The Tri-Nations this year came down to a winner takes all game. Technically New Zealand could draw the game and still will the Tri-Nations though I doubt they thought much about that. Australia's last game was a massive defeat to South Africa away from home. I was not expecting a close game. I was glad to be proved wrong. It was an excellent game that first saw New Zealand take the lead. The game was really open despite the high stakes involved. The All Blacks were dominant in the first thirty with their defence proving especially strong. Australia picked it up at the end of the first half and managed to score a try to lead at half time. In the second half the home team scored early to take a surprise 17 -7 lead with the last quarter of the game to go. The key score looked like it might be the next one. Within ten minutes New Zealand scored a break away try from the half way line. Conrad Smith lost his man and passed out to Tony Woodcock (the prop) on the wing. He show a fine turn of pace to beat the covering defenders. This was a crucial score and Carter made light work of a difficult conversion. A contrast to the All Blacks ten, Gitteau missed a few kicks at goal. This would prove to be the difference between the two teams at the end.
Dan Carter put the icing on a great personal display when he score a try himself after good pressure from New Zealand. A late comeback from Australia proved to be in vain and New Zealand deserved their win and triumph in claiming the Tri-Nations again. It was an excellent match. A great advert for rugby union as they say.
Man of the match: Dan Carter. Well taken try. Exceptional place kicking.
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