Relive Ireland's win over Wales

1. Result: Wales 21-35 Ireland
2. Ireland win World Cup warm-up at Millennium Stadium
3. Result: Australia 27-19 New Zealand
4. Australia win in Sydney to claim Rugby Championship

That's a wrap

And, on that note, it's time to bring our coverage of today's rugby union action to a close.

After all the waiting, it's starting to feel like the World Cup really is just around the corner.

Thanks for joining us, we'll see you soon.

Ireland on the up

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Victory against Wales today not only will have boosted confidence - it also moved Ireland above South Africa and up to second in the world rankings, their highest-ever position.

It certainly has been a fine 12 months or so for the Irish, having recorded wins over the Springboks and Australia during last year's autumn internationals and then gone on to secure the Six Nations on that epic final day in March.

Wales captain Scott Williams tells BBC One Wales: "Ireland had a lot of experience and that showed in the end.

"I was happy with the way we finished the game. Our training has had a big focus on conditioning. It is the first time we have played together as a team and it was a big occasion.

"With some lads winning their first caps it was a little bit disappointing we didn't celebrate with a win."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One Wales

"With ball in hand Wales have looked threatening but they have not got their basics right.

"They will know now what they have got to do in a fortnight when they go to Dublin."

Ireland host Wales at the Aviva Stadium on 29 August.

BBC

Full-time

Job done for Ireland. Over the 80 minutes Joe Schmidt's side deserve their comfortable victory.

Try (Cuthbert, con Anscombe)

And Wales have a try! Having secured good ball from the set-piece, a fine move is finished on the right-hand corner by British & Irish Lions wing Alex Cuthbert.

Gareth Anscombe's conversion is good and brings to a close this World Cup warm-up match.

Ireland are keeping the ball quite nicely here, moving up to the Welsh 22. But then it's knocked on - so we'll have one final examination of these two packs.

The game is won for Ireland, of course, but can one of these sides finish with a flourish? Hallam Amos clears long, Felix Jones gathers and gets the away side up into the Wales half.

Warm applause rings around the Millennium Stadium for Tommy O'Donnell, who's lifted onto the buggy and stretchered off. Looks can be deceiving, granted, but he does look in a lot of discomfort. Not nice.

The clock is back on again.

This is the stuff nightmares are made of. The stretcher is on for Tommy O'Donnell now, and the 28-year-old forward is taking some gas and air on too.

With 41 days to go until the World Cup starts, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will have everything crossed this isn't as bad as it looks like it might be.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One Wales

"For the Ireland boys this performance puts pressure on the first-choice players. We all know the Wales first-choice team but they have not put them under any pressure, they have been poor today."

A brief pause in play as Tommy O'Donnell and Alex Cuthbert both receive treatment. Friendly or not, it's been a pretty bruising afternoon.

Ireland, almost stung into action by that Wales score, are on the attack themselves now. They have the ball inside the hosts' 22, but Tommy O'Donnell spills the ball having beaten the first tackler.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One Wales

"It was great support by Tipuric and was a great finish too - but unfortunately I think it is too little, too late."

Try (Tipuric, con Anscombe)

If you believe in commentator's curse then I'm claiming that one. It's the try of the match.

A flowing Wales move down the left-hand side, featuring two brilliant offloads from Tyler Morgan and then Hallam Amos, allows Justin Tipuric to cross the whitewash. Superb.

Gareth Anscombe converts, the Irish lead is cut to 21 points.

BBC

Another Wales knock on means another Irish scrum, and replacement scrum-half Kieran Marmion has the put-in. This game, with the large margin that separates the sides on the scoreboard, is just petering out a bit.

That's not Hallam Amos's finest moment, attempting to stab the ball forward but taking a complete air-shot. Ireland have the scrum, and Simon Zebo arrows a low kick forward to peg Wales back inside their own half.

We're just hearing that Wales captain Scott Williams, withdrawn a little while ago, was indeed taken off as an injury precaution. It sounds as though he's picked up an ankle niggle.

But Dominic Day has knocked on, offering Ireland a reprieve. Ireland have the put in at the scrum, about seven metres from their own try-line.

Sin-bin (Henry)

Wales will have a penalty now too, which Matthew Morgan taps and runs. And another penalty! This time Chris Henry is the offender, and the referee dishes out a yellow card. The hosts head for touch.

