Australia vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby Championship result and reaction as All Blacks retain title

New Zealand wrapped up a third successive Rugby Championship title with a 38-7 victory over rivals Australia in Melbourne.

While the Wallabies showed improvement defensively, they struggled to match the pace and power of the All Blacks, who appear to be hitting formidable form ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Tries from Shannon Frizell, Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea and Rieko Ioane ensured that the Bledisloe Cup will remain in New Zealand’s hands for another year, extending their run with the trans-Tasman trophy to 21 years ahead of next week’s encounter in Dunedin.

And injuries to tighthead props Allan Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou will only cause Eddie Jones further frets as a tough start to his second stint in charge of Australia continues.

Follow live updates from Australia vs New Zealand in the final round of the Rugby Championship below

Rugby Championship LIVE - Australia vs New Zealand

• FULL TIME: Australia 7-38 New Zealand

• TRY! Australia 7-38 NEW ZEALAND (Rieko Ioane try, 66 minutes)

• TRY! Australia 7-31 NEW ZEALAND (Mark Telea try, 65 minutes)

• TRY! Australia 7-26 NEW ZEALAND (Caleb Clarke try, 60 minutes)

• HALF TIME: Australia 7-19 New Zealand

• TRY! Australia 7-12 NEW ZEALAND (Codie Taylor try, 34 minutes)

• TRY! AUSTRALIA 7-5 New Zealand (Rob Valetini try, 8 minutes)

• TRY! Australia 0-5 NEW ZEALAND (Shannon Frizell try, 4 minutes)

• Australia host New Zealand in final round of Rugby Championship

• All Blacks look to wrap up title at MCG, live on Sky Sports Action

FULL TIME: Australia 7-38 New Zealand

13:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It’s hard, we’ve let down all the Melbourne people that came out to watch us,” says a beaten, bruised and blue Angus Bell. “We’ve let down Eddie, we’ve let down Australia - it’s hard because we work so hard. I guess we’ve got to come back next week with a few tweaks.

“There are a lot of things that we need to fix up. But we’ll train harder and get better.”

FULL TIME: Australia 7-38 New Zealand

13:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Jordan reacts to New Zealand’s win: “It’s a good feeling. We knew coming over here was going to be a huge challenge, and we got that. It was an up-tempo game, the Wallabies were hugely physical in the first half especially.

“They fronted up pretty well. It was just about being patient. When we were able to go six or seven phases or more, we were able to get success. In the second half, a few of our athletes got going and it was good fun out there.

“Defence has been a huge thing for us this year and it’s great to see our efforts during the week pay off on the field in those big moments.”

FULL TIME: AUSTRALIA 7-38 NEW ZEALAND

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia 7-38 New Zealand, 81 minutes

12:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The hooter sounds with the home side in possession, but Wayne Barnes’s whistle a few seconds later puts an end to their hopes of a final consolation. Will Jordan sends us to a close, a tap and a thump for the stands - the Bledisloe Cup remains in the All Blacks’ hands.

Australia 7-38 New Zealand, 79 minutes

12:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A few of the Australia replacements have shown reasonably well since arriving, Izaia Perese solid in the centres and Rob Leota prominent in defence and attack, the flanker working his way back up to full intensity after injury. Leota wins a turnover on his own 22.

Australia 7-38 New Zealand, 78 minutes

12:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty of weary forward bodies on the MCG outfield, most of them in Wallaby gold. Ardie Savea is still going, beating a couple with pumping piston thighs.

A couple of errant All Blacks kicks prevent them capitalising on space apparent out wide. Samu Kerevi gives his teammates a fright by fumbling Nic White’s pass, but the lack of a concerted effort to charge down the centre’s clearance leaves him enough time to collect at the second attempt and hook a kick away.

No try! Australia 7-38 New Zealand, 73 minutes

12:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Richie Mo’unga thinks he has a try of his own to convert, leaping beneath the posts after a Koroibete spill in the backfield, but Wayne Barnes concludes that Mo’unga’s push of the Wallabies wing had come just before his hands were on the ball.

Australia 7-38 New Zealand, 72 minutes

12:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marika Koroibete is left on his lonesome again after Luke Jacobson pinches breakdown ball for the All Blacks, but Koroibete makes a much better job of handling Mark Telea on this occasion, clipping his heels and then drawing a holding on penalty.

