New Zealand beat Australia in Perth but missed out on the Rugby Championship title to South Africa, who defended their crown with victory over Argentina.<\/p>\n
A Quinn Tupaea double helped the All Blacks claim a bonus-point 28-14 win in Saturday’s early game to move four points clear of Springboks in the table.<\/p>\n
However, world champions South Africa beat Argentina 29-27 at Twickenham to clinch back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time.<\/p>\n
Tupaea, who replaced the dropped Billy Proctor, swung the game in New Zealand’s favour with two quickfire tries late in the first half. <\/p>\n
Leroy Carter crossed in the eighth minute to give the visitors an early lead, but Australia responded with three penalties from the boot of Tane Edmed. <\/p>\n
Tupaea’s two tries, in the 30th and 36th minutes, handed the All Blacks a 17-9 lead at half-time. <\/p>\n
Australia’s Len Ikitau pulled a try back for the hosts midway through the second half, either side of penalties from New Zealand’s Damian McKenzie. <\/p>\n
But George Bower came off the bench to barge over seconds after the final hooter sounded to seal the win for New Zealand and hand them the attacking bonus point. <\/p>\n
Defeat for Australia marked the end of former captain James Slipper’s storied international career. <\/p>\n