What can Wales rescue, if anything, from this World Cup warm up? All of their replacements are now on the field, with 22 minutes to play.

Eli Walker gets his team over the gain line and into Irish territory.

Get Involved

Try (Jones, missed con Jackson)

That's an excellently worked try, as Ireland fire the ball from right to left, allowing Felix Jones to cross into the corner. This has been really good from Joe Schmidt's side, a very solid performance, although Paddy Jackson is unable to convert this time.

Wales are on the attack now then, working through the phases. But Jamie Heaslip, who has been everywhere today, has turned it over to send Ireland forward. The captain has led from the front.

Replacements

A couple of notable replacements to tell you about, as half-backs Mike Phillips and James Hook are withdrawn. Gareth Anscombe and Lloyd Williams are on, Anscombe for his Wales debut.

And, as I type, Kristian Dacey is on too. That means we've now seen six Welsh debutants this afternoon.

Try (Zebo, missed con Jackson)

And they make no mistake from close range, with Simon Zebo darting around a pile of bodies to touch down. Another simple try for Ireland.

Paddy Jackson misses the conversion, but the lead is back up to 23 points.

BBC

Ireland are immediately on the attack too, piling bodies forward. That's some decent defence by Wales though, forcing the Irish ball-carrier out of play - although the touch judge has actually awarded the visitors the line-out. This could be dangerous.

Sin-bin (Moriarty)

What have we got here then? It looks like, as Simon Zebo carried the ball into contact, Ross Moriarty has caught the winger with a swinging arm. The TMO sees it that way too, so the Gloucester forward will spend the next 10 minutes in the bin.

That's sloppy from skipper Scott Williams, dropping the ball as Wales came forward. Ireland's scrum is solid enough too, although Hallam Amos is under the high kick to get the hosts moving in the right direction once more.

Get Involved

Wales's only change sees Taulupe Faletau enter the action. Meanwhile, Ireland have given away a penalty at the breakdown, so James Hook kicks the ball into touch.

Kick-off

Ireland fly-half Paddy Jackson gets us under way, sending forward an early up and under for half-time replacement Simon Zebo to chase.

Right then, the players have returned to the field, so let's get this match moving again.

Get involved via #bbcrugby

So with 30 players on the field all hoping to catch the eye, who's impressed you so far? Are any of these fringe players on their way to sealing a spot at the World Cup?

Let us know using #bbcrugby on Twitter.

Richard Williams,. BBC Sport at the Millennium Stadium

"Well, the crowd woke up just before the interval - because Wales suddenly arrived at the party. Not as vociferous or rowdy as they would be at a Six Nations match, but very eager to see Wales do well, as the cheer that greeted Richard Hibbard's confirmed.

"But the travelling Irish will be far happier supping their half-time refreshments after Joe Schmidt's team dominated the first half hour."

Let the trimming commence

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So with the warm-up games now under way, this is where the head coaches will start hacking their squads down to the final 31 that'll make the cut come the submission deadline on 31 August.

While Wales coach Warren Gatland has said he'll whittle is current squad down from 46 to "36 or 38" before they next meet Ireland on 29 August, Stuart Lancaster has already set about reducing the numbers in his England party.

Last night it was announced that seven players would play no further part in their World Cup preparations, including Saracens wing Chris Ashton.

Marland Yarde, scrum-half Lee Dickson and centre Kyle Eastmond also among those to miss out but, as expected, Sam Burgess remains.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One Wales

"The last few minutes has been a confidence boost for Wales. It has shown them they can keep the ball.

"For 30 minutes Ireland looked in total control and a very quality side."

BBC

Half-time

Ireland's lead is pretty significant at the break, and well deserved too. They absolutely bossed the opening 35 minutes and, although Richard Hibbard's late try may have given Wales some hope, it still looks a long way back from here.

No try (Walker)

He hasn't, despite a brilliant attempt in the corner. Eli Walker just about latches onto a tasty grubber through and, with the ball drifting out of play, snatches it in mid-air and attempts to touch it down.

However, just as he did so, he lost control of the ball. No try - unlucky.

BBC

Try review (Walker)

Has Eli Walker grabbed himself a debut try for Wales? We're heading to the TMO...

