Australia forward Liam Martin is held up over the line, wrapped in three or four black shirts.

Good response to going behind from the hosts.

And another set of six, the ball coming off the hand of New Zealand's Dane Gagai.

Australia are up to 10 metres. Four tackles to come.

Captain's Challengepublished at 50 mins

50 mins

Australia 10-16 New Zealand

Replacement Tom Dearden makes good metres up the middle of the park to carry Australia into New Zealand's half on the penultimate tackle.

Tom Bostock contests the subsequent kick with Jamayne Isaako and wins a penalty for his side. New Zealand appeal the knock-on but no luck.

Australia centre Kotoni Staggs is returns from the sin-bin.

Andrew Henderson
Former Scotland international on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Thoroughly deserved for New Zealand. The Kiwis were given a penalty for Australia being offside near their own line, and rather than take the two points, they backed their ability, knowing Kotoni Staggs was still in the sin-bin. It's a brilliant try for Ponga on his New Zealand debut.

New Zealand shift the ball coast to coast and Casey McLean bursts clear down the left again. Australia scramble and concede a penalty (offside) within 20 metres.

This time, New Zealand, with the man advantage, don't kick for two.

Jahrome Hughes rather scuffs his grubber and Tom Trbojevic tidies it up.

Excellent scramble defence from Australia to keep New Zealand out again.

Australia clear their lines and push New Zealand back to their 20-metre line.

New Zealand may come to rue wasting their attacking positions. Casey McLean makes decent ground down the left wing but sends a wild pass inside to gift Australia possession.

But, the Kiwis are coming again.

A small heart in mouth moment as Australia allow a kick to bounce inside their 10-metre line. That could have been a calamity.

Australia scrum-half Mitchell Moses has limped off with what's been reported as a calf injury.

The second half of is under way, Australia's Latrell Mitchell kicking to New Zealand.

10-all in Sydney. Australia will have to navigate the next six or seven minutes with 12 players.

"A tough game of footy" is how Australia head coach Kevin Walters chooses to sum up the match so far.

Image source, Getty Images

Right then. At the start of the match, you guys were backing New Zealand to win.

40 minutes in, is the mood the same?

Thumbs up for Australia, thumbs down for New Zealand.

Image source, Getty Images

Andrew Henderson
Former Scotland international on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

We said it was the benchmark game of the tournament. Arguably the two best teams in the competition. We spoke about New Zealand's power game and asked if Australia could contain it. I don't think they have. New Zealand have made good field position and will be disappointed they haven't scored more points. Australia haven't been able to showcase their speed and skill.

Image source, Getty Images

Well, that was all rather breathless, wasn't it?

New Zealand absolutely roared out of the blocks in Sydney, with Casey McLean opening the scoring with a flying touchdown, and dominated the first 20 minutes.

A pair of intercepted tries - one apiece for wingers Jack Bostock (on debut) and Tom Trbojevic - gave Australia a rather undeserved lead.

But the two sides are level at the break, Jamayne Isaako converting both of his first-half penalties for New Zealand.

Australia will start the second half with 12 players following Kotoni Staggs' yellow card.

Australia try-scorer Jack Bostock scoops a New Zealand kick behind. The hooter sounds.

Phew. What a half of rugby. It's 10-10 in Sydney.

Andrew Henderson
Former Scotland international on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

That might have calmed down Stacey Jones a bit. He will feel his team should be in front, but he'll be happier. Kevvie Walters will be very happy with 10-10 because it was looking ominous for his side at one stage.

The boot of Jamayne Isaako levels the game.