The Bledisloe Cup 2010 series started on 31st July with the first Tri-Nations match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies. We are here to bring you the latest of all the action for the next 3 months. Watch this space for regular updates:
7th August - New Zealand beat Australia to retain Bledisloe Cup
The All Blacks beat Australia 20-10 today to retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 8th year in a row.
Mila Muliaina and Conrad Smith got first-half tries for the All Blacks in Christchurch, while Australia’s only try came from full-back Kurtley Beale. The All Blacks’ defence shone in a second half where its only points came from Dan Carter's penalty after it had led 17-10 and by two tries to one at halftime.
This is also New Zealand's 9th consecutive win over the Wallabies, surpassing its own record set between 1936 and 1947. After losing the last match 49-28, the Wallabies showed a much better game this time around by slowing the All Blacks ball to gain a much greater share of possession and of territory. In fact, they dominated the opening exchanges through both territory and possession but Muliaina’s try re-emphasized the All Blacks’ ability to score through turnovers and on the counterattack. In the end, the All Black defence was unrelenting.
All Blacks need just one more point to clinch this year's Tri-Nations title as well. This would be their 10th win since the inception of the series in 1996, where as South Africa, the defending champions, have won thrice and Australia, twice.
1st August - Jimmy Cowan doubtful for next Bledisloe
The 2nd test will be taking place next Saturday, August 8th, at Christchurch, New Zealand. All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan is doubtful to play after suffering rib cartilage damage during Saturday night's match.
Cowan was replaced by Piri Weepu in the 33rd minute of the first half and All Blacks head coach Graham Henry said he was unlikely to feature when New Zealand play against the Wallabies in the 2nd test.
We look forward eagerly to Saturday’s match as Wallabies gear up for retribution. It would be a big test for Wallabies coach Robbie Deans as Australia have not won in New Zealand since 2001.
31st July - 1st Test
The match took place at the Etihad stadium in Melbourne. With both the All Blacks and the Wallabies unbeaten in the Tri-Nations at the time, there was some fantastic attacking rugby on both sides.
This became apparent when the All Blacks made fifty yards from turnover ball followed by Giteau making a scything break past McCaw which forced the All Blacks to give a penalty to shut down the dangerous attack.
The Wallabies had suffered their first setback as they were forced to move Matt Giteau to outside half after Quade Cooper was banned for two weeks for a dangerous tackle against the Springboks last week. Gitteau duly showed his worth by opening the scoring for the Wallabies.
The All Blacks also had the advantage of an extra man for the majority of the second half as Australian wing Drew Mitchell got his second yellow card which meant a permanent expulsion from the game.
The All Blacks have surely played a commendable game scoring seven tries in a 28-49 defeat of Australia to win 2010's first Bledisloe Cup match.
The schedule for Bledisloe Cup Matches 2010 is as follows:
- Test 1: 31st July, 2010 – Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Australia
- Test 2: 7th August, 2010 – AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Test 3: 11th September, 2010 – ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Australia
- Test 4: 30th October, 2010 – Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
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