New Zealand's All Blacks celebrate winning the Bledisloe Cup in Brisbane yesterday. The All Blacks defeated Australia 28-24 to clinch both the Bledisloe Cup and the Tri-Nations trophy. - AP

BRISBANE, Australia (AP):

DANIEL CARTER scored the match-sealing try and kicked four conversions yesterday to guide New Zealand to a 28-24 win over Australia and a fourth consecutive Tri-Nations title.

The All Blacks, who entered the series-deciding match a competition point ahead of Australia, trailed by 10 points with 30 minutes remaining before scoring three tries in 17 minutes to build an 11-point lead.

Replacement, scrumhalf Piri Weepu darted over in the 62nd minute, running on to a Sitiveni Sivivatu pass from the ground, to put New Zealand back in front after prop Tony Woodcock had scampered 20 metres down the touchline to score in the 50th to close the gap.

Carter converted both from the sideline as the All Blacks took a 21-17 lead.

Playing at inside centre after Stephen Donald came on at flyhalf to give him more space, Carter then bounced off Ryan Cross's tackle near the line to extend the margin to 28-17.

Cross dragged three tacklers over in the 77th minute in a powerful, solo burst and Matt Giteau converted to cut the margin to four points and set up a frantic last two minutes.

defence

The Australians attacked desperately and again made it into the New Zealand quarter but fittingly, it was New Zealand's defence that held firm.

"I'm elated with what the guys have done," New Zealand coach Graham Henry said. "It's probably the sweetest victory we've had."

It was New Zealand's ninth Tri-Nations title since the competition was launched in 1996 and sealed their sixth consecutive Bledisloe Cup series win over Australia.

Australia captain Stirling Mortlock, playing out of position at inside centre, said the New Zealanders made the most of their chances.

advantage

"They took advantage of their opportunities significantly better than we did. That was the difference," he said. "The majority of our tries we worked pretty hard for. Their tries, both that got them back into the lead, were quite soft, defensive lapses. That got their tails up."

Mortlock said it was a major improvement for Australia from a record 53-8 loss in South Africa two weeks ago and proved the Wallabies could be competitive at the top of the game.

"We ran ourselves ragged. The buildup this week was for a colossal match. We gave that for 80 minutes. Unfortunately we weren't on the positive side at the end."