The Wallabies were outclassed in the first half as the All Blacks continued their winning run, winning 43-21 in Sydney.
The 73,399 in the crowd were treated to a ruthless Kiwi performance to start the game, piling on pressure and points to secure the win.
Watch every second of the 2026 Bledisloe Cup series live and on demand via Stan Sport.
So what did we learn?
The Wallabies once again finish a Bledisloe Cup winless following their latest defeat to the All Blacks.
The record extends to six years without a win over their trans-Tasman rivals, as they were all class in the first half.
Coach Dave Rennie would’ve had this game circled on the calendar and his team lifted even with the Bledisloe Cup wrapped up.
Australia need to find a way in the next 12 months to turn the tide, especially with the Rugby World Cup group-stage game at the same venue.
They’ll have three chances before then, with the Wallabies heading to Europe to recalibrate.
A small shining light for the Wallabies was Declan Meredith's showing, who more than swam after being chucked into the Bledisloe deep end.
He went out with intent, creating several line breaks with his playmaking and nearly finishing off a stellar try.
He also set up the Wallabies lone try of the half with a deft offload to Jeremy Williams and his hands with Tom Wright were superb for Filipo Daugunu’s try.
The short kick-offs were hit and miss and he should’ve finished that try, but a step in the right direction for the inexperienced Brumby.
The All Blacks back-row lifted for the occasion and they were excellent in winning the collision battle.
Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi were damaging with every carry, both crossing for tries in the first half.
The two combined for 11 tackle busts in the first half, proving too tough for the Wallabies to stop.
Lakai was a deserved player of the match, with Sititi not far behind.
Ultimately, the game was decided early on as the Wallabies struggled to take their chances in the opening quarter.
They created breaks early with little luck, with the most telling in the 13th minute when a five-metre maul transfer hit the deck after the All Blacks opener.
In comparison, the All Blacks scored from their first five entries in the 22, operating with ruthless energy.
To beat the All Blacks, you have to be perfect.
The Wallabies essentially got a reverse of the Eden Park defeat because their bench impact in the second half was superb.
It’s tough to tell how much it was because the All Blacks were so far ahead but there was a clear lift from those finishers, especially Angus Bell.
Bell kept making metres with his carries, and Carlo Tizzano was full of energy as always, whilst Filipo Daugunu managed six tackle busts and a try in an entertaining 25 minutes.
Again, it came way too late in the game, but those who came on can hold their heads high.
