All Blacks clinch Tri-Nations title

An early second-half score to the Wallabies had the visitors on the back foot, but the men in black steadied themselves with three converted tries to seemingly secure the match with 13 minutes remaining.

But when Wallabies centre Ryan Cross crashed over with two minutes still to play, the contest was far from decided. In a finish worthy of the occasion, the All Blacks were forced to defend well after the siren had sounded before the turnover finally came and Piri Weepu booted the ball into the stands to claim a famous victory.

Australia made a bright start but when the visitors finally got their hands on the ball in enemy territory, they took advantage - full-back Mils Muliaina crossing unchallenged in the 11th minute and Dan Carter adding the conversion.

The Wallabies finally had something to show for their efforts when Matt Giteau slotted a penalty goal from close range in the 23rd minute after Richie McCaw was penalised for being offside at the breakdown.

On the stroke of half-time, a clever Giteau cross-kick found Peter Hynes on the right wing and he delivered a clever one-touch pass inside to Adam Ashley-Cooper, who showed tremendous footwork on his way to the tryline. Giteau's conversion handed the hosts a 10-7 interval lead.

It took just five minutes for the Wallabies to strike in the second half when lock James Horwill barged over on the back of some brilliant lead-up work from Giteau, who added the extras.

New Zealand's response was swift as Conrad Smith found space to send loosehead prop Tony Woodcock in for his side's second try - Carter's sideline conversion cut the deficit to three points with half an hour to play.

Having denied a sustained attack from the Wallabies, the All Blacks reclaimed the lead in the 62nd minute when Sitiveni Sivivatu found replacement scrum-half Weepu for the converted try and a 21-17 advantage.

When Carter touched down 13 minutes from time, victory - along with the Tri-Nations trophy and Bledisloe Cup - appeared all but assured for Graham Henry's men. But Cross' late strike ensured a finish that will long be remembered by all who witnessed it.