God's Own Rugby Team...

[magpie in the 80's]

The All Blacks look to respond immediately here as the dangerous Muliaina attacks down the left with one to beat.
But his chip drops straight into touch and the chance is blown for now...no doubt the upper hand is still with NZ.

[magpie in the 80's]

But for how long as Cross pumps his legs close to the Kiwi 22?
It's the Force man again with the line break as Giteau now looks to orchestrate fifteen metres from the whitewash.
Tense stuff!

[magpie in the 80's]

Excellent defence from the AB's as they force the turnover - it was tackler Kaino who snaffled that one - before Carter clears well close to halfway.
Australia probe from phase to phase and are edging closer to the opposition 22 once more...the hits are superb though..turnover!

[magpie in the 80's]

Moore throws just inside his own half but that's a poor pass from Giteau off first-phase before NZ slow it down again and push them back!

[magpie in the 80's]

Rare NZ ball sees Nonu opt out of a long, chancy pass on halfway for the line break..but he's surely going to be isolated as Aus pack down with Palu limping off.
Debut for Richard Brown at number eight!

[magpie in the 80's]

Elusive running from Ashley-Cooper makes valuable metres for Australia before Hynes grubber to touch down the channel..Hore's throw 20 from his own line.

[magpie in the 80's]

Drop-out for NZ sees McCaw attempt a short one by placing the ball on the ground and rolling it over the paint with his boot..Kaplan isn't having that but is kind to allow the retake, much to Mortlock's grimmace!
Who will have the final say of the half?

[magpie in the 80's]

Well well, Australia have crossed on the whistle!
Superb play from Horwill then Elsom got them going forward from 65 out..then Giteau's cross-kick to Hynes led to the full-back slipping two to shock the AB's!
ASHLEY-COOPER TRY COVERTED BY GITEAU! 10-7!

NZ 7

AUST 10

HALFIME


What a second period we have in store!. Get yourself something to eat and drink before the start of the 2nd half

[magpie in the 80's]

We're back underway at Suncorp Stadium with turnover ball seeing NZ immediately on the attack.
Here comes Nonu and he's being sized up by Mortlock...ouch...as the AB gets to his feet slowly with Aus high-fiving!

[magpie in the 80's]

Australia work through the phases with tight rugby before a trip on Cordingley hands the hosts a lineout 20 out..the crowd bay for more!
And they get it! Extraordinary skills from Giteau leads to Horwill crashing over wide out for a double against NZ this series!
HORWILL TRY CONVERTED BY GITEAU! 17-7!



NZ 7
AUST 17

[magpie in the 80's]

The Wallabies have a ten-point buffer but have some defending to do on halfway here.
A set move finds Carter close to the touchline who is met fiercely by Hynes!
That doesn't matter now though as Smith slips the defender and hands to Woodcock in the corner..great pace from the prop who just loves scoring against the Golds!
WOODCOCK TRY CONVERTED BY CARTER! 17-14!

NZ 14

AUST 17

at 50m

[magpie in the 80's]

Henry rings the changes early with Donald and Mealamu replacing Nonu and Gloucester-bound Somerville.
Australian ball 25 out with a huge overlap on the right if they can straighten...not just yet as NZ work overtime!

[magpie in the 80's]

George Smith and now Elsom power on to within inches of the whitewash!
Slow ball with Giteau allowing his pack to do the hard graft...free-kick NZ for holding on!
How do they do it? What a boost for the Kiwis!

[magpie in the 80's]

Weepu is now on for Cowan at nine as Giteau hoists one that is taken well by the safe Kahui.
Now there's decent field position for the AB's but this time they're turned over on the 22..great end-to-end rugby as the crowd catch their breath!

[magpie in the 80's]

Pressure throw for Moore fifteen from his own line is lost by Horwill and this could be costly for Aus!
But they're handed a lifeline as Williams fumbles with the defence in bits...jeezaaasss !

[magpie in the 80's]

One senses the game has turned into a territorial chess match as Weepu breaks off a scrum to grubber for touch 20 out.
And the AB's have possession back with McCaw stealing before So'oialo gallops on.
They should be in and are as the recycled ball finds the substitute who strolls over!
WEEPU TRY CONVERTED BY CARTER! 17-21!

NZ 21

AUST 17

at 63M

[magpie in the 80's]

More field position for NZ and a bit more controversy as Afoa takes the quick lineout to race within two metres.
But Kaplan had his back to it and calls them back..the whole of Aus breathes a sigh of relief.

[magpie in the 80's]

Not for long though as the Wallabies seem to have fallen into pieces as the AB's throw everything at a disjointed defence!
And Carter duly bounces off Cross to dive over under the poles..is that the game in Brisbane?
CARTER CONVERTED TRY! 17-28!......21 unanswered points to the Kiwis


NZ 28

AUST 17

at 69m

Is that the Bledisoe and Tri - Nations cups i see off to the land of the long white cloud

[magpie in the 80's]

More woe for Australia now as Cordingley sends a rangy one straight out which leads to NZ scrum ball 40 out.
How quickly the game has turned?! Although there is still a decent amount of time remaining as Deans calls on the remainder of his bench...the dice have been thrown!

[magpie in the 80's]

Brown has been impressive on his first start as he charges away from his own 22.
Free-kick Australia as they enter NZ territory very easily - will we have a grandstand finish?
It's not looking like it as their big chance goes a begging!
Giteau tried his best with Cross to break the black wall, but the spill eventually came from lock Sharpe.