Australia 7-38 New Zealand, 70 minutes

12:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It always felt like this sort of All Blacks burst was going to come, particularly after Australia squandered those three chances from five out earlier in the half. Taniela Tupou’s period in the sin bin has come to an end, permitting Angus Bell a permanent return as the Wallabies try to avoid letting this get out of hand.

TRY! Australia 7-38 NEW ZEALAND (Rieko Ioane try, 66 minutes)

12:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right from the restart, New Zealand have another!

It’s an All Blacks classic, prepared to play from deep in their own half with forwards and backs interchanging with devastating impact. Scott Barrett sparks it, scooping up a low pass to show his supple side and then producing a sinuous run that belies his size. Caleb Clarke puts his foot down to accelerate into space and Australia never recover, Cam Roigard spinning it from the base of a ruck with the home side desperately calling for reinforcements on the left. They never come, Marika Koroibete burned by Mark Telea, who tosses an offload inside for his Blues mate Rieko Ioane, who continues to climb the list of top All Blacks try-scorers

TRY! Australia 7-31 NEW ZEALAND (Mark Telea try, 65 minutes)

12:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Jordan tees up his wing colleague for the try!

Having continue his own scoring run earlier, Jordan plays the provider, comfortable stepping up at first receiver. A vicious step off his right foot leaves Marika Koroibete grasping at thin air, forcing three other Australia defenders to step in. That leaves plenty of room for Mark Telea on the outside to finish things off.

Australia 7-26 New Zealand, 64 minutes

12:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Roigard lifts the tempo, tasking the men of greater heft with doing the heavy lifting as a fatiguing Wallabies defence starts to fall off a few more tackles. A fifth try surely can’t be far away...

Australia 7-26 New Zealand, 62 minutes

12:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A debut for scrum-half Cam Roigard, uber impressive for the Hurricanes this year in the absence of TJ Perenara. Australia’s retooled front row is penalised at their first scrum-time skirmish since Taniela Tupou’s departure.

TRY! Australia 7-26 NEW ZEALAND (Caleb Clarke try, 60 minutes)

12:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

One chance is all the All Blacks need!

All of that Wallabies toil and the first score of the second half still goes New Zealand’s way. Aaron Smith had sniped up the left, ducking under a tackle attempt and almost freeing the arms to let Caleb Clarke have a stroll over. Smith can’t quite get the offload away, though, forcing Clarke to go searching, joining the forwards for a spot of pick and go and scoring with a writhe through two Australian tacklers.

Richie Mo’unga adds the conversion.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 58 minutes

12:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Can New Zealand finally click into gear with a man advantage? The penalty is booted down into Australia’s 22.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 57 minutes

12:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tupou is done for - Angus Bell re-emerges to replace him, with James Slipper swapping across.

Hang on. Tupou might be in a bit of trouble, his shoulder appearing to make contact with Nepo Laulala’s head. YELLOW CARD! The incident will be further reviewed to assess the level of sanction, with Bell’s return brief and Australia down to 14 for at least the next ten minutes.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 56 minutes

12:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A couple of resets probably isn’t want Tupou wanted as Ofa Tu’ungafasi repeatedly puts the hurt on Australia’s wounded prop, Rob Valetini losing control at the rear of a retreating home eight and Dalton Papali’i there to pounce.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 53 minutes

12:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So three opportunities from five out in that corner come and go for Australia, which feels like it might be fatal for their chances of a comeback. New Zealand haven’t yet exited their half since the resumption, but are clinging on defensively.

Tanielu Tupou isn’t right at all. The prop stands in at scrum-half with Nic White tied up elsewhere but clutches at his ribcage as he attempts to flick a pass away. Australia look likely to lose a second tighthead - James Slipper can, in theory, cover on the right of the scrum if required.

Angus Bell is braced and ready to return, but Tupou has at least one more shoving session lest him, bravely packing down as White prepares to feed a scrum.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 51 minutes

12:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand hold firm once more! Changes for both teams, Quade Cooper and Nic White on in the halves for Australia and Brodie Retallick and Ofa Tu’ungafasi lending their weight up front for New Zealand - those two new forwards are right at the heart of things as another Wallabies maul collapses under its own mass, Dalton Papali’i this time the man to wriggle his way up onto the ball.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 50 minutes

12:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Taniela Tupou stayed down after making the carry before Uelese in that passage, but the prop will soldier on with a limp and a grimace.

