That’s precisely what happened in Brisbane as Australia almost ended a disastrous month on a high note in the third Bledisloe Cup match, only to go down 28-29.
A last-gasp try from All Blacks centre Malakai Fekitoa, converted by Colin Slade, gave the visitors yet another win over their nemesis.
The sagas surrounding the Wallabies were so nearly forgotten for a moment in what would have been called a dead rubber if such a thing existed in matches between the two sides.
Kurtley Beale’s standing down from the team over alleged offensive texts about a Wallabies staff member that he accidentally sent to that person and the loss to Argentina last time out put Ewen McKenzie’s backs against the wall.
But pride is plenty to play for against New Zealand after their 12-12 draw in the first Rugby Championship match and loss in their second meant a Bledisloe draw for 2014 was a chance to take something out of a dismal year.
Alas, the world champions, themselves with something to prove after falling to South Africa, found a way to victory.
Earlier, winger Cory Jane and hooker Dane Coles scored five-pointers for the All Blacks as playmakers Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley both crossed for the Aussies, who took a narrow leading into half time.
Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper, playing his 100th Test, crossed soon after the break and after 59 minutes All Black Patrick Tuipulotu was sin-binned, putting them in the box seat.
Aaron Smith’s 69th minute try maintained contact for the All Blacks and as they so often do they came home with a wet sail.
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