ALLBLACKS

Sensible All Blacks forward play in the wet conditions at Eden Park set up the 26-12 victory over Australia to retain the Bledisloe Cup and the Philips Tri Nations titles for another year.

It took well into the second half before the power of the All Blacks scrum could be put to attacking use, but once it was it made all the difference.

The possession that had been well distributed by Australia during the first half evaporated and it was the All Blacks who called the tune with a series of determined and strength-sapping forward drives.

In a season with some below-par All Blacks performances, it was an effort more in keeping with the traditions of All Blacks play where the forwards provided the spearhead. There were fewer handling errors and while there were few chances for thrills among the backline it was a more commanding effort.

Backing their effort was the goal-kicking of first five-eighths Dan Carter who landed seven penalty goals and who, in the process, landed 100 points against Australia.

Another factor was the introduction of Brendon Leonard at halfback, who is rapidly becoming something of a super sub, in place of Byron Kelleher . He had an immediate impact when his intercept of a pass between No.8 Stephen Hoiles and his rival George Gregan.

The All Blacks powered into a series of rucks and drives at the line and when it wasn't possible to say if replacement hooker Keven Mealamu had scored a five-metre scrum was called.

It had to be set three times before the All Blacks moved it on the blindside from No.8 Rodney So'oialo to Leonard. From the resulting ruck it was prop Tony Woodcock who scored his second try of the year against Australia right in the corner.

That took the lead to 23-12 to the All Blacks.

Torrential rain just before kickoff swamped the ground but despite the slippery conditions, the handling of both sides belied the situation and the ball was moved at every opportunity.

The Australians also peppered All Blacks right wing Doug Howlett with a succession of high kicks into the box but he proved secure.

Carter opened the scoring with the first of his penalty goals after 10 minutes and Australian centre Stirling Mortlock replied in the 23rd minute with a 45-metre goal.

Then two minutes later second five-eighths Matt Giteau slipped a 45m dropped goal over, although it took the television official to clarify whether it had passed over the crossbar.

Larkham was penalised for not rolling away after making a tackle of centre Isaia Toeava and Carter equaled the scores from 45m.

Then with eight minutes of the half left, Mortlock landed his second penalty goal to put Australia back in front 9-6.

But with five minutes left Carter put in a 50m goal after Giteau was in front of Larkham's grubber kick.

Given the importance of the occasion, it was a far more assured performance from the home team.

Carter controlled the pace of the play sensibly with some sound kicking and passing options while the midfield was sound defensively. Fullback Mils Muliaina again provided thrust whenever he had the chance and the support play of the forwards was outstanding.

So'oialo was a constant presence with some strong runs in support of captain and flanker Ritchie McCaw while Mealamu's arrival also increased the mobility and support of the side.

Mortlock was again outstanding in the Wallabies backline while Larkham provided New Zealand fans with another example of his superb directional play in partnership with halfback George Gregan.

Flanker George Smith was a force in the loose contest but lacked the consistent support of the New Zealand trio.

Scorers: New Zealand 26 (Tony Woodcock try; Dan Carter 7 pen) Australia 12 (Stirling Mortlock 3 pen; Matt Giteau dropped goal). HT: 12-9


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