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All Blacks triumphant

In the final match of the Tri Nations series at ANZ Stadium, the Wallabies were unable to maintain a significant lead, resulting in a 23-22 victory for the All Blacks, who made a strong comeback in the second half.

With 20 minutes remaining, Australia appeared poised for triumph with a 22-9 advantage; however, two tries from the All Blacks shattered the hopes of the 70,288 attendees at ANZ Stadium.

This victory allowed the All Blacks to finish the Tri Nations series with a flawless record and ensured they have not lost a Test against their trans-Tasman rivals since 2008.

The lone try of the first half occurred in the 15th minute, as No.8 Ben McCalman broke free from a scrum to pass to young winger James O’Connor, who successfully scored in the corner.

The All Blacks managed only two penalty goals in a fragmented first-half performance, and the Wallabies entered the break with a 14-6 lead.

Recalled winger Lachie Turner made an eventful return to Test rugby, almost scoring in the sixth minute but was thwarted by a brilliant last-minute tackle from Cory Jane.

Just four minutes later, Turner turned defender and prevented All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina from scoring when the line was in sight.

Matt Giteau struggled with his kicking accuracy that night, missing two conversion opportunities and two penalty goals, costing the Wallabies a total of 10 crucial points.

However, that seemed inconsequential when Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed the line just seven minutes into the second half, increasing the Wallabies’ advantage to 13.

The teams exchanged penalties until All Blacks captain Richie McCaw found room off the back of a scrum, scoring a try in the 66th minute to reignite hope for the visitors.

Piri Weepu’s successful conversion brought the score within a converted try, and the All Blacks sensed victory against a fatigued Wallabies team, who were competing in their third Test in as many weeks.

When No.8 Kieran Read barreled over next to the goalposts six minutes later, Weepu converted, giving the All Blacks a lead for the first time in the second half – a position they would not surrender.

Though the statistics may not be entirely favorable, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans insists there has certainly been improvement for Australia by the end of their Tri Nations journey.

Despite finishing well behind New Zealand on the Tri Nations standings, Deans remains confident that the Wallabies are progressing.

“There’s no doubt we’ve made progress, but in terms of the benchmark, we are just under the brow,” he stated.

He emphasized the growth brought about by the international experience gained by young players such as Kurtley Beale, James O’Connor, and Quade Cooper, the latter of whom was facing New Zealand for the first time.

“If we can each make small incremental gains, then collectively, that will be significant, and clearly, we are not that far away,” Deans remarked.

The coach pointed out the clever tactics employed by the All Blacks that led to McCaw’s try, noting how the captain seemingly disengaged from the scrum early as a pivotal moment.

“They’re clever, in the way they stay a step ahead,” Deans acknowledged.

“You only have to look at the numbers to see they’re smart, good luck to them.”

New Zealand’s coach, Graham Henry, recognized that Australia posed challenges in their last two matches but refrained from commenting on whether the Wallabies have improved since last year.

“The game in Christchurch was difficult, and tonight was also tough; the Wallabies have been playing some very good football,” Henry stated.

Replacement All Blacks hooker Corey Flynn observed that the Wallabies’ scrum continues to make progress.

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