Despite a dominant performance from the All Whites in the first leg of the Soccer Ashes, a late Socceroos goal handed Australia the advantage heading into Tuesday’s return match in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, with a 1-0 lead.

Head coach Darren Bazeley named a strong side at GIO Stadium in Canberra, determined to break the cycle of Australian dominance over Aotearoa in the past two decades.

In midfield, Ryan Thomas made his long-awaited return, pulling on the fern for the first time since 2019 after enduring back-to-back injuries that had left many, including himself, wondering if he would ever play for New Zealand again.

His performance showed no signs of rust, slotting in seamlessly alongside Joe Bell as if they had been playing together for years.
 

The All Whites controlled the game, creating more chances, enjoying more possession, and outshooting their neighbours from across the Tasman (9–5).

With 19 minutes gone, Sarpreet Singh threaded a ball through to Chris Wood, sending the captain one-on-one with Australian goalkeeper Paul Izzo, only for a brilliant block to deny him.

Another golden opportunity came just before half-time, when Ryan Thomas’s long pass found Callum McCowatt, who teed up Wood, but the striker’s shot was parried wide.

In the second half, Michael Boxall went close from a Francis de Vries corner, while substitute Ben Old forced a strong save from distance.

But with just three minutes remaining, the Socceroos struck a sucker punch.

Debutant Max Balard, only moments after coming on, was found in the box by Mohamed Toure and turned neatly before slotting past Max Crocombe to the delight of the home crowd on a chilly Canberra night.

The All Whites were the better side, but the record books will show the only stat that mattered: Australia 1, New Zealand 0.

It’s all still to play for back at Go Media Stadium on Tuesday night.

Book tickets from Ticketek. 

Article added: Friday 05 September 2025