Rugby Championship: New Zealand and South Africa claim opening wins
New Zealand began the Rugby Championship with a record victory against Australia to claim the Bledisloe Cup, while South Africa beat Argentina in their opener.
The All Blacks’ 57-22 win at Eden Park was their highest ever points tally against the Wallabies.
Later on Saturday, world champions South Africa defeated Argentina 32-12 in Port Elizabeth.
New Zealand ran in eight tries to seal a 19th straight Bledisloe Cup win.
Their match doubled as the second in a three-Test series against Australia, who have not beaten the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1986.
The Wallabies – who lost 33-25 in the Bledisloe Cup opener on 7 August – were six points behind at half-time but a flurry of second-half scores sealed New Zealand’s bonus-point win in a fast-paced, exciting encounter.
New Zealand won a Tri-Nations event against Australia and Argentina in 2020, with South Africa absent because of a lack of playing time during the pandemic.
Agencies