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You are in: Special Events: 2001: Tri Nations |
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Friday, 10 August, 2001, 16:21 GMT 17:21 UK
Wallabies back on track
New Zealand's Jonah Lomu is tackled by George Gregan
New Zealand 15-23 Australia
Australia are back on track in the Tri-Nations after a hard earned victory over the All Blacks in Dunedin. Matt Burke scored 18 points for the Wallabies as they made up for their opening defeat against South Africa and retained the Bledisloe Cup. It was a case of lucky 13 for the visitors following 12 previous defeats at Carisbrook and with two home games to follow they are now favourites to retain their Tri-Nations title.
This year's series has yet to hit the heights of previous seasons and this game was no different despite an explosive start by the All Blacks.
Jonah Lomu, winning his 50th cap, took just two minutes to mark the occasion with a try. Chasing a Tana Umaga kick in the Australian 22 he outpaced Joe Roff to touchdown for his 31st international score. Bright start But Australia hit back mid-way through the half with an outstanding solo effort from Matt Burke. The Wallabies full-back took the ball on the half-way line, broke through the first line of defence before chipping over Jeff Wilson and picking up to slide over for the score.
A Burke penalty extended the advantage but after such a bright start the rest of the half was a disappointment as both sides cancelled each other out in midfield. Referee Steve Lander's vigilance at the ruck ensured a succession of penalties which further disrupted the flow. But Australia would have been pleased with a five point lead at the break given the start made by the All Blacks. It was just as tight after the interval with Tony Brown and Matt Burke swapping penalties. New Zealand knew victory would put them top of the Tri-Nations table but it was Australia who came up with the decisive score just after the hour mark. Joe Roff, chasing a Matt Burke kick, was tackled without the ball by Ron Cribb and Lander awarded a penalty try. Delighted Another Burke penalty stretched the lead to 15 points and a Jeff Wilson try in the 77th minute failed to inspire an unlikely comeback by the All Blacks. Retiring Wallabies captain John Eales was also delighted to have broken the Carisbrook Curse on his last attempt.
"Today it's great purely and simply to retain the Bledisloe Cup," he said. "It's the first time Australia has done so three years in a row and that makes us very proud."
Kiwi skipper Anton Oliver said the penalty try "really killed us". "It took them out to 10-plus points with minimal time to play. I don't think even they could believe it from the things they were saying at the time. "The guys are just shattered. We had the goods to win but we just couldn't address it today." The result leaves all three sides Tri-Nations sides on one win apiece with Australia back in action next week against South Africa in Perth. New Zealand: Jeff Wilson, Jonah Lomu, Tana Umaga, Doug Howlett, Pita Alatini, Tony Brown, Justin Marshall, Ron Cribb, Taine Randell, Troy Flavell, Norm Maxwell, Reuben Thorne, Greg Somerville, Anton Oliver (captain), Carl Hoeft. Replacements: Mark Hammett, Carl Hayman, Mark Cooksley, Marty Holah, Byron Kelleher, Andrew Mehrtens, Leon MacDonald.
Australia: Matthew Burke, Andrew Walker, Daniel Herbert,
Joe Roff, Nathan Grey, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan,
Toutai Kefu, George Smith, John Eales (captain), Justin
Harrison, Owen Finegan, Rod Moore, Michael Foley, Nick
Stiles. Referee: Steve Lander (England). |
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11 Aug 01 | Tri Nations
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