ABs' fine start set up win – Hooper

Editor

Australia's skipper Michael Hooper credited New Zealand's fine start for their 51-20 victory in Auckland on Saturday.

Australia's skipper Michael Hooper credited New Zealand's fine start for their 51-20 victory in Auckland on Saturday.

The Wallabies went into the game full of confidence and expectation, believing they could improve on last Saturday's 12-12 draw in Sydney, only to be stunned by the All Blacks' blistering start.

The visitors' cause was not helped by a yellow card for lock Rob Simmons midway through the first half with the All Blacks scoring two tries while he was off the field.

“We were chasing a lot in that first period before the yellow card which took a toll on us,” said Hooper as he explained where the game was lost.

“Then to try and catch up and get back in the game was difficult.

“They stuffed our offloads and made good metres off us. That took it out of us,” he said.

“They got over the advantage line quite easily and then that just means we're chasing our tail.

“We're running back and they've got class backs to pounce on that.”