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Rugby Union

Australia heap misery on All Blacks

26/07/2008

Australia produced a wonderful performance to defeat New Zealand 34-19 in Sydney, extending Robbie Deans' unbeaten start as Wallabies coach.

Deans' side were on top throughout a pulsating first-half with Ryan Cross scoring on his full debut, and Peter Hynes also crossing the line to give the home side the advantage.

The All Blacks fought back with scores from Mils Muliaina and Andrew Hore as the Wallabies went into half-time with a 17-12 advantage.

Four minutes into the second and New Zealand took the lead when scrum-half Andy Ellis crossed for a try which was converted by Dan Carter.

Australia fought back with a Rocky Elsom try in the 55th minute, which was converted by Matt Giteau.

Giteau then landed a clever drop-goal to extend the home side's lead, and when James Horwill broke through a tired All Blacks defence late on, the game was as good as over.

Victory moved the Wallabies to the top of the Tri-Nations standings as they registered their fifth win in a row overall under New Zealander Deans.

The All Blacks have now lost two in a row and must get back to winning ways in the return fixture against Australia in Auckland next Saturday if they wish to remain in with a chance of picking up the Tri-Nations title.