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Nonu try sinks France as All Blacks even series

Source: Agencies | June 21, 2009, Sunday | Print Edition

NEW Zealand produced a vastly improved performance from its first test loss to beat France 14-10 in atrocious conditions at Westpac Stadium in Wellington yesterday.

Ma'a Nonu scored a try as the All Blacks won the second test to level the series, but France secured the Dave Gallaher Cup for the first time since it was introduced in 2000 by virtue of its five-point (27-22) win in Dunedin last week.

The visitors had been looking to become the first French side since 1994 to win a series against the All Blacks in New Zealand.

"It's the first time France has won the trophy," France captain Thierry Dusautoir told reporters.

"I think it takes a lot of pride having won the trophy. It's a very young team and they can be very proud of what they achieved."

Flyhalf Stephen Donald (two) and Luke McAlister slotted penalties for the All Blacks.

Cedric Heymans scored a brilliant individual try down the left wing, beating four defenders after getting the ball in open space from 40 meters out for France.

Julien Dupuy added the conversion while Dimitri Yachvili slotted a penalty for the visitors.

In Melbourne, Adam Ashley-Cooper came off the bench to score a try in both halves as Australia cruised to an easy 34-12 win over Italy in their second and final test yesterday for a two-nil series victory.

In a match played out with key players rested on both sides, Italy opened the scoring with a penalty goal from Australian-born fullback Luke McLean after the third minute, but had little time to enjoy the lead.

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau crossed the line in the right corner for the Wallabies' first try after the 11th minute, before a try from outside center Ryan Cross and the first of Ashley-Cooper's two a minute before halftime.

Italy's defense improved in the second half and held Australia scoreless for 30 minutes, before tries to Lachlan Turner and Ashley-Cooper put the result beyond doubt.
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