The All Blacks miss touch with the penalty, granting Australia another attacking opportunity. They go back to that left corner after Wayne Barnes’s arm points their way again.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 48 minutes

12:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A vital turnover from Ardie Savea! He’s just so, so strong over the ball, the All Blacks captain, Australia tapping the penalty quickly to try and crash and bash their way through. But New Zealand halt Jordan Uelese shy of their line and Savea’s jackal is perfect. Penalty to the visitors.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 48 minutes

12:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Held up! Lovely variation from the Wallabies, feigning a maul and then tossing off the top as Rob Leota and Rob Valetini thunder around the corner with ominous intent. Then Australia play blind, Samu Kerevi’s snaking hips putting Scott Barrett in trouble...but the lock does ever so well to keep Kerevi from grounding.

Back for a penalty, though.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 46 minutes

12:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand are battling to get out of their own end, though, Australia keeping the heavy artillery coming. Taniel Tupou fumbles but his spill is ruled backwards by the officials, and New Zealand soon offend again, diving on a loose ball not yet far enough away from a ruck.

Four changes for Australia as Eddie Jones freshens up his pack - Jordan Uelese will throw to a lineout that now includes James Slipper, Richie Arnold and Rob Leota.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 44 minutes

12:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What maul defence! The value of Jason Ryan’s appointment as forwards coach continues to show for New Zealand, his Crusaders having been regarded as the most effective side in the world at neutering the lineout drive before Ryan was added to the All Blacks staff. Scott Barrett is the chief dismantler, fighting through to lock himself around the ball and win the turnover.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 43 minutes

12:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bright start to the second half from Australia, using their bulky ball carriers up front to make a few dents. Rieko Ioane is penalised for offside; the Wallabies prod into the left corner.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand, 41 minutes

12:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Skelton’s python-like limbs suffocate an All Black carrier, the hulking lock prising the ball out of New Zealand hands. Richie Mo’unga covers the backfield excellently, though, scurrying into the corner to collect a grubber and then extricating himself with a shimmy, allowing his side to clear.

Second half...

12:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Carter Gordon gets us back underway at The ‘G.

Australia 7-19 New Zealand

12:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A few bruised bodies in the Australian ranks, by the looks of things: Rob Valetini was strapping his thigh during the half-time break, while Tom Hooper has made 23 tackles already in a workmanlike back row showing. Australia have offered threat whenever they’ve been able to work through the phases, but that hasn’t been often enough - and this lead that could quickly widen if the All Blacks find a higher gear.

HT: Australia 7-19 New Zealand

12:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The loss of Allan Alaalatoa to what looked like a serious leg injury just before half-time was a real shame, Australia losing their captain with the prop’s World Cup hopes surely now in doubt. It leaves the Wallabies a little short of leaders out there - Tate McDermott and Carter Gordon have added a bit of fizz in possession but lacked accuracy and authority, allowing New Zealand to take control territorially.

Can Australia rally in the second half? Most of the 83,944-strong crowd at the MCG will hope so.

HT: Australia 7-19 New Zealand

12:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A two-score lead for New Zealand at half-time, which feels about fair. It’s been better from the Wallabies defensively, finding ways to disrupt All Blacks possession at the ruck, but the visitors increasingly tooko control of possession and territory as the half wore on.

HALF TIME: Australia 7-19 New Zealand

11:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TRY! Australia 7-19 NEW ZEALAND (Will Jordan try, 42 minutes)

11:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Patience is a virtue - 20 phases and finally the Wallabies dam bursts!

Brave defence from Australia but the All Blacks kept things ticking, varying their play around the fringes and biding their time before going wide. When the time comes to use the hands, they are typically effectively employed, a pop over the top leaving just enough room for New Zealand’s quintessential finisher to go over. Will Jordan scores a 23rd try in his 23rd test - and Richie Mo’unga’s touchline conversion is the final act of the half.

Australia 7-12 New Zealand, 40 minutes

11:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The goalline dropout that follows is shallow, affording New Zealand another attack before the half-time hooter. The All Blacks are soon back in enemy territory for one last offensive before the interval.

Australia 7-12 New Zealand, 38 minutes

11:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a carry from Mark Telea! Three Australians get limbs on the wing as he charges forth from first receiver, but all are left sprawled on the floor as Telea blends footwork and power. Samu Kerevi is stepped, too, but Australia get themselves back in order, reforming just about in time to hold up Ardie Savea.

