Only the second ever Bledisloe cup played on neutral territory has seen The All Blacks defeat The Wallabies by 19 - 14 in Hong Kong. On a pitch which cut up fairly easily The All Blacks were able to end the 4 match series on a high.

The All Blacks had a slight edge in the first 5 minutes, but were forced into an early change when Andrew Hore had to be replaced by Keven Mealamu.

New Zealand spilt the ball on the edge of their 22 and several attacking phases later Matt Giteau produced the pass of the year to Drew Mitchell to cross under the posts.

The Wallaby Achilies heel [The Scrum] gave Dan Carter an opportunity to reduce the gap to 4 points with a penalty which he duly took. The match ebbed and flowed for the next 10 minutes.

A big hit on Matt Giteau from Jerome Kaino sent tremors through the Wallaby ranks but he was fine to carry on. Minutes later Carter added another penalty and the gap was down to 1.

Never wrfite off Australia ! From the next kick off some great build up play saw a great pass from Smith to Drew Mitchell saw him cross outwide for his second try of the game. Giteau added a difficult conversion and the Wallabies led 14 - 6. Carter kept New Zealnd in touch with a 53 yard penalty goal.

With 5 minutes of the half to play Australia were on the wrong side of a heavy penalty count. Allan Lewis really will need to take stock of his refereeing at the break down and general play.

After 40 minutes of play there was only one team looking capable of scoring a try and they had two already.

The second half was less than two minutes old when Sitiveni Sivivatu crossed for a try another couple of dubious passes were let go by Mr Lewis, Carter missed the conversion and the scores were tied at 14 apiece.

Australia once again went on the attack and after a borderline miracle with Richie McCaw getting penalised Australia found themselves three yards from the Kiwi line but a knock on thwarted their attempt.

With 50 minutes played Carter missed another opportunity handed to him by a poor refereeing decision.

The next 5 minutes were spent in Australian territory as The All Blacks mounted wave after wave of attacks. Australia managed to gain some field position and with 20 minutes to go it was anyones match. After a drop 22 The All Blacks swept upfield for a try to Richie McCaw.

Australia survived the All Black onslaught and moved upfield won a penalty but Giteau was unable to convert. With 6 minutes to play Australia moved the ball beautifully but a dropped ball 10 metres from the All Black line prevented a score. A Corey Jane sliced kick kept Australia on the attack.

New Zealand played down the clock for the win.

Scorers:

New Zealand

Try: McCaw, Sivivatu
Con:
Pen: Carter 3,
DG:

Australia

Try: Drew Mitchell 2,
Con: Giteau 2,
Pen:
DG:

New Zealand:
 
Isaia Toeava, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Dan Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Greg Somerville, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu, Cory Jane.
 
 
Australia:
 
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper       (Brumbies)
14. Peter Hynes                      (Queensland Reds)
13. Ryan Cross                        (Western Force)
12. Stirling Mortlock                (Brumbies) captain
11. Drew Mitchell                     (Western Force)
10. Matt Giteau                     (Western Force)
9. Luke Burgess                     (NSW Waratahs)
8. Richard Brown                     (Western Force)
7. George Smith                       (Brumbies)
6. Dean Mumm                         (NSW Waratahs)
5. Nathan Sharpe                     (Western Force)
4. Mark Chisholm                      (Brumbies)
3. Al Baxter                                (NSW Waratahs)
2. Stephen Moore                     (Queensland Reds)
1. Benn Robinson                  (NSW Waratahs)
 
Run on reserves:
 
16. Adam Freier                        (NSW Waratahs)
17. Matt Dunning                       (NSW Waratahs)
18. Phil Waugh                          (NSW Waratahs)
19. David Pocock                    (Western Force)
20. Sam Cordingley                 (Queensland Reds)
21. Berrick Barnes                  (Queensland Reds)
22. Lachie Turner                     (NSW Waratahs)

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