New Zealand survive late Australia comeback to win 31-28 in dramatic Rugby Championship clash in Sydney

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The Rugby Championship slipped through New Zealand's fingers after back-to-back defeats against South Africa, but they returned to winning ways against Joe Schmidt's Australia. The All Blacks defeated the Wallabies 31-28 in Sydney despite a resilient second-half performance from the hosts. Australia will get their chance to avenge the defeat next Saturday when they face New Zealand in Wellington.

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New Zealand survived a late scare to beat Australia 31-28 and return to winning ways in the Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks had fallen to back-to-back defeats against South Africa in their previous two matches but made a superb start in Sydney.

Tries from Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke fired the visitors into a 21-0 lead, but Fraser McReight's score kept the Wallabies in the contest.

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Ardie Savea crossed the whitewash to restore New Zealand's 21-point advantage before Matt Faessler went over to make it 28-14 at half-time.

Damian McKenzie converted what would prove to be a crucial penalty after the break, with tries from Hunter Paisami and Tom Wright setting up a tense finish.

The All Blacks held on to retain the Bledisloe Cup, but captain Scott Barrett admits he felt relieved to secure the victory.

"It's a bit of a relief, to be honest," Barrett told the BBC.

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"In the last 15, we found ourselves in a bit of a hole, but we hung on with a bit of scrambled defence.

"It's the nature of the Aussies, they certainly don't lie down."

Joe Schmidt's side will get their chance at revenge when they face New Zealand at Wellington Regional Stadium next Saturday.

Their two defeats against South Africa mean New Zealand can no longer win this year's Rugby Championship.

The Springboks are currently seven points clear at the top of the table, with the All Blacks in second on 11 points.

Argentina are third with ten points, while Australia are bottom of the Rugby Championship standings with five.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson was proud of his side's defiant performance.

"We're obviously gutted to not get the result," said Wilson.

"Giving a 21-0 head start to the All Blacks was always going to make it tough for us, but I am super proud of the effort and the way we fought back.

"We just didn't want to give up and played for each other."

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