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Bledisloe Cup 2024: Wallabies Fall Short in Wellington as All Blacks Dominate

28 September, 2024 - 12:10PM
Bledisloe Cup 2024: Wallabies Fall Short in Wellington as All Blacks Dominate
Credit: nineforbrands.com.au

The Wallabies started fast, but ran out of steam against the All Blacks in Wellington, losing 33-13 to end a disappointing Rugby Championship campaign. The Wallabies won just a single game in the tournament, finishing bottom of the ladder in new coach Joe Schmidt's first tournament in charge.

The Wallabies kept the ball in hand and attacked from deep, putting the All Blacks on the back foot. However, despite that bright start, familiar failings plagued the Wallabies, who looked shaky in one-on-one defence and, when the game was running away from them, ill-disciplined in defence.

The confidence hard-earned in the second half display in Sydney fast evaporated, with The All Blacks simply brutal an incisive in attack, led by slippery fullback Will Jordan.

"That's not the result we wanted," Wallabies captain Harry Wilson said.

"I thought our first 40 was really good. We showed up, we started fast but we struggled with possession in the second half."

An early try for Fraser McReight got the fast-starting Wallabies on the board early after an inventive and determined start. Sevu Reece crossed with the All Blacks' first attacking use of the ball soon after, with Will Jordan also scoring after ghosting through the line.

However, two penalty goals from Noah Lolesio had the Wallabies ahead 13-12 as the clock ticked over 40 minutes at the end of the first half. The Wallabies conceded a Caleb Clarke try just before the break through to head into half-time with a 19-13 lead.

They never looked back.

Dylan Pietsch, who made his starting debut, told Channel Nine: "It's hard to be a great team if you turn the ball over." And the Wallabies regularly coughed up possession, handing the All Blacks the advantage.

Tamaiti Williams and Clarke scored tries in the second half and some stern defence from the hosts kept the Wallabies at bay, and scoreless in the second half. "We didn't start too well but I'm really pleased with how we finished," All Blacks captain Scott Barrett said.

"There was some real grit in defence there in the way we held out the Aussies."

Second Half Slump

The Wallabies just didn't have enough quality in the end to properly challenge the All Blacks, who stepped up in a big way in the second half. The lengthy drought since a Wallaby victory in New Zealand goes on and on for a 24th year.

But a tough tour of the northern hemisphere will be just another proving ground for these Wallabies.

What Went Wrong?

The Wallabies were simply outplayed in the second half. They struggled to retain possession, making numerous errors and allowing the All Blacks to dictate the terms of the game. Despite a promising first half, the Wallabies couldn't sustain their momentum and ultimately paid the price for their lack of discipline and consistency.

The All Blacks, on the other hand, showed their class. They were clinical in attack and uncompromising in defence, making the most of every opportunity presented to them. They were particularly impressive in the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points to seal the victory.

What's Next?

The Wallabies will be looking to regroup and learn from their mistakes before embarking on a challenging tour of the Northern Hemisphere. They will face England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland in a series of test matches that will be a true test of their mettle.

The All Blacks, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their recent success and will be looking to make a strong statement on their upcoming tour of Europe.

A Look Back

The All Blacks ultimately proved too strong, showcasing their dominance with a solid 33-13 victory. They ended their Wellington hoodoo and extended the Wallabies woes on New Zealand soil.

The Wallabies did well in the first half, but in the second period they were never in it, blown away by the All Blacks, who scored 21 unanswered points. Despite a valiant effort, the Wallabies were simply outmatched by a more experienced and disciplined All Blacks side.

A Tough Loss

This loss is a setback for the Wallabies, but it is not the end of the world. They have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the Rugby Championship, but they need to be more consistent if they want to achieve their goals. They will need to work hard to address their weaknesses and find a way to close the gap with the All Blacks if they want to be considered a genuine threat on the world stage.

A Look Ahead

The Wallabies will have a chance to redeem themselves on their upcoming tour of the Northern Hemisphere. They will be facing some tough opposition, but they will also have an opportunity to gain valuable experience and build confidence for the future. The All Blacks will also be looking to continue their winning ways on their European tour.

The Rugby Championship may be over, but the battle for supremacy in world rugby continues. Both the Wallabies and the All Blacks will be looking to prove themselves on the international stage in the months to come.

The Wallabies have much to ponder as they head into the Northern Hemisphere tour. The team will be aiming to build on the positive aspects of their Rugby Championship performances while also addressing the areas that have held them back. They will need to find a way to be more consistent in their execution, reduce errors, and raise the intensity of their defensive effort if they are to be a force to be reckoned with. The challenges that lie ahead will be tough, but the Wallabies have the potential to make significant strides in the coming months. The team will be looking to use the experience of these upcoming tests to further their development and build towards future success.

The All Blacks, meanwhile, will be aiming to maintain their dominance on the international stage. Their impressive performance in the Rugby Championship demonstrates their strength and consistency. They will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming European tour and will be looking to build on their recent successes.

This was a tough loss for the Wallabies, but it was a valuable learning experience. They will be looking to use this experience to improve and grow as a team. The future is bright for the Wallabies, and they will be looking to make a strong statement on the international stage in the years to come.

Bledisloe Cup 2024: Wallabies Fall Short in Wellington as All Blacks Dominate
Credit: d3gbf3ykm8gp5c.cloudfront.net
Bledisloe Cup 2024: Wallabies Fall Short in Wellington as All Blacks Dominate
Credit: allblackssydney.com.au
Tags:
Bledisloe Cup game 2 Rugby Championship wallabies All Blacks Bledisloe Cup
Nneka Okoro
Nneka Okoro

Sports Reporter

Covering sports events and bringing you live updates.