New Zealand 32 Australia 12: Hooker Keven Melamu scored twice and Dan Carter added 12 points with the boot to guide New Zealand to an emphatic victory over Australia in the opening Tri-Nations match this morning.
Captain Richie McCaw and replacement winger Isaia Toeava also scored tries as the All Blacks displayed some breathtaking running and switching of direction that created a host of scoring opportunities.
Australia winger Lote Tuqiri and replacement loose forward Scott Fava scored tries, while centre Stirling Mortlock added the conversion.
Australia, who went into the match with high hopes after their encouraging win over Ireland a fortnight ago, opened the scoring when Chris Latham chipped ahead and regathered in space, fed to Mat Rogers who looked like he might make the line but passed inside to Tuqiri. Mortlock's conversion gave the Wallabies a 7-0 lead.
But momentum swung the All Blacks' way when Rocky Elsom was yellow carded in the 27th minute for the Wallabies for his third successive infringement at the ruck.
Mealamu scored his first try of the day when he pounced on a loose throw in from Australia hooker Tai McIsaac, then burst through a ruck after another period of sustained pressure to score his second.
Carter's conversion with four minutes remaining in the half sent the home side into the break with a 14-7 lead.
Carter extended the lead to 17-7 with his first successful penalty just after the break before the All Blacks swept downfield again straight from the kickoff.
Mauger ghosted through and provided a deft kick ahead that was fielded by Stephen Larkham on his line. The flyhalf lost control under pressure and McCaw was awarded the try by the television match official.
Australia struck back when Fava was the last man to smash his way through the All Blacks line, though Mortlock missed the conversion to leave it 24-12.
Carter's second penalty made it 27-12 after George Smith was penalised at the breakdown, before Toeava scored a 76th minute try to give the All Blacks an important bonus point.
