A stunning performance from New Zealand brushed Australia aside as they ran out 30 v 14 winners at Eden Park this morning.
A clinical first forty minutes and a faultless display from fly-half Dan Carter saw the All Blacks clinch their second victory of this year’s shortened Tri-Nations tournament and ensured they kept their hands firmly on the Bledisloe Cup.
Australia headed over the Tasman Sea in confident mood after their recent victory over South Africa and arrived in Auckland looking to end a 35-year victory draught at Eden Park. But it was not to be as New Zealand sent out a clear warning ahead of the World Cup.
Ma’a Nonu crossed for the game’s first try after a early Carter penalty and their was no let up from the hosts as Kevin Mealamu also crashed over for a converted try before the break.
James O’Connor struggled with the boot for the visitors as Australia went into half-time without a score to their name.
Carter had the first word of the second period, with a simple drop-goal extending his side’s advantage.
Digby Ioane gave Australia hope after combining with full-back Kurtley Beale for a classy score, which Quade Cooper converted.
New Zealand though hit straight back from the re-start, Sitiveni Sivivatu touching down for the All Black’s third try. Australia captain Rocky Elsom grabbed a late score but it was New Zealand’s day in Auckland.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 James Horwill, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu. Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Dan Vickerman, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Anthony Fainga'a, 22 Lachie Turner.
