All Blacks clinch Tri Nations
August 19, 2006 - 4:24pm
Story by: Sportal
New Zealand has wrapped up the Tri Nations series with a 34-27 victory over a fast-finishing Qantas Wallabies at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday afternoon.
In a match that exemplified the often outstanding contests that have marked the relationship between the two teams in the past 25 years, Australia took the battle right to the All Blacks as they tried to stay in the hunt for Tri Nations glory.
The Wallabies led 20-11 at halftime but in a thrilling final quarter the Kiwis got out to a 31-20 lead before Australia struck back with a second try for wing Lote Tuqiri nine minutes from time. It was converted by centre Stirling Mortlock and pulled Australia back within four points.
Australia seized the initiative 25 minutes into the game when a floated pass from Collins intended for right wing Doug Howlett was intercepted by Tuqiri, who raced 50 metres with only an injured Carl Hayman standing, ineffectually, in his way.
Hayman was forced to leave the field to be replaced by Greg Somerville.
However, the All Blacks fought back and from their first driving maul at the line, it was lock Jason Eaton who leapt over the maul to convince the television match official that he had scored.
Moments later, just before halftime, a solid Australian attack produced a try when flanker Rocky Elsom was ruled to have grounded the ball over the line before losing it.
It took several looks by the TMO before the decision was made.
Carter landed two penalty goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half to get New Zealand back to 20-17.
With 20 minutes to go the All Blacks found its driving rhythm and launched a strong assault at the Australian line after MacDonald ran well and created an opening on the left flank.
But in pushing toward the line, replacement halfback Piri Weepu lost the ball as he went for the line.
However, a failed touch clearance 63 minutes into the half by replacement wing Mark Gerrard was fielded on the sideline by replacement lock Ali Williams.
He powered his way to set up a maul and the ball was spun quickly with wing Joe Rokocoko providing real thrust before the final two passes outside found Muliaina and lock Chris Jack who raced over to score.
Carter added the conversion as New Zealand took the lead for the first time in the game.
Four minutes later a thumping tackle by Carter on his opposite Stephen Larkham saw the ball bounce to inside centre Luke McAlister who raced 45 metres to score the match winner.
New Zealand's lineout proved much more effective and the value of its rotation policy was evident with the loss of inside centre Aaron Mauger before the game, and Hayman during the match.
New Zealand 34
Tries: Eaton, Jack, McAlister
Conversions: Carter 2
Penalties: Carter 5
Australia 27
Tries: Tuqiri 2, Elsom
Conversions: Mortlock 3
Penalties: Mortlock 2
