Australia 29 New Zealand 47: Ben Smith Treble Lights Up Richie McCaw Return

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: August 17, 2013

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Australia 29 (Genia, O'Connor, Penalties: Lealifano (5), Conversions: Lealifano (2))

New Zealand 47 (Smith (3), McCaw, Smith, Cruden, Penalties: Cruden (3), Conversions: Cruden (3), Barrett)

 

New Zealand legend Richie McCaw returned to the international arena to lead his team to a six-try 47-29 drubbing of Australia in the opening match of the Rugby Championship at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

The All Blacks skipper had been absent from the Test arena for nine months but marked his comeback with a try as the visitors overran the Wallabies in the second period after an enthralling first half.

McCaw, who had taken a six-month sabbatical, had played just one club match and two replacement appearances for Canterbury Crusaders, but his presence was a major factor in the handsome victory over Australia.

Ben Smith scored a hat-trick of tries for New Zealand while Aaron Cruden proved hugely effective with the boot as he replaced the injured Dan Carter. Centre Conrad Smith was the engine in the team.

For new Wallabies head coach Ewen McKenzie, it proved to be a baptism of fire, but his team still recorded their highest number of points over New Zealand since 2008.

However, Australia must now record two wins in New Zealand to claim a first Bledisloe Cup since 2002, as they failed in their attempt to bounce back from the series defeat to the British & Irish Lions in the summer.

New Zealand took only three minutes to serve notice of their intent when Ben Smith crossed the line after a great flick pass from fly-half Cruden, who also converted to hand the visitors an early lead.

Australia full-back Jesse Mogg had an immediate opportunity to claw back the deficit with a penalty but was wide of the target, but Christian Leali'ifano scored with a penalty from in front of the posts within moments to make the scoreline 7-3.

Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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