BRISBANE (Reuters):
A BRILLIANT solo try by Joe Rokocoko coupled with a superb defensive effort guided New Zealand to a 13-9 win over Australia in the Tri-Nations yesterday.
Rokocoko beat two tacklers in a blistering run to the line to score the only try of the match early in the first half before the ever-reliable boot of Daniel Carter kept the All Blacks in front.
Carter converted Rokocoko's try from out wide then added a penalty and a drop goal to enable New Zealand to extend their lead in the Tri-Nations and retain the Bledisloe Cup.
Three Stirling Mortlock penalties
Australia's points came from three Stirling Mortlock penalties as the Wallabies failed to score a try in a test for the first time since their 18-9 loss to Ireland in Dublin in November 2002.
Australia played much better than in their 32-12 loss to New Zealand in Christchurch three weeks ago and created several half-chances in the last quarter of the game but could not find a way through the resolute New Zealand defence.
The hosts opened the scoring in the ninth minute with Mortlock's first penalty, but surrendered the lead within 70 seconds when Rokocoko brushed off the attempted tackle of flanker Rocky Elsom then dashed down the left touchline before stepping inside fullback Chris Latham to chalk up his 31st try in 34 Test appearances.
Carter landed the angled conversion then added a penalty as New Zealand began to stamp their authority on the match and briefly threatened to run away with the game.
Australia host the Springboks in Sydney next weekend.
