All Blacks coach Dave Rennie highly praised his team's 'character and courage' following two convincing victories over Australia. These wins allowed them to forget the 3-1 loss in the World Cup series against South Africa.
A week ago, the New Zealand team achieved a crushing victory over the Australians with a score of 50-19 in Auckland. On Saturday, they demonstrated similar dominance, defeating their opponents 43-21.
The first half in Sydney was particularly impressive: the All Blacks took a 36-7 lead, which was recognized as an exemplary performance. The team scored six tries, leaving Australia in shock.
Rennie noted: 'It was excellent. We were able to replicate much of what we did last week within 40 minutes. It is the quality of ball retention, winning races, and toughness in clearing the zone, as well as the quality of decision-making and passing choice to get players into open space. I think we played very clinically.' He added: 'I am proud of the character and courage, but disappointed that we weren't as clinical in the second half. I think if we had scored a couple of tries early on, it would have really put pressure on the opposition.'
Two New Zealand touchdowns were scored by rejuvenated fullback Beauden Barrett, who largely went unnoticed during the recent Rugby Championship series against South Africa. Injuries once again opened opportunities against Australia, and the veteran with 147 caps seized the chance, earning high praise from Rennie.
'It just highlights how lucky we are,' he stated. 'Beauden's experience, his communication, his decision-making quality—they are superb. It's great to have him in the squad.'
Before the match in Sydney, the All Blacks faced injury concerns, including Ardie Savea, Lera Carter, Kaleb Clarke, Ruben Law, and Richie Mounga. Shannon Frizell and Samison Taukeiaho were also added to the list of injured before the trip to Europe for the Nations Cup next month.
Captain Cody Taylor expressed pride in how the team managed to bounce back from the disappointment of the game against South Africa. 'We looked honestly at ourselves after that RGR, and as always, we are never satisfied, and we probably left feeling quite down,' he said. 'But also knowing that we play a type of rugby we can be proud of and that we can grow from. To go play in New Zealand and (win) the Bledisloe Cup, and then face a real mental challenge this week to meet the standards we want to see in this team, and rise higher. I think we did that for most of the game, so I am very proud of the lads.'