New Zealand held off a late fightback from Australia to win 28-14 at Optus Stadium and move to the top of the Rugby Championship standings.

The result, which was largely helped by Quinn Tupaea's two quickfire tries before half-time, means that South Africa must beat Argentina in the final match of the tournament to retain their title.

Australia seemed to be in control for large parts of the first half, but it was Leroy Carter who was first to cross the line in the seventh minute after Tane Edmed's earlier penalty goal.

Edmed converted two further penalties but with the Wallabies failing to register a try, Tupaea crossed twice within the final eight minutes of the half to give the visitors a 17-9 lead at the break.

How’s that for an assist?! Quinn Tupaea with our second try  pic.twitter.com/DNG3QJZltw

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 4, 2025

It was a quiet start to the second half as both sides struggled to find any rhythm, but Damian McKenzie, who missed both conversions after Tupaea's tries, kick-started a hectic run in the 62nd minute.

His penalty goal was followed by Australia's first try, with Len Ikitau going over, but McKenzie was successful with another kick before George Bower's last-gasp score rubbed salt into the hosts' wounds.

Data Debrief: All Blacks extend winning run against Wallabies

Although there were a few nervy moments after Ikitau's try in the second half, New Zealand rallied to extinguish the Wallabies' comeback hopes.

New Zealand have now recorded 11 consecutive victories against Australia, who could still finish bottom of the Rugby Championship if Argentina manage to stun South Africa.

It was not the ending that Australia's most-capped player James Slipper would have hoped for in his 151st and final Test, as he draws the curtain on a brilliant international career.