Australia Tri-Nations Champions

Australia………..(20) 25

New Zealand……(3) 20

Australia's Radike Samo charges to score

Australia beat New Zealand 25-20 in the 2011 Tri-Nations decider in Brisbane today to win their first crown in 10 years. The title is also Australia’s third overall and will be the last under the current format with the tournament to expand to a Four Nations from next year to include Argentina.

After a superb first half display the Wallabies looked to be cruising to victory at halftime as they held a 20-3 lead.

But the All Blacks staged a comeback, scoring 17 points in 19 minutes after the break, to level the scores with 21 minutes left on the clock. New Zealand scored tries through their centres Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith both of which were converted by Dan Carter. Carter also slotted over two penalties to level the scores at 20-20.

However soon after the All Blacks drew level a trademark break by super scrumhalf Will Genia eventually saw fullback Kurtley Beale touch down for the home side and guarantee a famous win over the top-ranked side in rugby.

Australia’s win ended a nine match Tri-Nations losing streak for the Wallabies against the All Blacks and comes just weeks before the Rugby World Cup.

Scoreboard

Australia

Tries: Will Genia, Radike Samo, Kurtley Beale

Conversions: Quade Cooper (2)

Penalties: Quade Cooper (2)

New Zealand

Tries: Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu

Conversions: Dan Carter (2)

Penalties: Dan Carter (2)

Teams

Wallabies

15. Kurtley Beale, 14. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13. Anthony Fainga’a, 12. Pat McCabe, 11. Digby Ioane, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Will Genia, 8. Radike Samo, 7. David Pocock, 6 .Rocky Elsom, 5. James Horwill, 4. Dan Vickerman, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Sekope Kepu

Replacements: 16. Saia Fainga’a, 17. Salesi Ma’afu, 18. Rob Simmons, 19. Ben McCalman, 20. Scott Higginbotham, 21. Luke Burgess, 22. Rob Horne

All Blacks

15. Mils Muliaina, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma’a Nonu, 11. Zac Guildford, 10. Daniel Carter, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw, 6. Adam Thomson, 5. Sam Whitelock, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16. Andrew Hore, 17. John Afoa, 18. Ali Williams, 19. Victor Vito, 20. Andy Ellis, 21. Colin Slade, 22. Isaia Toeava