Published: Mar 28, 2015, 08:59 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 28, 2015, 08:59 AM (IST)
Melbourne: Tournament co-hosts Australia and New Zealand meet in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. But it’s not just in cricket that the trans-Tasman rivals have enjoyed some notable matches. Below AFP Sport picks out five of the most memorable of all Australia-New Zealand sports clashes. Michael Clarke to retire from ODIs following ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final
CRICKET
1974 Christchurch: New Zealand beat Australia by five wickets
For nearly 30 years, New Zealand were simply ignored by Australia, who didn’t consider them worthy opponents. That changed in the 1970s and most specifically in 1974 when, with star batsman Glenn Turner making a hundred in each innings, New Zealand recorded their maiden Test victory over Australia with a five-wicket win at Christchurch’s Lancaster Park. Australia and New Zealand prepare for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final at Melbourne
1981, Melbourne: Australia beat New Zealand by six runs
The scoreline may not jog many memories but the word ‘underarm’ will surely will. What might have been a forgettable third final of the one-day series produced one of the most controversial finishes of all-time when, with New Zealand needing six to tie off the last ball, Australia captain Greg Chappell instructed younger brother Trevor to role the ball underarm along the ground. Angry New Zealand tailender Brian McKechnie, who was on strike, threw his bat away in disgust and Greg Chappell’s decision brought forth a torrent of criticism. Matthew Hayden slammed by New Zealand fans over MCG jibe
New Zealand’s then Prime Minister, Robert Muldoon, said the delivery was “an act of true cowardice and I consider it appropriate that the Australian team were wearing yellow”. Meanwhile former Australia captain Ian Chappell, Greg and Ian’s older brother, said: “Fair dinkum, Greg. How much pride do you sacrifice to win $A35,000?”
2015, Auckland: New Zealand beat Australia by one wicket
Last month’s World Cup pool clash at Eden Park was one of the best matches in the event’s 40-year history. It seemed New Zealand had the match all but won after they shot out Australia for just 151, with left-arm paceman Trent Boult taking five for 27. New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum then launched the Black Caps’ reply with a typically dashing 50. NZ’s thrilling win vs AUS in ICC World Cup 2015 a memorable one, feel Williamson and Boult
But Australia left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc rocked New Zealand with a superb haul of six for 28 and was on a hat-trick when the Black Caps lost their ninth wicket only for last man Boult to survive the next two balls. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson (45 not out) won the match when he drove the first ball of the next over, from Pat Cummins, for six. New Zealand vs Australia, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Highlights
RUGBY UNION
1978, Eden Park, Auckland: New Zealand 16 Australia 30
The series had been decided by the time of this match, the third Test, with New Zealand 2-0 up. But Australia turned the form book upside down with No 8 Greg Cornelsen scoring four tries — an individual match record against the All Blacks — with Wallaby flanker Gary Pearse grabbing the team’s fifth. In a 25-Test career they were Cornelsen’s only tries but his Eden Park quartet guaranteed the back-row forward sporting immortality.
2000, Olympic Stadium, Sydney: Australia 35 New Zealand 39
The All Blacks were threatening a rout at 24-0 up in eight minutes in front of a crowd of just under 110,000. Yet by half-time, a thrilling contest was all square at 24-24. When New Zealand-born hooker Jeremy Paul scored for the Wallabies six minutes from time to make it 35-34 to Australia, a remarkable comeback win was on the cards. But, with time up, New Zealand’s Taine Randell flung the ball to Jonah Lomu and the powerhouse wing shrugged off Stephen Larkham 20 metres out before tip-toeing down the line to score the 10th and final try of a stunning match.