Now Hallam Amos comes streaming forward for Wales. For all of Ireland's dominance in this first half, can the hosts manage another score before the break?

Try (Hibbard, con Hook)

BBC

Credit to Wales - that's a brilliantly worked line-out try.

Having secured safe possession, Justin Tipuric spins around to take the ball and offload to hooker Richard Hibbard, who has the simplest of finishes from a couple of metres out.

James Hook's conversion reduces the deficit to a still-sizeable 18 points.

Martyn's not wrong - Warren Gatland will just be glad to get his troops back into the changing room.

His side do have a penalty after Ireland are caught offside, at least, allowing James Hook to head for the corner.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One Wales

"I think you have to give credit to Ireland, it does not look like it is their first game of the season.

"For Wales, they just need to settle it down a bit. There are not many senior players out there. The senior players like Richard Hibbard and others need to have a word."

Penalty (Jackson)

And fly-half Paddy Jackson makes no mistake, increasing Ireland's advantage to 25 points.

The move breaks down as the visitors try to switch the ball wide to the right, but Wales are caught offside, giving Paddy Jackson a routine shot at goal...

But now Ireland have stolen the line-out too - they're five metres out and thumping on the Welsh defensive door.

Ireland are running riot! Now Richard Hibbard attempts a hospital offload, allowing Andrew Trimble to steal in and close in on the line. He's got plenty to do and, thankfully for Wales, captain Scott Williams saves the day to force him into touch.

Try (Earls, con Jackson)

BBC

This is just going from bad to worse for Wales. Andrew Trimble puts in an absolutely thumping hit on Eli Walker, causing the young winger to spill the ball, and Keith Earls is able to pick up and stroll in from 30 metres.

Ireland's lead is 22 and there's still the best part of 10 minutes to go until half-time.

All of a sudden the game completely opens up, as first Eoin Reddan attempts a chip and chase for Ireland, before Eli Walker picks up and skips past a couple of tackles to launch a Wales counter-attack.

A knock on in the middle of it all, however, means we'll have a scrum.

Strauss returns

BBC

Richardt Strauss is back on for Ireland too, by the way. That's certainly a relief for Joe Schmidt, because the 29-year-old hooker had taken a nasty bash to the head.

What can Wales do here now then? They have a line-out deep inside the Ireland half, but again the visitors show that extra bit of experience and know-how to win the ball back - and then win the penalty.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One Wales

"Justin Tipuric has given all his weight to the scrum, but Mike Phillips expected him to defend on the inside, but he stay down in the scrum. Poor communication by Wales that leads to the try."

Try (Cave, con Jackson)

Clinical from Ireland, absolutely clinical. Again they dominate the scrum, setting the platform for Darren Cave to dive over from close range. Wales have not turned up yet.

That is superb from Keith Earls, showing a brilliant turn of pace to jink his way through the Wales line, but Hallam Amos and Richard Hibbard combine to get back and keep the ball up. That looked a real opportunity for Ireland.

Ireland's Richardt Strauss looks like he's taken a wee bump to the head, and will have to be withdrawn for now to be assessed. Hopefully it's nothing too serious.

All the while, the away side have laid down an early marker at the scrum here, forcing the Welsh pack to give away a penalty. Forward they come once more.

Penalty (Jackson)

PA

Paddy Jackson does indeed land the kick and extends Ireland's lead to eight points. Joe Schmidt will be delighted with what he's seen so far - the visitors have bossed the opening exchanges.

But another Wales infringement at the breakdown has given Paddy Jackson a shot at goal. After that conversion miss earlier, can he split the posts this time around?

This has been all Ireland so far. They have a scrum on the Welsh five-metre line now, but Dominic Day puts in a fine recovery tackle in the aftermath to get Wales up and running.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One Wales

"You can train as much as you want, but those first few rucks and phases of play, their lungs will be burning up. This has been an intense first 15 minutes."

Gloucester's Ross Moriarty, another Wales debutant, turns the ball over now - but no sooner does he win it he loses it, presenting Ireland centre Keith Earls with an opportunity to poke the ball through and out of play deep inside Welsh territory.

Now full-back Felix Jones comes forward from deep, exploiting a wide-open Wales defence. He's beyond the 22-metre line but the chance goes begging when green shirts fail to get up to him quickly enough. Ireland have started much the better, though.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One Wales

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"That try came from loose play. Scott Williams took the ball into contact, lost it and from then on Wales were under pressure."

