All Blacks defeat Australia may be in Tri Nations rugby opener

The All Blacks have defeated Australia 32 points to 12 in the opening match of the rugby union 2006 Tri Nations at Jade Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. This victory cements them as favorites to take out the Tri Nations this year- a contest which has adopted an expanded seven round format this year. The All Blacks entered the match as firm favorites despite the Wallabies strong start to the season- winning seven from seven under new coach John Connolly.

The All Blacks preformed a spirited rendition of their much talked of Kapa O Pango haka before the match, but it was Australia who opened up the scoring in the match, when Chris Lathem regathered the ball off a chip kick and handed it to Mat Rogers who sprinted down the left sidelined and passed to Lote Tuqiri who scored the try. Stirling Mortlock converted the try to take Australia out by seven points. Australia's Rocky Elsom was sent to the sin bin in the 27th minute. Down one man Australia were unable to hold out the All Blacks after a messy line out. Keven Mealamu pounced on loose ball to score the All Blacks' first try. Daniel Carter, after missing one earlier penalty goals, successfully converted the try. Seven minutes from half-time, Mealamu barged over to score his second try of the match with Carter again converting. The All Blacks entered the half-time break leading the Wallabies 14 points to seven.

The All Blacks extended their lead over Australia seven minutes in to the second half, with Carter kicking a successful penalty objective, to take the score to 17 points to seven. The television-match-official then awarded New Zealand another try after Richie McCaw grounded the ball through the legs of Stephen Larkem. Carter converted to take New Zealand's lead to 24 to seven with 30 minutes left on the clock. Scott Fava came on for Australia in the 50th minute, and soon scored a try for Australia. Mortlock missed the conversion, and the score was at 24 to 12 in favour of the All Blacks. Carter added another penalty objective for the All Blacks in the 55th minute to take the score to 27 points to 12. A re-gathered charge down of an Australian kick saw Carter pass to Isaia Toeavo who ran down the field to score a late try. Carter's conversion hit the upright and bounced out leaving the final score at 32 to 12 to the All Blacks. Australia face South Africa at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane next week.

2010 Investec Tri Nations Cup Live

Please note: Game dates/times are stated in NZ times – not local time.

Date	Game	Venue	Time(NZ)	Result
10 Jul	All Blacks v South Africa	Auckland	7:35 pm	32-12
17 Jul	All Blacks v South Africa	Wellington	7:35 pm	31-17
24 Jul	Australia v South Africa	Brisbane	10:00 pm	0-0
31 Jul	Australia v All Blacks	Melbourne	10:00 pm	0-0
07 Aug	All Blacks v Australia	Christchurch	7:35 pm	0-0
22 Aug	South Africa v All Blacks	Johannesburg	3:00 am	0-0
28 Aug	South Africa v Australia	Pretoria	3:00 am	0-0
04 Sep	South Africa v Australia	Bloemfontein	3:00 am	0-0
11 Sep	Australia v All Blacks	Sydney	10:00 pm	0-0