New Zealand Retain Bledisloe Cup After 50-19 Win Over Australia

What changed

New Zealand beat Australia 50-19 at Eden Park on Saturday, October 10, retaining the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year. The All Blacks led by three points at halftime, then scored five second-half tries to turn a tight contest into a rout.

Why it matters

Australia can no longer win the Bledisloe Cup in the return match. Even victory in Sydney will leave the trophy in New Zealand, so the next meeting is about response and respect rather than the series result.

New Zealand’s seven tries came from Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa’i, Cam Roigard, Codie Taylor, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby and Will Jordan. Damian McKenzie added six conversions and a penalty, while the All Blacks extended their unbeaten run at Eden Park, which dates back to 1994.

The striking part was the split between the halves. Australia stayed close early, but New Zealand’s second-half surge settled the contest decisively. The return match takes place in Sydney on Saturday, October 17, at 6am BST.