Sun 11 Oct 2020 | 08:13

WATCH: Ioane howler sets up ultimate drama in Bledisloe opener

All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane’s first half blunder cost New Zealand a potential win in a stunning Bledisloe Cup opener against the Wallabies.

The game ended in a thrilling 16-16 draw in Wellington after Wallabies winger Reece Hodge hit the post in the final play of the game to add further drama.

It was the hosts who started strongly with a try from Jordie Barrett, but on the stroke of half time Ioane looked to have score a brilliant counter attack try for the All Blacks, but the TMO revealed he lost control of the ball in the process of dotting it down.

Despite the blunder New Zealand extended their lead after the break through Aaron Smith in the corner, but then it was the Wallabies who fought back in style.

Tries from Marika Koroibete and Filipo Daugunu set up a box office finish at Sky Stadium with Hodge coming centimetres from slotting a huge 55-metre penalty and then the All Blacks nearly pulling off a miracle at the other end after eight minutes of overtime.

Full match highlights are available below: