Tri-Nations/New Zealand 26 Australia 12:The All Blacks' captain, Richie McCaw, said Saturday's win at Eden Park, Auckland, in the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup decider against Australia was an important one in the context of the upcoming World Cup.

In a game of attrition dominated by defence and kicking for position on a greasy surface, the World Cup favourites answered their critics after their surprise loss to the Wallabies in Melbourne three weeks ago.

"It's been a little bit patchy but putting a couple of cups in the cabinet is pretty satisfying," said McCaw.

The All Black outhalf Dan Carter dominated the scoring, taking advantage of Australian indiscipline and a mountain of possession to kick seven penalties from seven attempts.

New Zealand played for position from the start as sheets of rain swept across the ground and thunder drowned out the opening fireworks.

The All Blacks led 12-9 at halftime thanks to four Carter penalties. The Wallaby kicker, Stirling Mortlock, was just as accurate, slotting one from 48 metres out.

The decisive moment was midway through the second half when the All Blacks' replacement scrumhalf, Brendon Leonard, intercepted a pass from a messy Wallaby scrum and scooted close to the tryline. Several forward drives and scrums then led to prop Tony Woodcock crashing over in the corner.

NEW ZEALAND: Muliaina; Howlett, Toeava, McAlister, Rokocoko; Carter, Kelleher; Woodcock, Oliver, Hayman; Robinson, Jack; Collins, McCaw, So'oialo. Replacements: Mealamu, Tialata, Thorne, Leonard, Mauger, Evans, Masoe.

AUSTRALIA: Ashley-Cooper; Gerrard, Mortlock, Giteau, Mitchell; Larkham, Gregan; Dunning, Moore, Shepherdson; Sharpe, Vickerman; Elsom, Smith, Hoiles. Replacements: Freier, Baxter, McMeniman, Waugh, Staniforth, Latham, Chisholm.

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales).