WATCH: Scott Barrett’s MONSTROUS hit on Tate McDermott

Jared Wright

Scott Barrett's big hit on Tate McDermott sets up an easy try for Shannon Frizell in Melbourne.

All Blacks lock Scott Barrett landed a massive hit on Wallabies scrum-half Tate McDermott, leading to the first try of their Bledisloe Cup clash in Melbourne on Saturday.

The All Blacks raced into the lead at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Barrett setting up a try for his team-mate Shannon Frizell.

The Wallabies had a lineout five metres from their own try-line and looked to go quickly, with Jed Holloway securing the ball before throwing it down to McDermott.

What a hit from Scott Barrett!

However, Barrett read the Wallabies’ intentions perfectly and landed a thunderous hit on the number nine.

The hit from Barrett dislodged the ball from McDermott’s grasp, and Frizell was quickest to react as he simply pressed the ball down to secure the five points.

Richie Mo’unga missed the conversion as the All Blacks led 5-0 after five minutes.

The Wallabies were quick to respond, though, as winger Mark Nawaqanitawese kickstarted a threatening attack with a great run.

Wallabies’ response

Eddie Jones‘ charges kept the ball in hand well as Rob Valetini was stopped just short of the line.

It was unclear in real time if the Wallaby back-row had scored, but the Australians continued to attack as the ball was whipped wide to Marika Koroibete.

Koroibete dived over in the corner, but he was denied the score as his right arm grazed the touchline.

However, the TMO double-checked if Valetini had grounded the ball, and he and referee Wayne Barnes agreed that Valetini reached out just once and made it to the try-line.

Carter Gordon added the extras to give his side the 7-5 lead in what was a breathtaking opening 10 minutes of the match.

Wallabies v All Blacks

Australia: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Tom Hooper, 6 Jed Holloway, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 David Porecki, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements:16 Jordan Uelese, 17 James Slipper, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Richie Arnold, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Nic White, 22 Quade Cooper, 23 Izaia Perese

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Sam Whitelock, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Caleb Clarke

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