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All Blacks v Wallabies: 10 iconic moments from the trans-Tasman rugby rivalry

13:00 pm on 20 September 2024

The All Blacks and Wallabies will meet again on Sunday. Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga 2021 / www.photosport.nz / Photosport Ltd

Another chapter in the trans-Tasman rugby rivalry will be written this Sunday as the All Blacks look to defend the trophy they have had locked away for 21 years.

With another blockbuster series against the Wallabies on the horizon, RNZ looks at 10 iconic moments between the All Blacks and Wallabies.

Be sure to check out our earlier list of 15 unforgettable finishes.

1. The Lap of Honour, 1979

With the trophy gathering cobwebs in a basement in Eden Park, most All Blacks up until the '70s had never even seen the Bledisloe Cup. That all changed on this fateful day in 1979 when the victorious Wallabies decided to parade the trophy around the ground, sparking one of the greatest rivalries in rugby.

The Wallabies take a lap of honour after beating the All Blacks for the Bledisloe in 1979. Photo: Youtube

2. Campese's World Cup masterclass, 1991

A thorn in New Zealand's side throughout the nineties, Campese's finest hour came in 1991 as he sent the All Blacks crashing out of the tournament with his stunning speed and footwork.

David Campese scores a try in the tackle of John Kirwan in the 1991 Rugby World Cup Semi Final. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

3. All Blacks go coast to coast, 1992

They were on the wrong end of the result, but the All Blacks managed to score one of the greatest Bledisloe tries only to go down 16-15 in Sydney.

Mike Brewer in action in 1992. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 1992 www.photosport.nz

4. Wallabies turn their backs, 1996

Disrespect the haka at your peril. This was a lesson the Wallabies learnt the hard way as the All Blacks proceeded to put on one of the most complete performances in history after Australia opted to do some warm-up drills during the pre-game challenge.

A muddy All Black scrum in action during the 1996 match. Photo: Photosport

5. The game from heaven, 2000

"Randall pops it to Lomu, can he make it? You bet ya! You bet ya!" Iconic.

Jonah Lomu leaves Toutai Kefu grabbing at thin air in 2000's 'Match of the Century'. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2000 www.photosport.nz

6. All Blacks crack 50, 2003

Dan Carter's first test, Joe Rokocoko at his peak bagging a treble, and the first time New Zealand put a half century on the board against the Wallabies. Things were looking promising ahead of the World Cup later in the year. That was until...

Daniel Carter scores on debut in 2003 in the All Blacks' 50 -21 rout of the Wallabies. Photo: photosport

7. Mortlock steals one, 2003

More World Cup heartbreak courtesy of the old foe as a wayward Carlos Spencer wide pass saw Stirling Mortlock snatch All Black dreams out of the sky and streak the length of the field to score.

Stirling Mortlock charges away from All Black defence during the 2003 World Cup semi final in Sydney. Photo: Photosport

8. Radike's fend, 2011

One of the most brutal don't argues in the game's history. Big Radike palmed off Adam Thompson before sprinting almost 50 metres, bisecting Corey Jane and Mils Muliaina to score the 2011 Try of the Year.

Radike Samo runs in clear space on his way to score for Australia in 2011. Photo: Steven Hight

9. 'Go Beauden', 2015

The 2015 Rugby World Cup was the swansong for half a dozen All Blacks legends, and they were sent off in style as New Zealand shut out the Wallabies in the final at Twickenham. The result was put beyond doubt when Ben Smith chipped ahead and Barrett tore after as Justin Marshall cheered him over the chalk.

New Zealand's Beauden Barrett celebrates his try with team mate Julian Savea in the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final. Photo: Paul Thomas

10. Barrett at the death in Dunedin, 2017

Perhaps only second to the Sydney stunner in 2000 as the best test in the storied history between these teams. After a bloodied Kurtley Beale looked to have sealed things for the visitors, some slick interplay between Kieran Reed, TJ Perenara and Barrett saw the All Blacks pull one out of the fire.

Beauden Barrett is try bound at Forsyth Barr in 2017. Photo: Joe Allison