Top matches of 2014 - 5) All Blacks 51 Wallabies 20

Julian Savea celebrates scoring his 24th try in 24 tests for the All Blacks. Photo / Martin Hunter

The Herald counts down the greatest sporting encounters of the year.

The theme in the build-up to the All Blacks' 51-20 demolition over the Wallabies at Eden Park in August, which allowed them to retain the Bledisloe for another year, was one of atonement for the week before.

On a rainy night in Sydney they were lucky to escape with a 12-12 draw which halted their winning streak at 17 victories.

A response was necessary, skipper Richie McCaw compared the week of the return encounter to the one which came following the All Blacks' 34-19 thrashing at the hands of the Wallabies in Sydney in 2008.

"I think over the years there's been occasions where a week apart things change a lot," McCaw said on the eve of the Eden Park test. "I think back to 2008 when we got put to the sword in Sydney and there was a fair bit of edge that week. I suppose it's comparable, definitely."

The result was a shock and awe display from the All Blacks, who scored six tries to two, the final one to Steven Luatua, who scored under the posts in the final minute to allow the scoreboard to tick over 50.

McCaw was sinbinned in the first half, but the Wallabies could score only a penalty in his absence. By contrast, when lock Rob Simmons was sinbinned for Australia on McCaw's return, the All Blacks poured on the points with two converted tries - the first a penalty try when they obliterated the visitors' scrum, and the second a thrilling long-range breakout by Julian Savea.

McCaw, who scored two tries, was at his outstanding best - carrying that "edge" he talked about through the whole test. Kieran Read scored the other.

From the power of the pack to the excellence of the backline, it was the All Blacks' most complete performance of the year.

They have held the Bledisloe Cup for 12 years, Australia's winning drought at Eden Park now standing at 28 years.

For the All Blacks' supporters on that mild August night, the occasion could hardly have been better.

All Blacks v Wallabies - more coverage:
Forwards deliver at Eden Park fortress
Cruden now ahead of Carter?
All Blacks v Wallabies - as it happened

Top matches of 2014:

10 - Djokovic v Federer
9 - Chiefs v Bulls/Cheetahs
8 - Kansas City v Oakland
7 - Panthers v Roosters
6 - Netherlands v Spain