Australia 7-12 New Zealand, 37 minutes

11:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eddie Jones shares his tighthead’s distress, losing another skipper. Taniela Tupou is a useful replacement, but the prop hasn’t had too much gametime in the last couple of months due to his own injury woes.

That looks a serious one for Allan Alaalatoa, sadly - he’s able to hop up on to the cart but what looks like a knee ligament issue could end his hopes of World Cup participation. Let us hope it’s not as severe as feared.

Australia 7-12 New Zealand, 37 minutes

11:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand put the power on at scrum-time, drawing a penalty out of Allan Alaalatoa - and this does not look pretty at all for the Australia captain, down in severe discomfort with the stretcher immediately gestured for as the medics arrive, the tighthead turned in by Ethan de Groot and his leg seemingly in real, real bother.

Australia 7-12 New Zealand, 36 minutes

11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A wretched restart from Carter Gordon, who has been good in phase play but had a few mishaps with the boot, slicing his drop-kick and watching it travel only two of the required ten metres. New Zealand will have a scrum on halfway.

Australia are restored to full complement, though - Marika Koroibete returns.

TRY! Australia 7-12 NEW ZEALAND (Codie Taylor try, 34 minutes)

11:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The maul marches inexorably and Codie Taylor flops over!

Australia managed to stall the lineout drive earlier but not now, New Zealand lower and meatier as they pack together. Taylor buckaroos at the back, forcing those ahead of him onwards until he spies white, lunging for the line. Richie Mo’unga converts.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 32 minutes

11:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks capitalise on that under-resourced backline, overloading the blindside and allowing Jordie Barrett to make metres with long strides as he brushes Tate McDermott off his hip. Infield now, Codie Taylor providing excellent support and New Zealand up into full flow.

Back to the left, and numbers again for the visitors. Ardie Savea frees Mark Telea up the touchline but the Wallabies scramble across, Jordan Petaia patting Telea’s infield offload into touch.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 30 minutes

11:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rob Valetini retreats in haste to beat Beauden Barrett to a bouncing ball after the full-back launches his latest lob wedge on the counter-attack. Samu Kerevi makes a few metres with a forthright charge but Angus Bell loses control of the ball as he hits the deck two phases later, the loosehead prop’s fumble giving New Zealand a scrum feed on their own ten-metre line with half of Marika Koroibete’s time on the naughty step having elapsed.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 28 minutes

11:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia down to 14, then, but surely heartened by that goalline stand, with the All Blacks unable to break through. It does just feel like New Zealand have been a little bit rattled by the way the Wallabies have gone hard at the breakdown, Aaron Smith making an error as he catches the ball on some ruck debris while preparing to release his pass.

No try! Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 26 minutes

11:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chalked off! TMO Tom Foley isn’t satisfied that Telea’s little tap had appreciably moved the ball, granting Australia a reprieve.

There’s a card coming, though - Koroibete’s intervention from an offside position sees him sent to the sin bin.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 26 minutes

11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The ball pops out of a ruck after Codie Taylor carries, but Marika Koroibete can’t resist picking it up from an offside position. Another penalty to New Zealand.

A tap and go and Mark Telea looks to have scored - provided there was a touch with his toe before he bolted for the line...

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 25 minutes

11:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Excellent maul defence from Australia, but Shannon Frizell rocks back Allan Alaalatoa to re-generate a bit of momentum for the visitors. The All Blacks build steadily.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 23 minutes

11:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks go to their power game to make progress, punching their way up through Australia’s fringe defence as Aaron Smith flicks left and right. Australia are penalised five metres out. New Zealand opt for the corner.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 22 minutes

11:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Barnes’s eagle eyes work against Australia now, a clearer pinged for sealing off on the left after Jordan Petaia and Andrew Kellaway had combined smartly to make a break on the right.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 20 minutes

11:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia’s intensity at the breakdown is beginning to bother the All Blacks. Brodie Retallick takes Jed Holloway beyond the ruck with his clearout, an offence he might have got away with had Codie Taylor not then darted through the gap his teammate opened up. Wayne Barnes sharply spots it - another missed opportunity for the visitors, uncharacteristically inaccurate with their detail so far.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 18 minutes

11:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A Richie Mo’unga stab over the top lands between Australian bodies, both the kicker himself and Brodie Retallick not quite able to gather as Wallaby hands get to it first.

