New Zealand have won the second Bledisloe cup match of the season at Eden Park in Auckland, defeating The Wallabies by 39 to 10 in a typically intense encounter. The match was played in greasy conditions which the outstanding New Zealand forward pack relished.

Before the match Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was expecting a physical contest, he was not let down. New Zealand desperate to avenge the defeat last weekend in Sydney dominated possession, dominated the breakdown and dominated the

Richie McCaw - outstanding performance tonight

New Zealand were simply too good for this resurgent Wallaby team. Rocky Elsom was sorely missed in the Australian pack.

Giteau was offorded an early opportunity to open the scoring after a Rodney So’oialo indiscretion which he took and Australia led 3 - 0. From the restart New Zealand were themselves gifted a penalty in front of the Australia posts which Carter happily converted and with 6 minutes played the scores were locked at 3 points. Australia were penalised close to their line for hands in the ruck Carter gave the All BLacks the lead after 14 minutes. 6 - 3 to the Kiwis.

Australia were insisting on kicking good ball away with flat crossfield kicks when ball in hand was the better option.

New Zealand were starting to look more and more dangerous. Building pressure as only New Zealand can they eventually crossed for the first Try of the match through Tony Woodcock. Carter added the extras and the All Blacks were leading 13 - 3. From a disputed lineout minutes later Tony Woodcock crossed for his second try in as many minutes. Carter missed the conversion the All Blacks led 18 - 3 after 25 minutes. Richie McCaw was making a huge difference to the application of the All Blacks.

Australia were not to be beaten easily. A slick backline move put Mortlock clear he fed Adam Ashley-Cooper for a run in try, Giteau added the conversion and the score was back to 18 - 10. The try buoyed Australia and they went straight back onto the attack forcing the Kiwis back to their try line. The All Blacks were able to clear their lines and head into the Australian 22. Another end to end Bledisloe enounter.

George Smith was fortunate to stay on the field just minutes before halftime after a professional foul on his own tryline. Carter added the conversion and the All Blacks led 21 - 10 at halftime.

New Zealand were straight onto the attack in the second half and only a spilled ball prevented the lead growing. However within 2 minutes a huge McCaw hit on Burgess caused a turnover new Zealand threw it through the hands and Ma’a Nonu crossed for the try. Carter added the conversion from outwide and the Kiwis were looking good for a convincing win.

Australia went back on the attack, but started to revert to their style from the last couple of years and despite having a period of posseion and territory began to they look less damaging.

New Zealand started to change their game plan with 20 minutes played they were starting to attack the Australian lineout with success and by keeping the ball in hand won a penalty in front the posts, Carter slotted it and 31 - 10 was the New Zealand advantage.

Australia were trying hard but were just not at the races, everything was falling for the kiwis and their aggression deserved this luck.

George Smith put a high shot on Conrad Smith as he was falling in a tackle gicing Dan Carter another chance of adding 3 points, he took the chance and the lead was up to 34 - 10. The match ebbed and flowed for the remainder of the match with both sides having opportunities to score more tries. New Zealand will have been delighted to score the fourth (contraversial) try and gain a bonus point.

New Zealand and their public will be happy with the win and its manner. They do though have to travel to South Africa and try and win the title over in the Republic.

Australia will have been bitterley disappointed in Tatafu Polota-Nau's contribution at the lineout. The failure of the Australian lineout stifled their chances of staging a comeback.

Scorers:

New Zealand:
Tries: Tony Woodcock 2, Ma’a Nonu 2,
Con: Carter 2,
Pen: Carter 5,
DG:

Australia:
Tries: Ashley-Cooper,
Con: Giteau,
Pen: Giteau,
DG:

All Blacks:

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Andrew Hore
3. Greg Somerville
4. Brad Thorn
5. Ali Willliams
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Rodney So’oialo
9. Jimmy Cowan
10. Dan Carter
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Richard Kahui
15. Mils Muliaina

Reserves:

16. Keven Mealamu
17. John Afoa
18. Anthony Boric
19. Adam Thomson
20. Piri Weepu
21. Stephen Donald
22.  Anthony Tuitavake

The Wallabies:

15. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Peter Hynes      
13. Stirling Mortlock
12. Berrick Barnes   
11. Lote Tuqiri      
10. Matt Giteau      
9. Luke Burgess      
8. Wycliff Palu      
7. George Smith      
6. Phil Waugh        
5. Nathan Sharpe  
4. James Horwill  
3. Al Baxter             
2. Stephen Moore        
1. Benn Robinson           

Run on reserves:

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau    
17. Matt Dunning        
18. Daniel Vickerman  
19. Hugh McMeniman    
20. Sam Cordingley    
21. Ryan Cross     
22. Drew Mitchell  

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