First Take: Milner-Skudder plays his way into contention

Nehe Milner-Skudder (R) of the All Blacks talks to Kieran Read (L) uring The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.

All Blacks 19
Wallabies 27

Welcome to test football, Nehe Milner-Skudder. It was an impressive debut from the Hurricanes utility, who might have played himself into contention for the World Cup squad.

It was a generally nerveless performance from the debutant, who showed composure from his first touch when he had to adjust quickly to take a pass slightly behind him.

His pace and remarkable footwork took him into space twice in the first half and he displayed good timing for the first try.

But the second touchdown displayed his merits; the strength and leg drive to progress through three defenders, the determination to get the ball down and the assurance to 'sell it' to the match officials. He faces considerable competition to earn a spot but did all he could.

Meanwhile, David Pocock wasn't a new player but he felt like one. He showed what a loss he has been for the Wallabies in his last few injury-plagued seasons and could change the equation at the World Cup.

The 27-year-old was a constant menace at the breakdown, especially in the first half, and his ability to pillage what appears to be safe ball is unparalleled in the international game. In that aspect, he reminds of Richie McCaw in his pomp and he was clearly the best forward on the field last night.

At 115kg, he was the biggest of the loose forwards and made his presence felt with some vital steals. Even when he doesn't claim the ball, his work in slowing it down was crucial last night.

Although his selection at No 8 was questionable - and he said he hadn't played off the back of the scrum since "the under-12s" - it could be a great option at the World Cup.

His double act with Michael Hooper is special - and it needs to be - given not much has changed behind them.

Halfback Nick Phipps was untidy and inaccurate for much of the night, and his errant pass just after Sekope Kepu's try was a brain explosion. Then he compounded that with his second half yellow card which could have been a massive turning point. Too much of the Wallabies' backline work was way behind the advantage line. Bernard Foley is still learning his trade and Israel Folau is a massive threat but his talents need to be exploited more.

But Australia showed great heart; the All Blacks had all the momentum with Milner-Skudder's second try but for once the Wallabies found the extra gear. For once, the Wallabies rose to the occasion and for once, their bench overshadowed the All Blacks' replacements.

So for the first time in this World Cup cycle, the Australians have tasted victory over the All Blacks. What it means for the World Cup remains to be seen but it feels like a massive boost for the men in gold.