VIDEO: The 'headshot' that killed off Wallabies

REACTION: Australia was in the contest for the first half, but a crucial call on the stroke of half-time saw New Zealand grab control and race away the a crushing 33-13 win in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington.

The result means the All Blacks swept the Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies.

This was a 30th match in New Zealand without success for Australia over their arch-rivals, and their ninth straight loss anywhere to the All Blacks.

The win snapped a rare home hoodoo for the All Blacks, who were winless in the capital in five Tests.

It also allowed a fitting farewell for Sam Cane, in his 100th Test, and hometown hero TJ Perenara in their last home internationals.

The Wallabies led as late as the 40th minute and starved the All Blacks of the ball in a much-improved first-half showing.

However, a decision to opt for a line-out from a penalty straight in front saw New Zealand go into the half-time break with a `19-12 lead.

All Black captain Scott Barrett called it a “headshot”.

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New Zealand flipped the switch after the break, denying Australia even a second-half point.

Caleb Clarke doubled up in a brilliant display of line-breaking, with Sevu Reece, Will Jordan and Tamaiti Williams also scoring tries in the bonus-point win.

Australia will finish bottom of the Rugby Championship standings – and by a distance – but their first half on Saturday was possibly their best under Joe Schmidt.

The Wallabies were unrecognisable from the side that shipped three tries in the opening 15 minutes in Sydney, with smart passing and gut-running that put the All Blacks under pressure.

“They played some good footy, man,” All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said.

“They started pretty well, didn’t they, the Aussies, so you’ve got to give it to them.”

Clarke made sure of a half-time lead after another run through the guts in the 41st minute, the scoreboard reading 19-13 at the interval.

The All Blacks had a penalty in front of goal, but opted not to kick.

Scott Barrett said they “sensed a moment” to go “for a decent blow, a headshot”.

Robertson said it was “really important, a big swing.”

Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt agreed.

“That try just before half-time was a pretty tough blow to take,” he said.

Scott Barrett was pleased his team overcame their hoodoo in the country’s capital city, having failed to win any of their previous five Tests in Wellington.

“Really pleased to have reversed the curse. We didn’t start too well, but I’m really pleased with how we finished,” lock forward Barrett said.

“We talked about owning our effort and it showed there on our line, it was pleasing to not let them in. And I’m pleased to finish on a high in our final home game.”

Wallaby captain Harry Wilson was disappointed his side failed to capitalise on a strong start.

“We’re obviously gutted,” Wilson said.

“It’s not the result we came here for and wanted.

“Our first 40 [minutes] was really good.

“We showed up and started fast, but struggled with possession in the second half.

“We had a few chances which we couldn’t capitalise on and they hurt us at the end.”

* Sources: AAP & AFP