New Zealand 41

Australia 13

RICHIE MCCAW BROKE Brian O’Driscoll’s Test appearance record this morning in typical fashion: featuring in a stunning All Blacks win.

New Zealand finished their World Cup preparations with a 41-13 rout of Australia to once again retain the Bledisloe Cup.

After last week’s 27-19 loss in Sydney which awarded the Rugby Championship to Australia, the All Blacks were in no mood to be beaten again and they made sure their 29-year winning streak over their neighbours at Eden Park was protected.

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Quade Cooper – controversially included in place of Bernard Foley at fly-half – kicked Australia into an early lead, but the visitors were soon reeled in by Carter as he surpassed 700 points on home turf.

And Carter played a central role as Steve Hansen’s men scored the opening try of the match, making the initial burst before hooker Dane Coles ran half the length of the pitch to touch down.

New Zealand ended what was, at times, a fiery first half with a 13-6 advantage following a further penalty apiece, and Carter dragged a drop-goal attempt wide with the last action before the break.

The All Blacks cranked through the gears during a dominant second-half display and received some help from Cooper in opening the floodgates.

The visiting number 10′s high tackle on Aaron Smith prompted referee Nigel Owens to award New Zealand a penalty try, with Cooper sent to the sin bin for his troubles.

That score came seven minutes into the half and Nonu soon added his name to the scoresheet as the home side exploited the extra man to go 27-6 in front.

And New Zealand had stretched their lead by another seven points by the time Cooper’s punishment was up – Conrad Smith going over after more good work from Nonu, who then collected a neat inside pass from Carter to claim his second of the match amid some weak Australian defending shortly after the hour mark.

Fortunately for Australia, that try – and Carter’s conversion – signalled the end of New Zealand’s second-half romp, and Israel Folau went over for a late consolation four minutes from time.

Scorers

New Zealand – Tries: Dane Coles, Penalty try, Ma’a Nonu (2), Conrad Smith. Conversions: Dan Carter (5). Penalties: Carter (2)

Australia – Try: Israel Folau. Conversion: Nic White. Penalties: Quade Cooper (2)

Teams (15-1)

New Zealand: Ben Smith; Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Victor Vito; Samuel Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Nepo Laulala, Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Colin Slade, Malakai Fekitoa.

Australia: Israel Folau; Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Adam Ashley-Cooper; Quade Cooper, Nic White; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy; James Horwill, Will Skelton; Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore (capt), Scott Sio.

Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Dean Mumm, Kane Douglas, David Pocock, Matt Giteau, Kurtley Beale.

Referee: Nigel Owens (WAL)