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Wallabies lose their ninth consecutive Test to All Blacks in Christchurch
August 07, 2010 Australia's pain and suffering has continued with the All Blacks retaining the Bledisloe Cup for an eighth straight year with a record-equalling ninth successive victory over the Wallabies in Christchurch.
The Wallabies delivered a vastly-improved showing on the previous week's debacle in Melbourne, but the All Blacks still had too much power and precision, prevailing 20-10 for their 13th consecutive Test win.
The 10-point triumph also virtually secured New Zealand the Tri Nations trophy, the world's top-ranked team requiring just a lone bonus point from their remaining two away matches against Australia and South Africa to make it a fait accompli.
Clearly stung by the 21-point hammering seven days earlier, the Wallabies threw everything at the All Blacks at AMI Stadium.
Robbie Deans - back in his home city for the first time as coach of the Wallabies - even belted out the Australian national anthem pre-match in a welcome show of solidarity after a week of flak for his beleaguered side.
Alas, the gallant Wallabies were unable to convert long periods of possession and territory into tries, their lone five-pointer coming via a first-half breakout effort from fullback Kurtley Beale.
Still, there was no humiliation this time, with the All Blacks only clinching victory with a 71st-minute penalty goal to superboot Dan Carter.
In perfect playing conditions, a comfortable 12 degrees and with barely a breath of wind, Australia made a bright enough start, hogging possession for the opening five minutes.
But a midfield burst from lock Tom Donnelly put the hosts on the attack and quick recycling allowed Keven Mealamu and Joe Rokocoko to combine to put fullback Mils Muliaina away down the left sideline for the first try after six minutes.
Dan Carter's conversion made it 7-0, but the Wallabies hit straight back with a 65-metre runaway try to Beale.
Carter spilt the ball, Wallabies flanker David Pocock swooped, offloaded to Nathan Sharpe, who delivered a nice inside pass to Beale, who outpaced Carter to score in a handy position for Matt Giteau to convert.
Scores weren't levelled for long, though, with a defensive blunder from makeshift winger James O'Connor allowing All Blacks centre Conrad Smith an easy try in the 13th minute, again in the left corner.
Instead of staying on his wing, O'Connor was caught in two minds as classy inside centre Ma'a Nonu exposed the youngster's inexperience with a lovely long pass to Smith.
Carter again nailed the sideline conversion to give New Zealand a 14-7 lead, before Giteau narrowed the gap to four points with a 20th-minute penalty goal after the All Blacks were caught offside.
The All Blacks went to the break enjoying a 17-10 advantage following a Carter penalty goal in the 33rd minute after Wallabies halfback Will Genia was pinged for not releasing.
Carter's late penalty was the only score of the second half as New Zealand's ninth straight win over Australia matches the All Blacks' streak from 1936 to 1947.
AAP
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...016959,00.html