New Zealand clinched a try scoring bonus point 47-29 win over Australia in the first Bledisloe Cup match last night.

The All Blacks kept hold of the lead for the majority of the match as both teams played with great width and endeavour throughout, a classic performance featuring eight tries in total, including a hat-trick for Ben Smith and a length-of-the-field classic from Will Genia.

The occasion marked the return of Richie McCaw to the international stage and he hardly shunned the limelight, ever present at the breakdown throughout and a try scorer too as he proved that none of his magic had been lost during a six month sabbatical.

In the end however, with six tries in the bag away from home and 47 points scored, this was New Zealand’s night.

Meanwhile, South Africa opened their 2013 Rugby Championship season with a mightily impressive nine try 73-13 victory over Argentina in Soweto this morning.


Story by: Rohit Deo