Try (Heaslip, missed con Jackson)

But, as the second wave comes forward, this time Ireland make no mistake, with captain for the day Jamie Heaslip strolling over for the simplest of finishes from close range. Too easy.

Speaking of easy, Paddy Jackson's conversion doesn't exactly look difficult, but somehow he hacks it wide of the posts.

But with an overlap on it's really wasteful from the Irish, knocking on with numbers over. Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips did, at least, do well to get back.

One of Wales's four debutants Eli Walker tries to stab the ball into the corner as the home side come forward but it only serves to return possession to Ireland. They have an advantage as they come forward.

After all the excitement pre-match, already the crowd sounds oddly subdued. Ireland play some nice possession stuff, with scrum-half Eoin Reddan at the centre of it, but eventually they infringe at the breakdown, allowing Wales fly-half James Hook to punt the ball into touch.

A decent first 60 seconds or so for Wales, working their way through the phases and gaining some good ground, but the visitors turn the ball over and are then awarded a penalty. Paddy Jackson heads to touch.

Kick-off

James Hook's boot gets this World Cup warm-up match under way.

Richard Williams, BBC Sport at the Millennium Stadium

"If the weather is set fair outside the ground, inside the players face the chill wind of selection after this match with Wales due to shed up to 10 players from their World Cup squad, and Ireland cutting seven from theirs.

"It may not be the Six Nations, but there's a lot at stake for the 46 players involved here today."

It's anthems time. As the camera pans in front of the two sets of players, there'll likely be a few faces in there you won't recognise. A handful of fringe players looking to play their way into Ireland's World Cup squad, and four debutants in the Wales XV.

Right then, that's quite enough chat. Let's get down to business at the Millennium Stadium.

Scott Williams leads out Wales, as does Jamie Heaslip his Ireland side. Fire bursts into the air, lights flash around the stadium and the crowd roars.

So much for a friendly.

Stage is set

BBC Radio 5 live's Christopher Jones at the Millennium Stadium.

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Another returning player is Ulster wing Andrew Trimble, who has been out since last October and missed Ireland's Six Nations-winning campaign.

Back to something resembling full fitness and back in Joe Schmidt's side, the 30-year-old is relishing every second.

"It's amazing how, after being injured for so long, just getting out on the pitch is a bit of a novelty," said Trimble. "I'm absolutely loving it, I really am.

"As much as this is a tough time of year with everybody slugging it out through really tough conditioning sessions, I'm still more or less doing it with a smile on my face."

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One man who certainly isn't an unfamiliar face in Welsh red - but "a little bit shocked" to be included this afternoon nonetheless - is fly-half James Hook.

The 30-year-old already has 77 caps to his name, but hasn't started an international match since November 2014.

He will partner scrum-half Mike Phillips in a Wales shirt for the first time since 2011 against Ireland today.

"Me and Mike have got a lot of experience together and hopefully we can do a job ourselves and help the young boys around us and hopefully see the team through," said Hook.

'Replicate World Cup conditions'

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt on BBC One Wales: "Today will give our players the opportunity to experience pretty much the same conditions as we will face in September at the World Cup.

"It will not be bright and sunny like it is today but the pressure cooker inside the stadium will not change in a month's time. It is the ideal opportunity to replicate the conditions we will face."

Ireland play Canada in their first World Cup match at the Millennium Stadium on 19 September.

Comparing notes?

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You've heard of coaches announcing teams early, announcing teams late, bluffing about injuries and pretending that selection doesn't matter either way.

But have you heard of two coaches liaising over who to play? If you hadn't before, you have now.

"Joe rang me last week to talk about what we were looking at in the squad," said Wales boss Warren Gatland.

"I said we were going to have a mixed squad with an opportunity for some younger players. He sort of indicated that they were probably going to do the same thing."

BBC

Although the last dozen contests have swung this way and that, Wales edge the over all head-to-head record with 66 wins to Ireland's 49.

I'm sure you'll recall the two teams have enjoyed some epic tussles over the years too, and my BBC Sport colleague Bruce Pope put together this rather handy guide back in March if you fancy reliving a few of them.

'Not a friendly'

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One Wales

"The pressure on every player is huge. The carrot at the end of the stick is to get into the national squad. It is called a friendly but it will be as intense as any Test match.

