Quinn Tupaea scored two crucial tries as New Zealand saw off Australia 28-14 in a rain-soaked clash in Perth on Saturday, keeping their Rugby Championship title hopes alive.
The result sends the All Blacks top of the standings, ahead of South Africa, though the Springboks can still clinch back-to-back titles with victory over Argentina at Twickenham later on Saturday.
Tupaea, starting at outside centre in place of Billy Proctor, rewarded coach Scott Robertson’s selection call with a standout performance, helping his side to a 17-9 halftime lead.
“First start at centre for a while for myself so very pleased to get over the line a couple of times on the back of the work from the boys,” said Tupaea. “We haven’t backed up well during this championship so very pleased with that win tonight.”
Leroy Carter opened the scoring for New Zealand just minutes into the match, while George Bower sealed the bonus point with a fourth try in the final seconds after coming off the bench.
Australia, who had run the All Blacks close in a 33-24 defeat at Eden Park the week prior, struggled to replicate that form. The match marked a disappointing farewell for veteran prop James Slipper, who was playing his 151st and final Test.
The Wallabies had their moments, but poor decision-making and a misfiring line-out limited their impact. Their only try came through Len Ikitau in the final quarter, with fly-half Tane Edmed missing a key conversion and struggling throughout despite an early penalty.
“It’s a tough game out there for the boys, pretty gutted that we couldn’t send Slips off with a win,” said fullback Max Jorgensen. “But credit to them, they’re a great team.”
Australia’s woes began early, with a botched restart from Edmed gifting New Zealand momentum that led to Carter’s opener. Though Allan Alaalatoa crossed the line soon after, the try was ruled out due to a yellow card against Tom Hooper for a dangerous tackle.
Injuries and ill-discipline continued to plague the hosts, with Will Skelton departing after a head knock and Ikitau later sent to the bin for a high shot on Tupaea.
New Zealand capitalised on every error, with Tupaea collecting a lucky ricochet for his first try and then powering over again moments later after a quick tap from Will Jordan.
While Ikitau’s late try gave the home fans something to cheer, Edmed’s missed conversion and subsequent penalty conceded summed up a frustrating night for the Wallabies, who have now lost 11 straight matches to their Trans-Tasman rivals.
