All Blacks finish in style

New Zealand ended their Tri-Nations campaign in style thanks to a 33-6 victory against Australia in Wellington.

Having already relinquished the crown to South Africa, Saturday's result nevertheless ensured that the All Blacks avoided the wooden spoon.

However, it is the manner of their victory - scoring three tries without conceding - that will boost the morale of New Zealand's under-fire coaches.

The result also means that Australia have still not won on Kiwi soil since 2001, a run of nine matches.

After absorbing some early pressure, the home side took control to lead 16-6 by half-time.

Their line-out improved after looking shaky early on and although the scrums were scrappy throughout, the All Blacks' attempts to keep the ball in hand and play at pace reaped their reward.

Right wing Cory Jane was among the try-scorers and gave an outstanding performance, dealing with the high ball well and looking dangerous every time he got it in hand.

Isaia Toeava and number eight Kieran Read were also prominent in this regard, while Ma'a Nonu scored their second try having run hard at the Australian defence the whole match.

Joe Rokocoko then rounded off the evening with the final try on the stroke of full-time.

Struggle

In contrast, Wallabies full-back James O'Connor struggled, the teenager on the wrong end of a high tackle by Toeava, who earned a yellow card for the infringement.

The youngster also found himself isolated when trying to run himself out of trouble.

Australia in fact barely ventured into the All Blacks' 22 and when they did the swarming home defence did its job.

New Zealand had ball in hand from the off and should have taken an early lead - Daniel Carter uncharacteristically missing a simple penalty attempt.

It was left to the visitors to put the first points on the board as Matt Giteau kicked a penalty after seven minutes, Brad Thorn having been caught offside.

But the Wallabies fly-half was off-target with his second penalty attempt three minutes later and never got another chance in the match.

Carter quickly redeemed himself with two quick penalties to edge the All Blacks 6-3 ahead before more Australian indiscipline cost them another three points.

It was perhaps an inevitability given the pressure their defence was under but at this stage they stood firm as the New Zealanders pressed hard for the opening try.

With Toeava earning himself a 10 minute break for his offence against O'Connor, Berrick Barnes then reduced Australia's deficit with a drop goal.

Despite being a man down, however, the All Blacks crossed the line for the first time in the 31st minute.

A well judged kick by Mils Muliaina was claimed by Jane off O'Connor's shoulder and the winger stepped another tackle before diving over the line.

Carter kicked the extras to hand the All Blacks a 16-6 lead which they held to half-time.

The All Blacks number 10 kicked another penalty six minutes after the restart, with the home side stretching the Australian defence this way and that as they looked for a second try.

Breakout

A superb breakout started by Jane in his own 22 flowed up field but came to an unsuccessful end when Jimmy Cowan opted to kick ahead.

Jane and Toeava then combined well down the right flank only for Nonu to knock the ball on with the line begging.

Australia then made a rare foray into the All Blacks' 22 but their evening was summed up by the fact that they twice lost possession.

Instead, Nonu barged his way over at the other end with five minutes to go to put the game beyond doubt.

Then, in the dying moments, Rokocoko added the final flourish in the corner.