"Normally you can feel your way into pre-season but not today."

Line-ups

BBC

Replacements: Best, Kilcoyne, Bent, Tuohy, Henry, Marmion, Madigan, Zebo.

Line-ups

BBC

Replacements: Evans, Dacey, Andrews, King, Faletau, Williams, Anscombe, M. Morgan.

Ireland team news

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Ireland don't have any debutants in their side - but they do have wing Andrew Trimble back for the first time in over a year, after the 30-year-old missed much of last season with a toe injury.

Head coach Joe Schmidt has rested many of his Six Nations-winning side, with Mike Ross and Jamie Heaslip the only players to retain starting roles from the win over Scotland in March.

Munster duo Keith Earls and Donnacha Ryan will play their first Ireland games since March 2013, while Ulster trio Paddy Jackson, Darren Cave and Iain Henderson also start.

Wales team news

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Ross Moriarty, Tyler Morgan, Eli Walker and Dominic Day will all make their Wales debuts this afternoon.

Gloucester's Moriarty is at blind-side flanker, while 29-year-old Day starts at lock.

Newport Gwent Dragons' 19-year-old centre Morgan was part of Wales's Six Nations squad but did not make an appearance.

Ospreys wing Walker has been unfortunate with injuries but gets his chance in the absence of George North, who missed the last 10 weeks of last season with concussion.

Richard Williams

BBC Sport at the Millennium Stadium

AFP

"They put a roof on the Millennium Stadium to keep the worst of the Welsh weather at bay. Fair enough in January. However, on this August day it's sunscreen and shades in the streets of Cardiff and a kind of floodlit twilight inside.

"A shame really, but it's what rival coaches Warren Gatland and Joe Schmidt want to replicate the conditions they'll face when Ireland and Wales play World Cup matches here in the autumn."

Welcome back

BBC One Wales

It's now time to swap the southern hemisphere for the north.

And, while our next match might not quite feature the same volume of star names that the first did, for those players involved this could be absolutely crucial. World Cup places are very much at stake.

So let's get stuck into Wales v Ireland - and the good news is you can use the 'Live Coverage' tab to follow all the action on BBC One Wales too.

BBC Sport

That's all from us for now, but we'll be back again at 14:00 BST for live text and television coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between Wales and Ireland at the Millennium Stadium. We'll see you again shortly.

A fabulous contest. In winning the Rugby Championship, Australia also beat New Zealand for the first time in four years, ending a ten-match winless streak against their rivals.

Captain Stephen Moore lifts the trophy above his head to a roar from the crowd, before the Wallabies players pose for photographs. They look a happy bunch.

They face the All Blacks again in a week's time - can they secure the Bledisloe Cup too?

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw tells Sky Sports: "It was a pretty intense match, which we expected. It probably came down to a couple of missed tackles at the end.

"I thought when we got back in the game and got ahead that's when we needed to be really sharp. But a couple of lapses in defence was probably the difference.

"I've loved every minute of playing here (in Australia)."

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Australia captain Stephen Moore tells Sky Sports: "I'm very proud of the boys. We had a week's preparation and came out here and fought hard for each other. The crowd really lifted us there at the end of the game.

"We knew it'd go down to the wire and it did. I think it was a good contest."

BBC

Full-time

There's the final whistle - Australia have beaten New Zealand to win the Rugby Championship!

Wallabies ball secured, into the final minute. Australia are on the brink of a first win over New Zealand since 2011.

But replacement scrum-half Tatafu Polota-Nau has knocked on. The Australian players, both on the pitch and on the bench, jump in celebration. Is that the moment?

They'll put in at the scrum now.

A line-out on the 22-metre line then. Julian Savea comes flying forward but the Australian defence holds strong. And now we'll have a New Zealand scrum. They're deep inside enemy territory but the clock is ticking.

New Zealand knock on so we'll come back for the penalty. To the posts or to the corner? Dan Carter chooses the corner.

One last All Blacks push? The away side are up to halfway, have the ball in their hand and an advantage in their pocket.

Try (White, con White)

How's that for an impact off the bench? First a brilliant kick to edge Australia ahead, and now a first Test try for Nic White to send them clear. The 25-year-old, on his 20th Wallabies appearance, cuts a gorgeous line to break through and stroll over from close range.

