Just over 15 mins away now Craig. Wind may play a factor, but otherwise it's a beautiful clear night in Sydney.
Richie McCaw leads the ABs out onto the packed ANZ Stadium. It's a nice crowd and they were noticeably quiet for the Kiwis but have erupted for the Aussies. Great atmosphere.
It's anthem time now and New Zealand are up first. It's a young 20-something belting it out and he's playing it nice and straight. Loud and proud, fairly solid rendition. I give it 7.5/10.
Aussie reply with a little more bounce and character. The tens of thousands of Aussies humming along probably help. First blood to the Aussies. 8/10.
Now it's haka time. Led by the fearsome Keven Mealamu.
Nonu has some Heisenberg in his eyes tonight. A powerful haka, full of emotion and pride. 9/10.
And now it's go time. The Stadium holds 82,000 estimates are that it's currently in the high 70's.
And away we go. ABs kick off and it's taken in early by the Wallabies.
Early steal by Aaron Smith and the ABs are straight on the attack. Plenty of action in the first 30 minutes, the ball is spun wide right and the visitors are bundled into touch.
But the ball came off the Aussies last and the ABs have the lineout.
Great chance here. The ball is brought down 3m out. McCaw now with ball in hand.
Referee has the arm out. Advantage ABs. Cruden has a shot at the line. Just short.
Ben Smith scores the opening try of the game after two minutes. Magic hands from Aaron Cruden and Aaron Smith.
It went from Aaron Smith, to Dagg to Ben Smith and it was too quick and too slick. Great start for the ABs.
Cruden is on the money with his first kick. A real confidence booster as he slides it through the posts.
4 MINS - ALL BLACKS 7 WALLABIES 0
Wallabies earn a penalty just inside the ABs half but Jesse Mogg drifts it just wide. It stays 7-0 to the ABs.
What difference is Ewen McKenzie going to make and how will Ritchie start his first big match of the year are the questions on my mind.by Tana Umaga via twitter 8/17/2013 9:52:15 AM
by ANZ Stadium via twitter 8/17/2013 9:53:26 AM
There's such a buzz around the ground. #AUSvNZL #allblacksby Lomu commentary via twitter 8/17/2013 10:05:41 AM