New Zealand scored two tries in the last 15 minutes to defeat Australia 23-22 in Sydney last night and sweep the Tri-Nations rugby championship with a record 10th consecutive victory over the Wallabies.
Australia took a 22-9 lead into the last quarter but unrelenting pressure from the All Blacks resulted in Richie McCaw scampering over the line in the 66th minute.
McCaw was playing in his 52nd test as All Blacks skipper to surpass previous record holder Sean Fitzpatrick.
Number eight Kieran Read barged over the line minutes later and halfback Piri Weepu, laser-accurate all night, converted to put the All Blacks a point up with six minutes left and stun the greater part of the 70,000 plus fans at the Olympic Stadium.
The All Blacks defended stoutly in the final minutes to seal their sixth Tri-Nations victory this year and emerge as the first undefeated team since the southern hemisphere tournament expanded by two matches for each side in 2006.