The conversion from White is good too, so a New Zealand try won't be enough now.

The Wallabies are five metres from the New Zealand line, knocking seriously hard at that All Blacks door. Can they find a decisive score?

The Wallabies have shown some serious spirit to stay in touch here, and come forward once more through the jinking feet of Israel Folau.

Smoke is beginning to emerge from my keyboard - this has been relentless since the interval.

Penalty (White)

What a kick! Nic White has done it!

We're racing towards the final 11 minutes and we have a one-point game. Anyone fancy picking a winner?

But how often does a team score a try only to concede a penalty immediately from the restart?

That's exactly what New Zealand have done here, so replacement Nic White will have a shot at goal from just inside the All Blacks half...

Try (Milner-Skudder, missed con Carter)

Reuters

The TMO takes a good while over the decision, but at last concludes that Nehe Milner-Skudder did just about get the ball down under some real pressure.

Dan Carter's conversion drifts wide, meaning just two points separate the teams.

All the while, the camera pans to Australia coach Michael Cheika, who looks more than a bit disappointed that try was given. It wasn't a straightforward one, that's for sure.

Try review (Milner-Skudder)

Wow, this match just keeps on giving.

The All Blacks secure the ball at the set-piece, work it out wide and debutant Nehe Milner-Skudder is over. But did he ground the ball?

There's plenty of hands on hips and heavy breathing out there now. Some respite as the two packs take their time binding for a New Zealand scrum.

Try (Ashley-Cooper, con Giteau)

AP

Well played, Adam Ashley-Cooper. It's a fabulous response from the 14-men of Australia, as replacement Matt Toomua sends through a beautiful little grubber, giving the 31-year-old a sniff out wide.

But can he pick up and squeeze his way over under pressure? You bet he can. A billiant, diving finish.

Matt Giteau's conversion from a tight angle is good too and the Wallabies are in front once more!

Try review (Ashley-Cooper)

Has Adam Ashley-Cooper grabbed an instant reply for Australia? We're heading to the TMO...

Following an error-strewn first half, this contest has really burst into life since the break.

To remind you, the winner will secure the Rugby Championship trophy, as well as gaining an advantage in the Bledisloe Cup.

Try (Milner-Skudder, missed con Carter)

How's that for making a man advantage count? The All Blacks burst forward, working their way across the field from left to right. And here comes debutant Nehe Milner-Skudder, cutting in off his wing to restore New Zealand's lead with a relatively simple finish.

Dan Carter's conversion drifts wide, but now the All Blacks are ahead by four points.

Sin-bin (Phipps)

Oh Nick Phipps, what have you done there? After spilling the ball, New Zealand attempt to take a tap penalty and run it from inside their own half. But Phipps fails to retreat and twice has a nibble, prompting Wayne Barnes to show him a yellow card.

And as one scrum-half half departs another returns. Aaron Smith is back on the pitch.

Now then, what kind of response can the Wallabies muster? A good one by the looks of it - centre Drew Mitchell hands off two tackles to take them into the All Blacks 22.

Penalty (Carter)

It's over - and with it, Dan Carter becomes the first man in Test rugby union history to reach 1,500 points. An amazing achievement.

For the record, the next best is former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson with 1,246. Quite a difference.

Now David Pocock, with blood pouring from a nasty gash above his eye, infringes at the breakdown and gives Dan Carter a chance at the posts.

With time ticking on Aaron Smith's yellow card, can New Zealand reduce the deficit to a single point?

The All Blacks have done well to earn themselves a scrum deep inside Australian territory from the restart, however, though Dan Carter will have to put the ball in with no scrum-half on the field.

The set-piece is a good one and New Zealand are working their way through the phases.

A penny for the thoughts of Aaron Smith at the moment? His high tackle led to the try - and he won't be back on the field for another seven minutes or so still.

Try (Kepu, con Giteau)

AP

At last they've made it count, and what a finish it is too! Prop Sekope Kepu dances through from close range, showing the skills of a fleet-footed winger to trick his way past a tackle and cross the whitewash.

Matt Giteau converts, Australia lead by four.

So Bernard Foley heads for touch. Can Australia win the line-out this time? The answer is an emphatic yes - and they pile forward, up to the New Zealand five-metre line...

