Australia 19-27: Mistakes cost Wallabies dear

Published on 19/08/2012 02:30

NEW Zealand landed an early blow in the inaugural Four Nations Championship when they beat Australia to maintain their iron grip on the Bledisloe Cup.

The World Cup holders raced into an 18-3 lead through tries by Israel Dagg and Cory Jane before veteran lock Nathan Sharpe crossed just before half time for the Wallabies’ only try.

Berrick Barnes’ kicking hauled Australia to within five points to leave New Zealand facing an uncomfortable final few minutes but Dan Carter’s fifth successful penalty ensured the All Blacks victory.

Defending southern hemisphere champions Australia troubled New Zealand when they had the ball in hand but a raft of missed tackles and a couple of knock-ons at key moments effectively handed the win to the All Blacks.

Carter kicked 17 points but the biggest difference between the sides in a stop-start match at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium was the speed of the ball won by the New Zealand forwards – and the mistakes made by the Wallabies as the black shirts came at them.

New Zealand will now keep hold of the Bledisloe Cup for a tenth year in a row.

“You could say it’s rustiness, who knows,” Barnes said. “We’re going to have to go back to the drawing board.”