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November 1, 2009

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Home » Sports » Rugby

All Blacks roll over Wallabies

Source: Agencies | November 1, 2009, Sunday | Print Edition

NEW Zealand overpowered Australia 32-19 in its Bledisloe Cup clash in Tokyo yesterday to record a seventh straight test win over its trans-Tasman rivals.

The All Blacks had thrashed Australia 33-6 in an explosive Tri-Nations signoff six weeks ago but were pushed harder by the Wallabies in front of a crowd of 44,000 in Tokyo.

"It's pleasing to be 4-0 against the Wallabies this year. It's not a personal thing -- it's a win-loss thing," New Zealand coach Graham Henry said. "And it's great to have momentum going into the European tour. It's always better when you travel 12 and half hours on a plane like tomorrow with a win under your belt."

After two early penalties from flyhalf Matt Giteau put Australia up 6-0, New Zealand winger Sitiveni Sivivatu scored the game's first try in the 21st minute after a superb flowing move.

Sivivatu was sin-binned in the 34th minute for wiping out Peter Hynes as he went for a high ball and his absence had swift consequences for the All Blacks. A wide-open Hynes dived in at the corner flag moments later and after lengthy review of the video replay the try was awarded.

Giteau converted to give the Wallabies a 16-13 halftime advantage they could have extended after being camped on the All Blacks goal line for the last five minutes of the first period.

Conrad Smith burst through after a clever hand-off from flyhalf Daniel Carter to restore New Zealand's lead six minutes into the second half of an open game.

Carter's left boot converted four more penalties to stretch the lead as the All Blacks wore down Australia in the second half of their fourth and final Bledisloe Cup test of the year.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw savored a whitewash of victories over Australia in 2009 before both teams fly to Europe to continue their northern hemisphere tour.

"It's something to be proud of," he said. "There was some rough and tumble at the end today and some desperation from the Wallabies. It showed what it means to both teams."

Australia coach Robbie Deans attempted to put a positive spin on his side's latest setback.

"It was a better effort in terms of intensity and physicality," he insisted, comparing his side's performance to its capitulation in Wellington.

"We threatened a lot more but we came up short with our finishing touch. We'll be better for this performance. It will be a launch pad," added Deans, whose team will tour Britain and Ireland.
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