Overview
- New Zealand defeated Australia 43-21 in Sydney on Saturday, completing consecutive heavy Bledisloe Cup wins after a 50-19 result in Auckland the previous week.
- Coach Dave Rennie said the All Blacks will keep an expansive, attacking game plan for the World Cup and argued the style will test opponents more than it will cost them.
- Australia conceded three tries in the opening 20 minutes and six in the first half, a collapse Les Kiss labelled "unacceptable" that has triggered an internal review and the promise to name a touring squad next week.
- Key absences including fly‑halves Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson and centre Len Ikitau left the Wallabies short of experience, increasing pressure to consider veteran recalls such as James Slipper, Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor and Bernard Foley.
- With the 2027 Rugby World Cup to be held in Australia, the results shift momentum for New Zealand and leave Australia needing quick fixes to selection, defence and confidence ahead of the tournament build-up.