Australia vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby Championship latest score ...

Taniela Tupou stayed down after making the carry before Uelese in that passage, but the prop will soldier on with a limp and a grimace.

The All Blacks miss touch with the penalty, granting Australia another attacking opportunity. They go back to that left corner after Wayne Barnes’s arm points their way again.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:23

A vital turnover from Ardie Savea! He’s just so, so strong over the ball, the All Blacks captain, Australia tapping the penalty quickly to try and crash and bash their way through. But New Zealand halt Jordan Uelese shy of their line and Savea’s jackal is perfect. Penalty to the visitors.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:22

Held up! Lovely variation from the Wallabies, feigning a maul and then tossing off the top as Rob Leota and Rob Valetini thunder around the corner with ominous intent. Then Australia play blind, Samu Kerevi’s snaking hips putting Scott Barrett in trouble...but the lock does ever so well to keep Kerevi from grounding.

Back for a penalty, though.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:20

New Zealand are battling to get out of their own end, though, Australia keeping the heavy artillery coming. Taniel Tupou fumbles but his spill is ruled backwards by the officials, and New Zealand soon offend again, diving on a loose ball not yet far enough away from a ruck.

Four changes for Australia as Eddie Jones freshens up his pack - Jordan Uelese will throw to a lineout that now includes James Slipper, Richie Arnold and Rob Leota.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:18

What maul defence! The value of Jason Ryan’s appointment as forwards coach continues to show for New Zealand, his Crusaders having been regarded as the most effective side in the world at neutering the lineout drive before Ryan was added to the All Blacks staff. Scott Barrett is the chief dismantler, fighting through to lock himself around the ball and win the turnover.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:16

A bright start to the second half from Australia, using their bulky ball carriers up front to make a few dents. Rieko Ioane is penalised for offside; the Wallabies prod into the left corner.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:13

Will Skelton’s python-like limbs suffocate an All Black carrier, the hulking lock prising the ball out of New Zealand hands. Richie Mo’unga covers the backfield excellently, though, scurrying into the corner to collect a grubber and then extricating himself with a shimmy, allowing his side to clear.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:12

Carter Gordon gets us back underway at The ‘G.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:10

A few bruised bodies in the Australian ranks, by the looks of things: Rob Valetini was strapping his thigh during the half-time break, while Tom Hooper has made 23 tackles already in a workmanlike back row showing. Australia have offered threat whenever they’ve been able to work through the phases, but that hasn’t been often enough - and this lead that could quickly widen if the All Blacks find a higher gear.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:08

The loss of Allan Alaalatoa to what looked like a serious leg injury just before half-time was a real shame, Australia losing their captain with the prop’s World Cup hopes surely now in doubt. It leaves the Wallabies a little short of leaders out there - Tate McDermott and Carter Gordon have added a bit of fizz in possession but lacked accuracy and authority, allowing New Zealand to take control territorially.

Can Australia rally in the second half? Most of the 83,944-strong crowd at the MCG will hope so.

Harry Latham-Coyle29 July 2023 12:05