New Zealand edge closer to Tri-Nations title

New Zealand edged closer to the Tri-Nations title after a ten-point victory over Australia in Christchurch on Saturday morning.

Following their failure to earn a bonus point against Australia, the All-Blacks need a solitary point from their remaining two fixtures to secure the title.

The Wallabies put up a much better effort than they did in Melbourne last weekend and were far more competitive at the breakdown.

Mils Muliaina put the home side in front with a try early on, but Kurtley Beale levelled after capitalizing on a mistake from Dan Carter in the New Zealand midfield.

A Conrad Smith try put New Zealand back in the lead and Carter and Matt Giteau exchanged penalties to leave the All-Blacks 17-10 in front at the break. The second half was a much tighter affair with Dan Carter registering the only score of the half from either side with a penalty.

New Zealand closed out the game without too much difficulty and retained the Bledisloe Cup for the seventh successive year.