New Zealand 33
Australia 6
The All Blacks' domination of the Wallabies continued with a brutal 33-6 win after they produced some long-awaited rugby of authority.
In a performance which adds gloss to an often-dreary Tri-Nations campaign, New Zealand inflicted their sixth successive loss on Australia - and 10th on home soil - to consign them to the competition wooden spoon.
South Africa claimed the Tri-Nations title last weekend but there was still plenty of pressure on both teams coming into the tournament finale, particularly the coaching staff, because of their substandard form.
While it was another forgettable outing for Robbie Deans' young Wallabies, it was a stunning turnaround for the All Blacks.
They scored three unanswered tries and played easily their best rugby in nine tests this year, four of which have been lost.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry and his under-fire assistants will keep the wolves from the door until at least the season-ending tour of Britain after an inspired display led by a workaholic loose forward trio.
Captain Richie McCaw was a dominant figure all over the park while No 8 Kieran Read and blindside flanker Adam Thomson - both in their 12th tests - produced their best performances in black.
They were the catalysts for a monstrous display at the breakdown which blew the visitors away, forcing countless turnovers and rewarding the home side with countless penalties by South African referee Craig Joubert.
The All Blacks' lineout, featuring lock Tom Donnelly on debut, was much improved on several disastrous outings this year while they also had an edge in the messy scrum exchanges.
Fine conditions for once at Westpac Stadium and the All Blacks' forward dominance allowed them to attack out wide with purpose for the first time this year.
New Zealand's intent to play at pace was obvious from the outset as they employed quick taps from penalties although first five-eighth Daniel Carter ensured they still played a smart territory game in the three tries-to-none display.
A key period was the 10 minutes before halftime when the All Blacks were reduced to 14 men following the sinbinning of centre Isaia Toeava but they outscored the visitors 7-0 courtesy of an excellent try to recalled winger Cory Jane.
It put them 16-6 clear at the break, a rare halftime lead of late against the Wallabies, and they pulled clear late through tries to second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu and winger Joe Rokocoko. Carter kicked seven from eight attempts in an 18-point haul.
The result completed a predictable pattern in this year's tournament, with All Blacks winning all three tests against the Wallabies but succumbing in the same number against the Springboks.
A loss tonight would have seen New Zealand beaten in three tests on home soil in a season for the first time.
The All Blacks dominated the opening exchanges but found themselves 0-3 down after Carter missed an easy penalty shot while opposite Matt Giteau slotted his first attempt.
Carter realigned his sights and was successful with penalties in the 14th, 17th and 22nd minutes as his side clamped control.
A ray of light appeared in the 29th minute for the Wallabies when second five-eighth Berrick Barnes slotted a dropped goal to reduce the margin to 9-6. Toeava was shown a yellow card for a high tackle earlier in the play on fullback James O'Connor.
Soon afterwards the hosts responded through Jane's try, after he leapt high over O'Connor to snatch a Mils Muliaina bomb and outstripped opposite Drew Mitchell in a 20m dash to the line.
The Wallabies prevented the dam from bursting through most of the second spell but eventually cracked when Nonu stormed through four defenders 5min from fulltime and Rokocoko was put over in the right corner after the hooter.
The teams meet again in a test at Tokyo on October 31.
New Zealand 33 (Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko tries; Daniel Carter 4 pen, 3 con) Australia 6 (Matt Giteau pen, Berrick Barnes dropped goal). Halftime: 16-6.
- NZPA
