The New Zealand All Blacks claimed their ninth Tri-Nations title and their fourth in a row when they beat Australia 28-24 in a thrilling deciding match on Saturday. Trailing 7-10 at halftime, the All Blacks stormed back to score three converted tries in the second half and overrun a tiring Australian outfit. Australia battled bravely throughout but could never break clear of its archrival and once the All Blacks sensed they had the better of the Wallabies they took control. Flyhalf Dan Carter scored the winning try with 12 minutes left to seal the victory, although Australia kept the 52,000 fans on the edge of their seats when it crossed with two minutes to go to get to within four points. But it was too little too late as New Zealand took out both the Tri-Nations title and the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand ends the tournament with four wins from six games, ahead of Australia (3-6) and South Africa (2-6). Australia started brightly and dominated possession in the opening exchanges, but it was unable to make any impression on the All Blacks defense. When New Zealand finally got its hands on the ball it took immediate advantage with fullback Mils Muliaina crossing after some quick hands from flanker Jerome Kaino and center Ma'a Nonu. Carter converted to make it 7-0 after 13 minutes. Australia hit back with a penalty to flyhalf Matt Giteau but although it enjoyed most of the possession in the first half it was denied by some resolute defense. The Wallabies' cause was not helped when blockbusting No.8 Wycliff Palu damaged a knee ligament and was forced from the field, giving Western Force's Richard Brown his test debut. It looked as though the visitors would hold their lead at the halftime break until fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper scored out wide following a cross-field kick from Giteau. The Wallabies started the second half as they finished the first, with Giteau finding James Horwill with a long pass and the giant lock crashing over Carter's tackle to put Australia 10 points clear. But five minutes later outstanding New Zealand center Conrad Smith made a break and found unlikely support from prop Tony Woodcock, who sprinted 23 meters down the sideline to score in the corner, Carter's conversion closing the gap to three points. The Wallabies then had a golden chance when they held the ball for 14 phases camped on the New Zealand line but were unable to cross. The All Blacks seemed to grow in confidence from that point and were soon over for a converted try when replacement scrumhalf Piri Weepu scored after winger Sitiveni Sivivatu broke the Wallaby line and popped the ball up to the charging Weepu. Carter then bounced out of Ryan Cross's tackle soon after to score under the posts and put the game out of the Wallabies' reach despite a late try from Cross. – Reuters __
