Ben Smith scores hat-trick for New Zeland
WINGER Ben Smith scored a hat-trick as New Zealand opened their Rugby Championship title defence with a 47-29 victory over Australia to ruin Ewen McKenzie’s first match as Wallabies coach.
The world champions scored three tries in each half in Sydney, with Aaron Cruden, Richie McCaw and Conrad Smith their other try-scorers.
Will Genia and James O’Connor crossed for the home side.