Sin-bin (A. Smith)

AP

Ouch, that looks a sore one. As Adam Ashley-Cooper breaks forward down the right, New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith comes racing across to make the tackle - but it's ugly and high.

Wayne Barnes brandishes a yellow card without a moment's hesitation.

There'll be an early scrum in this second half too, which the Wallabies absolutely boss. A superb push from the Australian pack forces a penalty, which Bernard Foley sends to touch.

Kick-off

Here we go again then. New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter gets us under way once more.

If you hadn't caught up already, during that first half Australia's cricketers lost their grip on the Ashes, as England wrapped up a thumping innings-and-78-run victory at Trent Bridge.

Perhaps we can bring some Aussie sporting cheer in the next 40 minutes or so?

BBC

So New Zealand lead at the break, but this Bledisloe Cup match is far from over.

All that said - does Rugby Championship success come at a price?

BBC

Half-time

Yes they most certainly can, as the All Blacks retain possession and pile forward.

Hooker Dan Coles takes them up to the five-metre line but, having spread the ball wide, Michael Hooper puts in a super hit on Julian Savea, meaning the move peters out and that'll be that for the first 40 minutes.

So as the clock ticks towards the final 60 seconds of this first half, New Zealand will put in at a scrum on halfway. Can either side muster one last attack before the break?

All Blacks number nine Aaron Smith has been penalised there, coming off his feet when contesting for the ball.

Australia head for touch, but New Zealand steal the line-out and clear it. They've been under the cosh a bit over the last 10 minutes or so yet still the lead is theirs. Will the hosts be made to pay for these mounting errors?

Australia are on the attack again, though, as Michael Hooper makes some valuable metres. And here comes Israel Folau, breaking the line and taking the ball up to the whitewash. Surely a Wallabies try? No! Another spill with numbers over!

It's former Exeter Chief Dean Mumm who can't grab the ball down by his laces. If he had, the home side would've scored.

Missed penalty (Giteau)

Not this time, Matt Giteau. His penalty attempt comes back off the post, allowing New Zealand to scramble the ball away from danger.

But now Owen Franks has been penalised for failing to roll away from the restart, giving Australia another opportunity to draw level. The early handling errors have developed into indiscipline from both teams. Frustration creeping in?

Penalty (Carter)

That's more like it! A terrific Dan Carter kick from distance edges the away side back in front with 10 minutes to go until half-time.

Fly-half Dan Carter's not having his best day at the office here, sending an un-contestable kick too long and straight into Australian hands. But New Zealand have done well to win themselves a penalty in the resulting scrap, so Carter will shoot from the tee.

Penalty (Giteau)

He flirts with the right upright but does manage to split the posts and we're all square in this Rugby Championship decider in Sydney.

It's fiercely contested at the base of the ruck too, but referee Wayne Barnes decides we'll have a scrum. And the Wallabies pack has done superbly there, winning a penalty right beneath the posts.

This should be simple enough for Matt Giteau...

Out of nowhere, the game completely opens up and Australia back-rower David Pocock breaks clear and has Nick Phipps on his right shoulder too, but agonisingly can't offload to his team-mate with the posts at their mercy.

Up to the five-metre line, this is the closest they've come...

That's a bit more like it as New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw and then centre Conrad Smith gain some serious ground right down the middle of the field, but the pair soon run out of steam and we're back to square one again.

And now it's a rather familiar tale - after Dan Carter's up-and-under Australia knock on for the umpteenth time and we'll have another scrum.

So much quality on the field, but so many errors in this opening quarter. A misplaced Wallabies pass, a turnover and then an All Blacks spill all combines to result in an Australian scrum.

It's an even contest but the hosts keep the ball, and they're up to halfway.

Australia have almost had a shocker there, as full-back Israel Folau's attempted clearance is charged down. Now the chase is on, but Matt Giteau just about beats Dan Carter in the foot race. Almost.

After a nervous error-strewn opening 10 minutes or so, this game is starting to settle into some kind of structure at last. Kieran Read absolutely piles into Matt Giteau, but somehow Australia keep hold of the ball. Not this time, however, as they infringe on the opposite side of the field.

But what a schoolboy mistake that is from Dan Carter - he fails to find touch.

