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