The New Zealand chisel is out again, Beauden Barrett chipping away once more, and Samu Kerevi’s needless collision with the All Blacks full-back draws Wayne Barnes’s whistle. New Zealand into Australia’s 22.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 16 minutes

11:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Beauden Barrett’s short game is in better working order, a delicate little chip perfectly weighted into an onrushing Will Jordan’s hands. But Australia are managing to busy themselves at the breakdown, Scott Barrett chopped down low and Rob Valetini jackalling effectively. Gordon misses touch with his punted penalty, though.

Missed penalty! Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 14 minutes

11:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not the best from the new Wallabies fly-half, tugging it off the tee and wide of the left-hand post. It was simple enough, 35 out or so and just off-centre to the right - three points slip by.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 12 minutes

11:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s been fast and physical so far, Australia good in phase play, Tate McDermott and Carter Gordon playing quickly around the fringes. Ardie Savea drives back Mark Nawaqanitawase as the wing goes on another infield explore, but Wayne Barnes isn’t happy with the angle of the All Blacks skipper’s resultant counter-ruck. Penalty to Australia - and Gordon calls for the tee.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 11 minutes

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Outstanding defence from Marika Koroibete! That is a superb bit of individual work from the Wallabies wing, first retrieving his axe to chop down Mark Telea in full flow and then gathering the timber, showing just enough of a release to satisfy referee Wayne Barnes before locking on over the top. Turnover penalty to Australia.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 10 minutes

11:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pilfered by Will Skelton! The massive lock lurks at the edge of a ruck and waits for the ball to be exposed, getting his huge mitts on it as Aaron Smith tries to pick-up and wrenching it free of the scrum-half’s grasp. Australia clear up to about 25 metres out.

Australia 7-5 New Zealand, 9 minutes

11:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A perfect response from the home side to the early concession of that score. But the All Blacks look up for this, a nifty bit of work at the tail putting Will Jordan into a hole adjacent to the back of the lineout to take New Zealand back into advanced territory.

TRY! AUSTRALIA 7-5 New Zealand (Rob Valetini try, 8 minutes)

11:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That one’s a good’un! Valetini is permitted a place having been halted a foot or so short, and there’s indisputable evidence that the Wallabies number eight has got there. Carter Gordon’s extras take Australia in front.

Try?

11:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

In touch! A brilliant cover tackle from Rieko Ioane and Koroibete’s elbow is in touch a half-second before he grounds in the corner.

Hang on - TMO Tom Foley wants to check a potential grounding earlier in the movement, Rob Valetini very, very close under the posts...

Try?

11:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia keep the ball moving and has Marika Koroibete squeezed over in the corner? The on-field decision is try...

Australia 0-5 New Zealand, 6 minutes

11:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here come the Wallabies! Mark Nawaqanitawase pops up in midfield far from his right wing, weaving into a gap and then onwards into New Zealand’s 22.

TRY! Australia 0-5 NEW ZEALAND (Shannon Frizell try, 4 minutes)

11:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A crunching hit from Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell touches down!

New Zealand strike early! It’s the simplest try Frizell could ever wish to score, capitalising on the work of his back five colleague. Australia toss off the top back to their scrum-half, but Barrett shoots out of the defensive lineout to positively pulverize Tate McDermott just as he passes. The ball tumbles a metre or so away and Frizell can hardly believe his luck, pressing ball against turf in goal to get New Zealand on the board. Richie Mo’unga misses from the tee.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes

11:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Austraia kick to contest, Carter Gordon switching back infield and releasing an up-and-under, which Mark Telea takes at the second attempt. New Zealand make a mess of the Australian backfield, though, Andrew Kellaway fumbling and Scott Barrett scooping it up on the floor. An intelligent box kick into the corner from Aaron Smith will force Australia to throw a pressure lineout five metres out from their own line.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 2 minutes

11:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mark Telea claims the next kick, Samu Kerevi’s right boot in use before the centre leads a nicely formed chase. The All Blacks explore the blindside but Aaron Smith throws between three potential receivers, his pass fizzing out of play on the bounce.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute

11:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Straight to the boot for Carter Gordon, punting long after Australia claim the opening kick-off effectively. Beauden Barrett replies with an upward hoist, which is also well handled.

