The All Blacks sent an emphatic message to the rugby world with their 36-0 bounce-back demolition of the Wallabies at Eden Park on Saturday night.
Nowhere was its impact more keenly felt than across the Tasman, where the hope generated from Australia's big win in Perth was swiftly crushed by a black machine hitting top gear.
Georgina Smith - Sydney Morning Herald
"The All Blacks had the last laugh. Or they would have, had hot rage not fuelled their every carry, tackle, fend and clear-out as they bludgeoned Australia in an 80-minute rampage that finished one point shy of equalling the Wallabies’ largest ever losing margin to New Zealand.
"After a week of hand-wringing up and down the country, brought about by Australia’s record 47-26 win in Perth, Kieran Read and his players proved the doubters wrong. Five tries to nil wrong.
"As quickly as Kurtley Beale’s jersey unravelled with a single wrench from Beauden Barrett in the second half, the Wallabies’ Bledisloe dreaming spiralled wildly out of control.
"By the end it was impossible to watch. The few gold beanies and scarves among the sell-out sea of black might have been yanked down over Australian eyes as the Wallabies were reduced to being picked off at will by their opponents."
"What started as a dream once again quickly faded into the darkness of black.
"The black of the stands at Eden Park. The black of the night sky. The black of the All Blacks.
"The Bledisloe Cup remains on New Zealand soil for a 17th straight year after the All Blacks embarrassed the Wallabies to win just the third decider since 2003 36-0 at Eden Park.
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"Hansen also silenced those who had questioned his selections throughout the week.
"Every call he made touched to gold.
"The forwards smashed the Wallabies from the outset and new wingers George Bridge and Sevu Reece were outstanding.
"A humble reminder that the All Blacks beast was awoken last weekend."
"Last week, the Wallabies were riding high, but at Eden Park, the All Blacks have given Australia an almighty reality check.
"A 36-0 drubbing at the Kiwis’ spiritual home has sent a warning shot ahead of the World Cup.
"Can we pretend that game didn’t just happen?
"The Bledisloe bloodbath in Eden Park has given the Wallabies a shattering reminder that there is a reason the All Blacks have been the best in the world since 2009.
"The complete demolition has led fans to despair after a week of living large in the hope the Wallabies had turned a corner and the All Blacks era may be over.
"Both were proved wrong."
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