All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup

[Wee Gordon]

Australia 9-13 New Zealand

Rokocoko's solo try was the difference against Australia
Australia (6) 9
Pens: Mortlock (3)
New Zealand (10) 13
Tries: Rokocoko
Cons: Carter
Pens: Carter
Drops: Carter

New Zealand's unyielding defence kept out Australia to retain the Bledisloe Cup in Brisbane and seal a third Tri-Nations victory of the season.

All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko scored a stunning solo try in the first half to give his side a 10-6 lead at the break.

Fly-half Dan Carter added a drop-goal to his conversion and penalty to extend the lead as Australia pressed late on.

Stirling Mortlock kicked a third penalty but the desperate Wallabies could find no way past the black wall.

"That was a great Test match, it was like a game of chess," New Zealand coach Graham Henry said.

"We're very pleased to come away with the win but I think both teams can be very happy about the way they played." New Zealand are a great side and it's their time but we showed we're not too far away

Wallaby coach John Connolly

New Zealand are now unbeaten in three Tri-Nations matches this season after a 32-12 victory over Australia in Christchurch and a 35-17 win against South Africa in Wellington.

The All Blacks, who retained the trans-Tasman Bledisloe Cup for the fourth year, lead the Tri-Nations with 13 points, seven clear of Australia. South Africa are yet to win a point.

Australia, who also beat South Africa at home, have now lost seven of their last nine Tests against the All Blacks.

"It was a game that we could have won, but in saying that, I'm not taking anything from New Zealand's win," said Australia coach John Connolly.

"New Zealand are a great side and it's their time at the moment but I think we showed tonight we're not too far away."

It was the first Test in which Australia they have failed to score a try since their 18-9 loss to Ireland in Dublin in November 2002.

The Wallabies host the Springboks in Sydney next weekend.



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New Zealand: L MacDonald; R Gear, M Muliaina, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; D Carter, B Kelleher; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, C Hayman, C Jack, J Eaton, J Collins, R McCaw (captain), R So'oialo.
Replacements: A Hore, G Somerville, A Williams, C Masoe, P Weepu, L McAlister, I Toeava.

Australia: C Latham; M Gerrard, S Mortlock, M Rogers, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan (captain); G Holmes, T McIsaac, G Shepherdson, N Sharpe, D Vickerman, M Chisholm, G Smith, R Elsom.
Replacements: J Paul, A Baxter, S Fava, P Waugh, S Cordingley, M Giteau, B Tune.

Referee: Alain Rolland.