venue. It now stands at 53 Tests.

Australia’s record there is ugly. Just four wins in almost 100 years, the latest coming in 1986, the same year Wallabies coach Les Kiss debuted for the North Sydney Bears in the New South Wales Rugby League.