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All Blacks bounce back to thrash Australia

All Blacks bounce back to thrash Australia

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen couldn't have too many complaints after his side bounced back from a frustrating draw to thrash Australia 51-20 and retain the Bledisloe Cup.

The Wallabies, who were beaten by the British & Irish Lions last summer, denied New Zealand a world record 18

straight win last weekend with a 12-12 draw in Sydney.

But the All Blacks – next up for the Lions in 2017 – welcomed the same opposition to fortress Eden Park and blew away the cobwebs in style.

Captain Richie McCaw crossed over for two of New Zealand’s six tries, but the 33-year-old’s first-half yellow card did bother the boss.

“They played pretty well and you've got to be proud of that,” said Hansen. “As a result we get to keep the old girl [Bledisloe Cup], so that's a great thing.

“We knew we'd had a good week and there was definitely a resolve to play well. The week before was disappointing.

“The yellow card by us was dumb. I'm just happy the boys didn't give away too many points, I made it hard on them – it's a black mark there, but never mind.”

Australia will now host the Springboks in a fortnight’s time as Ewen McKenzie’s side continue their hunt for a first win of the 2014 Rugby Championship.

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