NZ 16-7 Australia - 橄欖球

NZ 16-7 Australia

New Zealand 16 (3)
Try: Howlett
Con: Carter
Pens: Carter (3)
Australia 7 (0)
Con: Giteau


New Zealand ground down Australia in appallingly wet and windy
conditions in Wellington to win the opening match of the Tri-Nations
series.

The All Blacks dominated possession but Daniel Carter's penalty was
the only score of the first half.

Doug Howlett's try finally made home pressure count after 62 minutes.

Stirling Mortlock crossed over after Joe Rokocoko dropped the ball in
front of the posts as Australia rallied but New Zealand held on for a
deserved win.

The rain driving aross the Westpac Stadium for the 101st Bledisloe Cup
clash created problems from the opening whistle with Stephen Larkham
slicing his kick-off.

The players struggled to control the ball and the result was a dour
and error-strewn first half with matters not helped by a whistle-happy
referee.

Carter's penalty finally opened the scoring after 34 minutes and put
New Zealand ahead but Australia continued to defend staunchly.

However, the match came to life after the break with hookers Keven
Mealamu and Brendan Cannon sinbinned for sparking a brawl.

New Zealand continued to press and finally - after Carter had landed
another penalty - managed to feed Howlett on the right and the winger
touched down for a straightforward effort.

The All Blacks looked poised to run away with the match but Australia
somewhow withstood yet more pressure.

And on practically their first second-half foray into the New Zealand
half, they were rewarded with a try.

Matt Giteau sent up an huge up-and-under which Rokocoko dropped, allowing
Mortlock to slide over the try-line.

That gave Australia hope but New Zealand weathered their brief rally and
Carter extended their lead with a penalty just before the final hooter.


New Zealand: Muliaina, Howlett, Umaga, Carter, Rokocoko, Spencer, Marshall,
Meeuws, Mealamu, Hayman, Jack, Maling, Gibbes, Holah, Rush.
Replacements: Hore, Somerville, Collins, Newby, Kelleher, Evans, Tuitupou.

Australia: Latham, Rathbone, Mortlock, Giteau, Tuqiri, Larkham, Whitaker,
Young, Cannon, Baxter, Harrison, Sharpe, Samo, Waugh, Lyons.
Replacements: Paul, Dunning, Vickerman, Smith, Henjak, Burke, Sailor.

Referee: A Rolland (Ireland)


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