AUSTRALIA 9 NEW ZEALAND 13

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 10th minute 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," said New Zealand coach Graham Henry.

"We're very pleased to come away with the win. The captain [Richie McCaw] was outstanding. In defence he saved a try in the far right-hand corner and I just thought the defensive effort was superb.

"But I think both teams can be very happy about the way they played."

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.

"The Bledisloe Cup is a huge trophy for New Zealand rugby," said Henry. "New Zealanders are very proud of it, as are the team. It's probably the major trophy that we play for, apart from the one we play for every four years (World Cup)."

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.

TRI NATIONS TABLE:
29 July 2006
Team P PD PTS
1 New Zealand 3 42 13
2 Australia 3 25 6
3 South Africa 2 -67 0

AUSTRALIA NAME TEAM FOR NZ CLASH:

Australia have handed a recall to inexperienced prop Rodney Blake, 23, for Saturday's Tri-Nations match against New Zealand in Brisbane.
Blake replaces Guy Shepherdson in the only change to the side that thrashed South Africa 49-0 on 15 July.

Hooker Tai McIsaac returns to the bench after recovering from a rib injury.

Australia coach John Connolly said: "New Zealand pose a very big challenge for us. There is no doubt they are the benchmark in world rugby right now."

The All Blacks have made seven changes from the side which destroyed South Africa as Graham Henry returns to his first-choice team.

And Connolly was fulsome in his praise for the All Blacks, saying "they have incredible depth".

Australia were out-scrummaged in the first encounter by the All Blacks and Blake warned he could not solve the Wallabies' problems up front on his own.

"It's going to put pressure on me, saying I'm the only guy who can make a difference," said Blake, who at 20st 7lb (130kg) is the heaviest rugby player to ever represent Australia.

"I'm just another player coming into the team through selection and I've just got to do what I have to do on the field."

Blake predicted "World War III" and said all eight players in the Australian scrum needed to work together against the All Blacks.

Connolly has named a nine-man bench, which he will reduce to seven after Friday's final training session.

Scrum-half George Gregan will captain the side for the 55th time to equal John Eales' record.

He will also extend his world record for caps to 124.

The All Blacks will also retain the Bledisloe Cup if they win on Saturday, while an Australia win would set up a decider in Auckland next month.

Australia:

Chris Latham, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (capt); Greg Holmes, Jeremy Paul, Rodney Blake, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Scott Fava.
Replacements (to be reduced to seven): Tai McIsaac, Al Baxter, Guy Shepherdson, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Wycliff Palu, Sam Cordingley, Mat Rogers, Clyde Rathbone.

ALL BLACKS MAKES CHANGES:

TRI NATIONS TABLE:
22 July 2006.

Team P PD PTS
1 New Zealand 2 38 9
2 Australia 2 29 5
3 South Africa 2 -67 0

New Zealand have made seven changes to their team for Saturday's Tri-Nations match against Australia in Brisbane.
Coach Graham Henry admitted he was restoring his 'A' team as he announced four backline changes and three to the pack that beat South Africa 35-17.

Rico Gear and Joe Rokocoko return on the wings, Aaron Mauger starts at inside centre and Byron Kelleher replaces Piri Weepu at scrum-half.

Jerry Collins, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock all return to the pack.

The only player of the eight rested after their opening 32-12 win over Australia not to be recalled is lock Jason Eaton, who is on the bench with Ali Williams retaining his starting spot.

Henry has opted for experience against a Wallabies side he expects to be in a "dangerous" frame of mind after that opening reverse in Christchurch.

They have since had the confidence boost of thrashing South Africa 49-0.

"A lot of these guys have played a lot of important Test matches together, so yeah, I think you could call that the 'A' team," Henry said of his own side.

"Australia won by an impressive margin in their last match and have a great record in Brisbane, so we expect this to be the most difficult Test of the season so far.

"It's a critical Test for the Tri-Nations series as well, so there's plenty to play for."

The All Blacks will also retain the Bledisloe Cup if they win on Saturday.

NEW ZEALAND:

Leon MacDonald; Rico Gear, Mils Muliaina, Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko; Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw (capt), Rodney So'oialo.
Replacements: Isaia Toeava, Luke McAlister, Jimmy Cowan, Chris Masoe, Jason Eaton, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore.

NEW ZEALAND 35 SOUTH AFRICA 17

New Zealand 35 (19)
Tries: Weepu, McCaw
Cons: Carter 2
Pens: Carter 7

South Africa 17 (7)
Tries: Du Preez, Paulse
Cons: Montgomery 2
Pens: Montgomery

Dan Carter kicked 25 points in a superb Tri-Nations display as the All Blacks claimed their 20th straight home win with victory over South Africa.

