All Blacks ease past Wallabies
New Zealand's dominance at Eden Park continued as they claimed a comfortable 30-14 victory over Australia.
Last Updated: 06/08/11 1:51pm
New Zealand's dominance at Eden Park continued as they made it two Tri-Nations wins from two with a comfortable 30-14 victory over Australia.
The All Blacks continued their smooth preparations ahead of the World Cup with another efficient all-round display in front of their home fans.
The Wallabies were blown away by a first half blitz which included converted tries from Ma'a Nonu and Keven Mealamu, before Sitiveni Sivivatu put the match beyond doubt 14 minutes into the second half.
Digby Ioane and Rocky Elsom did get on the board for the Wallabies in the second period, however they never looked like threatening New Zealand's 23-match unbeaten streak at the Auckland venue.
The constant support play of the New Zealanders in the first half made them potent in the Australia half while the visitors ran the ball often, but without a great deal of conviction.
The hosts went ahead in the seventh minute as flanker Jerome Kaino kept the ball alive and it was centre Nonu who picked up the ball to drive through the legs to score, with Carter, who had earlier opened the scoring with a penalty, adding the conversion to make it 10-0.
Strength
After Australia enjoyed a period of attack midway through the half, New Zealand grabbed their second try in the 26th minute. Number eight Kieran Read and Richie McCaw worked the ball toward the line from midfield before hooker Mealamu got low and had the strength and control to put the ball on the line for the score.
Carter converted both those tries and seven minutes into the second half he landed a drop goal to take the All Blacks out to a 20-0 lead.
To their credit Australia refused to crumble and reduced the deficit in the 51st minute through Ioane's try.
The ball was robbed from Brad Thorn after a succession of All Blacks drives and Australia scrum-half Will Genia burst down the blindside before passing to flying full-back Kurtley Beale, who in turn fed wing Ioane to score after beating full-back Mils Muliaina's tackle attempt.
Quade Cooper, finally entrusted with the kicking after wing James O'Connor had missed three penalties in the first 42 minutes, added the conversion to give Australia a glimmer of hope.
However, the Wallabies failed to control the restart and All Blacks centre Smith seized on the loose ball, racing down the sideline before passing inside to Sivivatu for the try. Carter's conversion took New Zealand out to a 27-7 lead.
Carter added a penalty goal before Wallabies captain Elsom claimed a late consolation try for the visitors.
