New Zealand thump Australia to retain Rugby Championship

New Zealand deservedly retained the Rugby Championship title with a demolition job of Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The All Blacks ran out 38-7 victors to secure their third successive crown and 20th overall, while also retaining the Bledisloe Cup in ruthless fashion.

Ian Foster's side took just two minutes to draw first blood as Shannon Frizell pounced to cross the line, but Rob Valetini's try and Carter Gordon's conversion briefly turned the tie on its head.

However, Eddie Jones's side lost captain Allan Alaalatoa to injury before the break and were torn apart in the second period, as Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Codie Taylor and Mark Telea registered.

With that crushing defeat, Australia - who have now suffered three successive losses under Jones - are guaranteed to finish bottom of the group, having failed to win a single game for the first time in the current Rugby Championship format.

South Africa and Argentina will cap off the 2023 Rugby Championship later on Saturday in a straight shootout for a second-placed finish.