Wallabies focus on halting the All Blacks' lethal late finishing power

August 25, 2018
Australia v New Zealand in the first Bledisloe Cup Test Match at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 18 August, 2018. Australia's Michael Hooper at full time. Copyright Image: Stuart Walmsley / www.photosport.nz

Halting the All Blacks' lethal late finishing power has been identified by Australia as a key to winning the second Bledisloe Cup Test.

The Wallabies led at halftime before conceding five tries to a rampant New Zealand in the second spell of last week's 38-13 loss in Sydney.

Twenty-one-year-old Jack Maddocks has never lost at Eden Park – the same can't be said for his teammates. (Source: Other)

It was a typical display from the world champions, who have made a habit of owning the latter stages of matches, aided by a relentless approach to attack and quality bench strike weapons.

They have won the second half of their four Tests this year by a combined scoreline of 110-14, also leaving France grasping during the June series.

On last November's tour of Europe, New Zealand won all five matches despite only leading twice at halftime.

Veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau talked up the All Blacks defence and says his side will step up at Eden Park. (Source: Other)

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper rejected suggestions his team lacked the requisite fitness, as put forward this week by former greats on both sides of the Tasman.

He simply wants his players mentally at their sharpest as the minutes count down.

"I'd say the period we're trying to work on better is three-quarter time," he said.

"We went into halftime 6-5 up and it was that same score until the 50-minute mark.

"It's probably after that that we need to focus on."

Hooper believes his team can be stronger at the death if their lineout and scrum function better.

Playing with so little ball in Sydney left them defending for long periods.

"It stifled our attack and put a lot of pressure on our defence to be able to deal with New Zealand, which we did for a period of time.

"But it gets to a point where you need to start throwing some bullets there."

An improved penalty count will help too.

The match will be controlled by English referee Wayne Barnes, who has overseen three Wallabies wins in his four Bledisloe Cup Test appointments.

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