All Blacks outclass Wallabies

Australia's pain and suffering has continued with the All Blacks retaining the
Bledisloe Cup for an eighth straight year with a record-equalling ninth successive
victory over the Wallabies on Saturday night in Christchurch.
The Wallabies delivered a vastly-improved showing on the previous week's debacle in
Melbourne, but the All Blacks still had too much power and precision, prevailing
20-10 for their 13th consecutive Test win.
The 10-point triumph also virtually secured New Zealand the Tri Nations trophy, the
world's top-ranked team requiring just a lone bonus point from their remaining two
away matches against Australia and South Africa to make it a fait accompli.
Clearly stung by the 21-point hammering seven days earlier, the Wallabies threw
everything at the All Blacks at AMI Stadium.
Robbie Deans - back in his home city for the first time as coach of the Wallabies -
even belted out the Australian national anthem pre-match in a welcome show of
solidarity after a week of flak for his beleaguered side.
Alas, the gallant Wallabies were unable to convert long periods of possession and
territory into tries, their lone five-pointer coming via a first-half breakout
effort from fullback Kurtley Beale.
Still, there was no humiliation this time, with the All Blacks only clinching
victory with a 71st-minute penalty goal to superboot Dan Carter.
In perfect playing conditions, a comfortable 12 degrees and with barely a breath of
wind, Australia made a bright enough start, hogging possession for the opening five
minutes.
But a midfield burst from lock Tom Donnelly put the hosts on the attack and quick
recycling allowed Keven Mealamu and Joe Rokocoko to combine to put fullback Mils
Muliaina away down the left sideline for the first try after six minutes.
Dan Carter's conversion made it 7-0, but the Wallabies hit straight back with a
65-metre runaway try to Beale.
Carter spilt the ball, Wallabies flanker David Pocock swooped, offloaded to Nathan
Sharpe, who delivered a nice inside pass to Beale, who outpaced Carter to score in a
handy position for Matt Giteau to convert.
Scores weren't levelled for long, though, with a defensive blunder from makeshift
winger James O'Connor allowing All Blacks centre Conrad Smith an easy try in the
13th minute, again in the left corner.
Instead of staying on his wing, O'Connor was caught in two minds as classy inside
centre Ma'a Nonu exposed the youngster's inexperience with a lovely long pass to
Smith.
Carter again nailed the sideline conversion to give New Zealand a 14-7 lead, before
Giteau narrowed the gap to four points with a 20th-minute penalty goal after the All
Blacks were caught offside.
The All Blacks went to the break enjoying a 17-10 advantage following a Carter
penalty goal in the 33rd minute after Wallabies halfback Will Genia was pinged for
not releasing.
Carter's late penalty was the only score of the second half as New Zealand's ninth
straight win over Australia matches the All Blacks' streak from 1936 to 1947.