AUSTRALIA’S STRUGGLES IN BLEDISLOE CUP DECIDERS

2015 – NZ 41-13 at Eden Park

A week after a convincing 27-19 win in Sydney, Michael Cheika makes six contentious starting changes and Australia are trampled by an All Blacks side honouring Richie McCaw and other greats in their last home Test.

2014 – NZ 51-20 at Eden Park

Trench warfare in Sydney results in a 12-12 stalemate but it’s followed by a blowout for New Zealand at their favourite venue, including two tries for favourite son McCaw.

2008 – NZ 39-10 at Eden Park

New Wallabies coach Robbie Deans lords it over Graham Henry for a week following a 34-19 triumph in Sydney but the bubble bursts in a wet return Test dominated by the home pack.

2007 – NZ 26-12 at Eden Park

Victors 20-15 in Melbourne, Australia are just three points down at halftime in an arm-wrestle before ill-discipline creeps in and Dan Carter lands seven penalty goals.

BETTER TIMES

2002 – Australia 16-14 at Stadium Australia

After losing 12-6 in Christchurch, Matt Burke slots a late penalty to extend the Wallabies’ reign to five years. NZ playmaker Andrew Mehrtens later says referee Andre Watson “should be ashamed”.

2001 – Australia 29-16 at Stadium Australia

A 23-15 loss in Dunedin is followed by a thriller, decided by Toutai Kefu’s last-minute try. It’s a smashing farewell for John Eales and ushers the resignation of All Blacks coach Wayne Smith.

2000 – Australia 24-23 at Westpac Stadium

On the end of an epic 39-35 loss in Sydney, the Wallabies rebound with a courageous win, sealed with a last-minute penalty from that man Eales.

1999 – Australia 28-7 at Stadium Australia

Well beaten 34-15 in Auckland, the Wallabies rebound to inflict the biggest loss on New Zealand by any team. It proved a forerunner to World Cup glory for Rod Macqueen’s team.