All Blacks beat Australia but miss out on title

Australia 14 (9)

Ikitau Pens: Edmed 3

New Zealand 28 (17)

South Africa, who won the rugby championship title with a victory over Argentina, defeated New Zealand in Perth but lost out to South Africa, who had won it.

The All Blacks won the first game of the season on Saturday by claiming a bonus-point 28-14 victory, moving four points clear of the Springboks in the table.

However, South Africa, the reigning world champion, won their first-ever back-to-back Rugby Championship titles by defeating Argentina 29-27 at Twickenham.

With two quick-fire tries late in the first half, Tupaea, who had been replaced Billy Proctor, turned the match in New Zealand’s favor.

Leroy Carter scored in the eighth minute to give the visitors a lead before Australia responded with three penalties kicks from Tane Edmed.

The All Blacks took a 17-9 lead at half-time thanks to Tupaea’s two tries in the 30th and 36th minutes.

Midway through the second half, Australia’s Len Ikitau pulled a try back for the hosts, either through penalties from Damian McKenzie from New Zealand.

However, after the final hooter sounded, George Bower stepped up from the bench and grabbed the attacking bonus point.

James Slipper’s storied international career came to an end with defeat for Australia.

The 36-year-old has 151 appearances for the Wallabies, making him the most of the team’s 151.