Australia vs New Zealand

11:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here we go. New Zealand will kick off, Beauden Barrett having a quick chat with Wayne Barnes as he prepares to get things underway.

Bledisloe I is up and running!

Australia vs New Zealand

11:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Allan Alaalatoa strides forward, presenting a boomerang to the All Blacks as they start the “Haka”, native tradition meeting native tradition as Australia accept the challenge. Ardie Savea retrieves it with a respectful bow.

Australia vs New Zealand

10:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A rumbling roar as the Wallabies emerge, Carter Gordon’s mullet flapping about as he jogs across the Melbourne Cricket Ground surface, still showing the markings from last night’s AFL action. There were about 87,000 in to watch Carlton take down Collingwood - it looks like we’re right around that figure tonight.

Australia vs New Zealand

10:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The MCG is virtually fit to burst. Ardie Savea makes the long trek out from the sheds, up through the tunnel with smoke clearing in front of him from the pre-match fireworks as New Zealand ready themselves to provide a few of their own.

Australia vs New Zealand

10:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, we aren’t too far away at all from kick-off in Melbourne. Australia can’t afford to let New Zealand get up and running in the way the All Blacks managed against South Africa, with the home side lacking in the bench strength to bring an early lead back. A fast start is surely a must for the Wallabies.

Australia vs New Zealand - Rugby Championship

10:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a dry and reasonably warm winter evening in Melbourne, pleasant conditions for some running rugby. An all-English group of officials will be led by Wayne Barnes, who has tossed up with the two stand-in skippers.

Referee: Wayne Barnes (Eng)

ARs: Karl Dickson (Eng) & Christophe Ridley (Eng)

TMO: Tom Foley (Eng)

Australia vs New Zealand - Rugby Championship

10:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I thought that Eddie Jones might try to get Fraser McReight in his back row, the flanker’s fetching hands surely useful in slowing the All Blacks around the contact area, but Jones has instead opted for extra biff and beef in his pack. The Wallabies are reasonably well equipped to take on the world’s biggest sides physically, and an approach predicated on power might be their likeliest route to something resembling World Cup success, but you fear this selection could truggle to stall New Zealand if they get going in possession.

Australia vs New Zealand - Rugby Championship

10:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a huge opportunity for Carter Gordon tonight, the fly-half a Queenslander by birth but now an adopted Melbourne favourite. The Rebels playmaker has plenty of developing to do but Quade Cooper has looked rather rusty after that long lay-off due to an Achilles injury, potentially leaving a spot there for the taking. I’m a little surprised that Eddie Jones has chosen not to pair his new ten with Nic White in the halves, but Tate McDermott’s inclusion perhaps reflects a desire to play with more pace.

Australia vs New Zealand - Rugby Championship

10:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An eye-catching result elsewhere this morning, with a far from full-strength Fiji securing a rather handy win over Samoa in Apia. Simon Raiwalui has to deal with a couple of withdrawals from his likely World Cup squad, Peceli Yato and Api Ratuniyarawa opting to honour club contracts in France instead, but the Fiji coach seems to be building real depth, aided by the success of the Drua in Super Rugby Pacific over the last couple of seasons.

Fiji, remember, are in Pool C alongside Wales and Australia - the Pacific Islanders face the presumed quarter-finalists on the first two weekends of World Cup action and will rather fancy their chances.

Australia bid to end Bledisloe woe

10:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s more than 20 years since the Wallabies last lifted the Bledisloe Cup, Eddie Jones the coach in 2002 as Australia claimed the trans-Tasman trophy for a fifth successive year. A victory today for the All Blacks would keep it in their hands, with just next week’s meeting in Dunedin to come before attention turns more fully to World Cup preparation.

“I probably get asked that question every year,” Australia prop James Slipper said in Melbourne on Friday when pressed on whether this was the time to end the drought.

“My first game was actually here in Melbourne against the All Blacks [in 2010]. I got asked that question then. It’s one of those things that we’re just going to have to understand that it’s part of our history.

““We’re trying to build something. In terms of staff, coaches, there are new players in the squad.

“We’ve got a new five-eighth, he’s going to lead us around, he’s young, he’s from Melbourne. So there’s a different landscape to us.

“But in saying that I’m not going to stand here and say we’re the finished product - but one thing I’m going to say is we’re going to work bloody hard to be.”

