Beauden Barrett was chief executioner as the All Blacks sliced the Wallabies apart 40‑12 at Eden Park to extend their Bledisloe Cup reign into a 16th year.
Barrett scored four tries and 30 points in a dazzling performance as the All Blacks outclassed Australia at a venue where they haven't won since 1986.
His four tries is the most by an All Black.
The 27‑year‑old unleashed his speed and full array of skills, also converting five of his team's six tries in one of the great test displays.
Will Genia's try pulled the Wallabies level 7‑7 on the half‑hour mark.
Among the few bright points for the Wallabies was an improved set piece display.
Their lineout was better and the introduction of props Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa stiffened the scrum.
Dane Haylett‑Petty made some bright runs from fullback in the absence of Israel Folau while No.8 David Pocock was a standout in the first half.
Wallabies hearts sank in the 10 minutes after halftime when prop Joe Moody and flanker Liam Squire powered across for straightforward tries.
Wallabies five‑eighth Bernard Foley followed up a try‑saving tackle on Jordie Barrett with a scything run to set up centre Reece Hodge that reduced the margin to 16 points.
Barrett responded with a sizzling solo try, had another disallowed and bagged his fourth soon afterwards as the game opened up in a manner the New Zealanders thrive on.
[Source: AAP]
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