What a debut Nehe Milner-Skudder is having already, throwing the cutest of dummies to take him into Australian territory. And now Sonny Bill Williams has half a yard of space to break through from around 30 metres out, but he can't gather the ball cleanly and the Wallabies clear long.

Penalty (Carter)

And that's easy meat for Dan Carter, representing the All Blacks for the 105th time today.

That kick from close range moves him to within six points of the 1,500 mark in Test rugby too. A remarkable record.

Sin-bin (Kepu)

Goodness me, New Zealand are lightning quick to move forward having won the ball back again, however.

They're up to the five-metre line in the blink of an eye, but Sekope Kepu's scrambled defence trying to get back to debutant Nehe Milner-Skudder sees him sent to the sin bin. Wayne Barnes standing for no nonsense.

Dan Carter will have an opportunity from the tee.

But another steal, David Pocock once again! There's been a lot of chat in the build-up about the number eight's inclusion alongside Michael Hooper in the back row and twice inside the opening seven minutes he's turned it over.

The All Blacks managed 10 out of 10 from the line-out against Argentina in the last round, and they keep the ball here too.

Now Australia have turned it over though, David Pocock doing the damage at the base of the ruck, but Bernard Foley has dropped it out wide. Handling errors aplenty, not quite the quality you'd expect from these two teams thus far.

New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith has the put-in, but that's some drive from the Wallabies pack. They very nearly turn it over too, but now the All Blacks have the ball in hand for the first time, over halfway. But a yellow shirt has infringed somewhere in there, so Dan Carter belts the ball into touch.

And an early All Blacks error has the hosts on the charge too, working through the phases, but the ball is spilled so we'll go back for a scrum. How are the two packs shaping up?

Kick-off

English referee Wayne Barnes is the man in the middle tonight. His whistle prompts Bernard Foley to kick the ball high and long. The first round of the Bledisloe Cup is under way.

AP

Whether you're a Kiwi, Wallaby or neutral, you'd have to be a hard, hard person to not have the Haka send a shiver down your spine.

What a sight.

BBC

Today is a record-equalling day for New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, playing in Australia for the last time too.

The 34-year-old leads his players onto the field, followed by Stephen Moore and his Wallabies troops.

The anthems and Haka moments away.

Line-ups

BBC

Replacements: Taylor, Franks, Laulala, Whitelock, Cane, Perenara, Barrett, Fekitoa.

Line-ups

BBC

Replacements: Polota-Nau, Slipper, Holmes, Skelton, McCalman, White, Toomua, Beale.

Team news

Getty Images

Having served his one-week ban, Michael Hooper goes straight back into Australia's team and will link up with David Pocock in the back row.

Elsewhere, Matt Giteau returns at inside centre, Drew Mitchell comes in on the wing and former Exeter Chiefs captain Dean Mumm will feature at lock.

Nehe Milner-Skudder is set to make his New Zealand debut on the wing, while Sonny Bill Williams, Julia Savea and Dan Carter are among the big-name players to be back in the All Blacks side.

Get involved via #bbcrugby

So whether you're a Kiwi looking for revenge for March's Cricket World Cup final loss or a Wallaby seeking sanctuary from an impending Ashes defeat, there's plenty on the line.

Whatever the context, this game always matters.

Whichever camp you're in, you can get in touch with us by using #bbcrugby on Twitter.

The Bledisloe Cup

Getty Images

That's not the only first since 2011 the Aussies will be hoping to achieve this morning.

Australia haven't beaten New Zealand for four years, enduring a rather unpleasant ten-match winless run against their rivals. As for the actual cup itself - they've not laid hands on that since 2002.

Some serious All Blacks dominance.

What's at stake?

From 11:05 BST, Australia face rivals New Zealand. And, aside from the Bledisloe Cup - more on that in a moment - both sides head into today's contest with the Rugby Championship trophy on the line.

The two teams are level on points at the top of the standings, following wins over South Africa and Argentina, meaning the winner at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney really will take all.

New Zealand are the holders, while Australia are looking to take the crown for the first time since 2011.

The countdown begins here

Getty Images

With the small matter of 41 days now separating us from the opening match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the countdown, for the northern hemisphere teams at least, begins today.

From 14:30 BST, the first warm-up match involving one of the home nations sees Wales host Six Nations champions Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.

But first we have a little Trans-Tasman score to settle.