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Beauden Barrett extended his All black people try record to 48 after Bledisloe’s double in Sydney moved him closer to the former spot held by Doug Howlett.
In that first half, demolishing full-back Barrett put the ball in from close range before a classic interception right on the stroke of half-time proved critical.
The Wallabies often tried to pick the All Blacks apart on the fringes, which they had plenty of success with, but lackluster as the last pass went astray.
Looking to strike right on the stroke of halftime, Barrett struck big by taking a Max Jorgensen pop pass and returning it 70 yards the other way.
“They were obviously swinging with a big number and I was in a position where I had to step in and make a decision,” Barrett said.
“I’ve been there in the past where interceptions don’t go your way, you’re looking at 10 minutes in the bin, but this one was well executed and I’ll take it.
The 147-Test veteran had Wallabies back Tom Wright, one of the Wallabies’ fastest players, in hot pursuit.
Barrett said he thought Wright might bring him down in the final 20 meters, but he didn’t have enough angle to do it.
“I wasn’t sure, I knew it was him (Wright),” Barrett said.
“I know he’s pretty fast, I thought at 20 he could catch me. I just had the stamina, luckily.”
Barrett returned to the team as injuries sidelined many big names. His first test of the year was off the bench in Baltimore, where he was able to start both Bledisloes.
Sydney’s Test was a vintage Barrett performance and he said enjoying playing in Rennie’s system made him “feel like himself” again after a difficult year with the Blues.
“The game we play is comfortable, the style we try to play. We do it with D-Mac and obviously Cam plays extremely well,” he said.
“It’s been a tough super season, the way we’ve gone about things, so to get some energy from this team and feel like I’ve been really useful again.
With those three appearances, Barrett is on his way to 150 Test caps with just three more to go.
Barrett could potentially make a milestone on the year-end tour.
“It was a tough team to crack and a very good problem to have,” Barrett said.
“As far as needing to earn it, with the depth we have. It was an honor to be selected again, I really enjoyed it.
“At the beginning of the season, when I saw Ruben (Love) doing his thing, I was really, really happy for him. He took our game to a new level, in terms of how we want to move the ball. He certainly deserved it.
“Everybody had a chance and unfortunately, we had a lot of injuries, and more so tonight, our depth will be challenging for the rest of the season.
“But to roll up my sleeves and go to work for Bledilsoe, it’s been comfortable and right where I want to be.
“Obviously it’s there (150th), but having done a few tests earlier this year, I’m not taking any of them for granted.
“In the next one, if I’m elected, I’ll take it and reassess and go again.
