All Blacks retain Tri-Nations title

New Zealand overpowered Australia 26-12 to retain the Tri-Nations title and Bledisloe Cup at a rain-swept Eden Park in Auckland.

In a winner-take-all encounter in Auckland, two evenly-matched sides managed just one try between them and, crucially, that went the way of the All Blacks as Tony Woodcock crossed in the 60th minute.

Dan Carter kicked seven goals, while Australia replied with three Stirling Mortlock goals and a Matt Giteau drop-goal.

Carter handed the All Blacks the lead with a penalty from in front of the posts, but Mortlock levelled with a long-range effort midway through the first half.

A remarkable, if ugly drop-goal from distance by Giteau put the visitors ahead for the first time but Carter levelled almost immediately with another penalty, and the Kiwi fly-half and Mortlock exchanged kicks as Graham Henry's men edged a tight opening period 12-9.

Carter made it five from five soon after the interval, Mortlock hit back again and Carter then extended his side's lead back to six points.

After sustained All Blacks pressure, prop Woodcock bundled his way over in the corner to put the hosts in control, but Carter missed the chance to convert.

The deadly number 10 still had time to land another penalty late on.