Smith stars as All Blacks bash Aussies

Ben Smith scored a hat-trick as New Zealand ruined Ewen McKenzie’s first match as Australia coach with a dominant 47-29 victory in the Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney.

Aaron Cruden scored a try and kicked six from eight attempts for a 20-point haul while captain Richie McCaw put on a dominant 72-minute performance in his first Test back after six months out.

New Zealand’s 100th Test victory over Australia moves Steve Hansen’s side within one win of retaining the Bledisloe Cup for the 11th straight year.