The Springboks took the lead after just 17 seconds when Fourie du Preez crossed after charging down Carter's clearance.

But indiscipline cost them dear and Carter kicked four penalties before Piri Weepu charged over on 40 minutes.

Breyton Paulse got a try back for the visitors but three more Carter kicks and a Richie McCaw try sealed the win.

New Zealand's victory at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington makes it two from two in this year's campaign and extends their lead over Australia in the Tri-Nations table.

And their triumph, all be it over a struggling Springbok side, came despite coach Graham Henry making eight changes to the team that defeated the Wallabies.

As for South Africa, their dismal form continues and although they improved vastly from last week's shambles against Australia, beleaguered coach Jake White knows there is still a lot to do if he is to keep the critics at bay.

The Springbok forwards fronted up and gave the All Blacks a real going over at the breakdown and their rush defence did not have the holes that were exploited so ruthlessly in the 49-0 loss to Australia.

But South Africa will have to reduce their penalty count if they are to give themselves a chance in the 2006 Tri-Nations.

Du Preez and Butch James impressed at half-back but they were no match for scrum-half Weepu and the inspirational Carter.

Carter did well to recover from an awful start when his kick was charged down by Du Preez inside his own 22 as he attempted to clear from the kick-off.

Percy Montgomery added the conversion and it seemed as if the horror show of last week would become a distant memory.

But Carter kept punishing South Africa's indiscipline, while at the other end Montgomery missed two chances at goal in the first half.

At the end of the first half Carter produced a wonderful burst, which was supported by the impressive Mils Muliaina, to set up Weepu's try and New Zealand were 19-7 ahead at the break.

New Zealand extended their lead after half-time with two more Carter kicks before South Africa gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Paulse collected Du Preez's cross-field kick to touch down.

After missing a third kick, Montgomery reduced the gap to eight points on 71 minutes but Carter ended any hopes of a fightback with his seventh penalty before collecting his own chip forward to set up McCaw four minutes from time.

DESPERATE BOKS MAKE CHANGES:

South Africa have made five changes to the side thrashed 49-0 by Australia last week for Saturday's Tri-Nations match against New Zealand.
Fourie du Preez replaces Ricky Januarie at scrum-half while Meyer Bosman or Butch James will come in for Jaco van der Westhuyzen at stand-off.

Albert van den Bergh replaces the injured Danie Rossouw at lock.

Blind-side flanker Solly Tyibilika and number eight Jacques Cronje come in for Joe van Niekerk and Pierre Spies.

James only arrived in Wellington on Tuesday and coach Jake White says a decision as to who takes the number 10 jersey will depend on how he fits into the squad as well as the match-day weather.

White has come under severe criticism following the defeat in Brisbane last week, a record margin in Tri-Nations history.

But he denies the changes are a panic measure as he gears his side up to face an All Blacks team which has won their past 19 home matches.

"This is not a case of hitting the panic button, our objective was always to expose players at this level on this trip," he said.

"We haven't got a great record away and we really only have Australia, New Zealand and England to play this year.

"You have to give these players an opportunity to see whether they sink or swim."

South Africa:

Percy Montgomery; Akona Ndungane, Jaque Fourie, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana; Meyer Bosman/Butch James, Fourie du Preez; Os du Randt, John Smit (captain), CJ van der Linde, Albert van den Bergh, Victor Matfield, Solly Tyibilika, Juan Smith, Jacques Cronje.
Replacements:
Breyton Paulse/JP Pietersen, Bosman/James, Ricky Januarie, Joe van Niekerk, Johann Muller, Eddie Andrews, Danie Coetzee.

ALL BLACKS NAME TEAM FOR BOKS TEST:

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has recalled former captain Reuben Thorne in one of eight changes for Saturday's Tri-Nations match against South Africa.
Thorne, who last played for the All Blacks at the 2003 World Cup, replaces the rested Jerry Collins at blind-side.

Lock Ali Williams, prop Neemia Tialata and hooker Anton Oliver also come into the forward pack.

Doug Howlett and Scott Hamilton start on the wings, Sam Tuitupou at inside centre and Piri Weepu at scrum-half.

Jason Eaton, Keven Mealamu and the injured Tony Woodcock are the forwards to drop out of the 22.

Wings Rico Gear and Joe Rokocoko, centre Aaron Mauger and scrum-half Byron Kelleher also step down as Henry makes full use of his powerful squad.

"The changes help to keep all of our players physically and mentally sharp," said the head coach.

"We hope that can provide an edge for us against South Africa this weekend and for the Tri-Nations series as a whole."