New Zealand seek to seal a Rugby Championship sweep

10:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

While Australia still have plenty to decipher before they head off to France at the start of September, there is a real sense that the All Blacks are hitting their straps again, the first half performance against South Africa about the best New Zealand have produced in this World Cup cycle. Ian Foster’s settled combinations get a chance to go again - if the backline clicks in the way it did in Auckland, it could be a tough evening for the Wallabies.

Foster seems to have solved a couple of problem positions this summer, Shannon Frizell blooming on the blindside and Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax ever more solid, secure and strong as a propping pair.

Can Eddie Jones engineer a Wallabies turnaround?

09:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s not been the start that Eddie Jones would have wanted to his second stint in charge of Australia, the Wallabies much better against Argentina in Sydney than they were in South Africa in round one but still falling to back-to-back defeats. The All Blacks will fancy their chances of exploiting a defensive system still bedding in under the guidance of inexperienced rugby league convert Brett Hodgson, but a fortnight of preparation should have helped the hosts build a bit of cohesion.

Jones’s England were thoroughly outplayed during most of their meeting with New Zealand last November, but found a way to fightback with three tries in a madcap final ten minutes to secure a draw. Can the Sydneysider scheme something up to spring a Bledisloe Cup surprise?

Team News – New Zealand

09:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s little tinkering required to the All Blacks line-up, Ian Foster seemingly having settled on his best side, with just the one change to the starting fifteen that so blew away South Africa in the first quarter a fortnight ago. That switch is enforced, Sam Cane ruled out with a neck injury, leaving Dalton Papali’i to take over on the openside flank and Ardie Savea as skipper.

Behind the scrum, it’s the same again for Foster, with all of those playmakers back in harness, while faces old and new catch the eye on the bench: a fit-again Sam Whitelock will win cap number 144 when he is brought on; scrum-half Cam Roigard, a standout for the Hurricanes this year, will get his first when he is introduced.

New Zealand XV: Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax; Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett; Shannon Frizell, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea (capt.); Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga; Mark Telea, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan; Beauden Barrett.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Sam Whitelock, Luke Jacobson; Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.

Team News – Australia

09:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eddie Jones continues to shuffle through his pack as he tries to figure out his first-choice Wallabies side on the fly. Two defeats from his first two games in charge prompt a half-back rethink, with Tate McDermott and first-time starter Carter Gordon taking over from Nic White and Quade Cooper. A midfield of Samu Kerevi and Jordan Petaia should provide plenty of strike running threat.

Up front, Angus Bell will hope to put a difficult year with injury behind him as he steps into the starting side, while, in the absence of Michael Hooper, namesake Tom gets the nod on the openside, his size and spring preferred to Fraser McReight’s ability over the ball. With M. Hooper’s co-captain James Slipper only on the bench, Allan Alaalatoa will lead the Wallabies.

Australia XV: Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa (capt.); Nick Frost, Will Skelton; Jed Holloway, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini; Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon; Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase; Andrew Kellaway.

Replacements: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota; Nic White, Quade Cooper, Izaia Perese.

Rugby Championship LIVE: Australia vs New Zealand

09:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yes, it’s off to the Melbourne as we begin the final weekend of this abridged Rugby Championship, the All Blacks hoping to seal the retention of their crown and deepen Eddie Jones’s problems in this first Bledisloe Cup encounter of the year. The Wallabies are at the MCG for the first time since 2007, with more than 80,000 expected at this capacious cricketing cathedral.

Rugby Championship LIVE: Australia vs New Zealand

09:35 , Jamie Braidwood

When is Australia vs New Zealand?

The match will kick off at 10:45am BST on Saturday 29 July.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Rugby Championship game live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage from 10:45am BST. Subscribers can live stream the game via the Sky Go app.

Good morning

09:30 , Jamie Braidwood

New Zealand can wrap up a third Rugby Championship title in succession with a victory over rivals Australia in Melbourne.

After a commanding win at Argentina and a 35-20 victory against South Africa, the All Blacks are hitting formidable form ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Australia have not won the Bledisloe Cup in 20 years, but the extent of the rebuilding job facing Eddie Jones was underlined by their shock defeat to Argentina two weeks ago.

Now New Zealand have the chance to lay down a further marker ahead of their World Cup campaign as the All Blacks look to continue their winning run.

Follow live updates from Australia vs New Zealand in the final round of the Rugby Championship in today’s live blog