New Zealand:

Leon MacDonald; Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, Sam Tuitupou, Scott Hamilton; Dan Carter, Piri Weepu; Neemia Tialata, Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw (captain), Rodney So'oialo.
Replacements: Andrew Hore, Greg Somerville, Greg Rawlinson, Chris Masoe, Jimmy Cowan, Luke McAlister, Isaia Toeava.

NEW ZEALAND 32 AUSTRALIA 12:

New Zealand: (14) 32
Tries: Mealamu (2), McCaw, Toeava
Cons: Carter (3)
Pens: Carter (2)

Australia: (7) 12
Tries: Tuqiri, Fava
Cons: Mortlock

New Zealand overpowered Australia in an absorbing opener to the 2006 Tri-Nations tournament in Christchurch.

The All Blacks extended their winning streak in home Tests to 19 with two tries from hooker Keven Mealamu and one each for Richie McCaw and Isaia Toeava.

Mealamu struck twice with Australia down to 14 men to cancel Lote Tuqiri's score and lead 14-7 at the break.

McCaw's try took the Kiwis clear and Toeava's bonus-point score sealed it as the Wallabies suffered at the scrum.

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter slotted three conversions and two penalties but missed a handful of kicks, while Stirling Mortlock was successful with just one conversion.

Both kickers wasted early penalty chances during a bruising softening-up period but the deadlock was broken by the individual enterprise of Australia's Chris Latham.

The full-back received a New Zealand re-start and gathered his own chip over the top to feed Mat Rogers.

The centre scythed deep into All Blacks' territory before slinging a pass back in-field for Tuqiri to romp home on 15 minutes.

Mortlock converted and a second missed Carter penalty cheered Australia further.

But their world fell apart when number eight Rocky Elsom was yellow-carded for back-chat to the referee on 26 minutes.

Kiwi wing Rico Gear went close soon after following a sweeping New Zealand move into the right corner, and Mealamu caught the ensuing line-out throw to flop over.

Carter converted and heavy New Zealand pressure yielded Mealamu's second score on 35 minutes after good forward work from close range.

Fly-half Carter landed his second kick to complete a 14-point haul with Elsom off the pitch, and notched a penalty soon after the interval to increase the lead by 10 points.

The creaking Australians were holed again when McCaw poached a try after Stephen Larkham failed to gather Aaron Mauger's grubber kick towards the line.

But the wounded Wallabies hit back immediately when replacement Scott Fava burrowed over from close range.

Carter stretched New Zealand's lead with a second penalty shortly after but Australia upped their intensity and went close twice, through Tuqiri in the left corner and a forward effort ruled out by the video official.

But the Wallabies were unable to make further inroads and they were finally sunk when Kiwi replacement Toeava completed a stunning All Black counter-attack at the death.

TEAMS NAMED FOR TRI NATIONS OPENER:

New Zealand have named Mils Muliaina at outside centre for the first match of the Tri-Nations series against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday. Three different players have been chosen in the position this year after the retirement of Tana Umaga.

Australia coach John Connolly has opted for an unchanged starting line-up.

The 15 players who started the 37-15 win over Ireland two weeks ago are retained with Ben Tune, Matt Giteau and Scott Fava named on the bench.

Leon MacDonald fills the full-back slot vacated by Muliaina's switch and New Zealand coach Graham Henry is pleased to accommodate the two players in the team

"Mils is more suited to centre than Leon is so that's how it's finished up. We've got total confidence in his ability to play there," Henry said.

"It was a natural thing to do that was always at the forefront of our minds in the early part of the season."

Meanwhile, lock Chris Jack is set to make his 50th Test appearance in Saturday's showdown.

Winger Tune is back in the Australian set-up for the first time in four years after hamstring trouble ruled out Clyde Rathbone.

Giteau returns after knee surgery, while Fava is handed an opportunity after an injury to Wycliff Palu.

Australia are unbeaten this season after two comprehensive victories over England in addition to the win against Ireland in Perth.

Connolly admitted, however, that they would need to improve against the mighty All Blacks.

"Playing against New Zealand is a massive step up from what we've had so far and we certainly acknowledge that we are going to have to lift another gear for them this Saturday night," he said.

"They are the best team in the world and they've got class all over the field, so we know what to expect from them."

TEAMS:

NEW ZEALAND: L MacDonald; R Gear, M Muliaina, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; D Carter, B Kelleher; R So'oialo, R McCaw (captain), J Collins, J Eaton, C Jack; C Hayman, K Mealamu, T Woodcock.
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); R Elsom, G Smith, M Chisholm, D Vickerman, N Sharpe; G Shepherdson, T McIsaac, G Holmes.
Replacements:J Paul, A Baxter, S Fava, P Waugh, S Cordingley, M Giteau, B Tune.