All Blacks score seven tries in record victory over Wallabies

11.25pm - By DANIEL GILHOOLY


NEW ZEALAND 50 AUSTRALIA 21

SYDNEY - The All Blacks' blistering pace was on show to full effect again as they thumped Australia 50-21 in Sydney tonight to all-but secure the Tri-Nations rugby crown.

A superb display of finishing silenced a giant crowd of 82,000 at Telstra Stadium and set New Zealand up to regain the Bledisloe Cup if they can repeat the result against the Wallabies in the return test at Auckland next month.

The forward battle in a fast-paced game was relatively even but the All Blacks backs showed more willingness to attack and their finishing was as clinical as in last week's 52-16 rout of South Africa in Pretoria.

It was the most points New Zealand have scored against Australia and the Wallabies' heaviest defeat on home soil.

The All Blacks wingers continued their fine form. Joe Rokocoko crossed for three tries, giving him 10 in four tests, while Doug Howlett snared one.

Two bonus-point wins from two tests all-but ensures the New Zealanders will defend the Tri-Nations title, with two home tests remaining.

It is just the second time since 1989 that the Wallabies have lost three consecutive tests since 1989.

The result provided another setback to their World Cup plans while the All Blacks' seven-try effort -- all scored by backs -- will build their wave of confidence 11 weeks out from the tournament.

Despite struggling to win their own lineout ball for much of the test, possession was relatively even. The visitors' defence was far more efficient and their willingness to attack from deep created all sorts of problems, with fullback Mils Muliaina having an outstanding game.

The Wallabies opened the scoring with a whirlwind try of their own, sweeping 70m after flanker Phil Waugh turned over ruck ball. Centre Mat Rogers broke the line and the ball went through several pairs of hands before fullback Matt Burke crossed.

A Carlos Spencer penalty was followed by Rokocoko's first try after 20 minutes.

A rare All Blacks lineout steal and a nice interchange between Spencer and second five-eighth Aaron Mauger created space for the Fijian-born winger who swerved around opposite Sailor.

Minutes later Australian winger Wendell Sailor was sent to the sinbin for a cynical and illegal tackle on Mils Muliaina as the All Blacks fullback leapt to catch a high kick.

English referee Tony Spreadbury mysteriously decided not to sinbin Wallabies hooker Brendan Cannon soon afterwards when he performed a near-identical tackle on Muliaina.

While Sailor was off Burke kicked a penalty but the All Blacks crossed for two blistering tries in the space of two minutes.

The first went to Howlett, who took advantage of a clean break by Mauger.

From the kick-off the ball went through just one phase before Muliaina unloaded in the tackle to Rokocoko -- unmarked with Sailor still sidelined -- who scorched 45m to score.

Burke kicked another penalty but Spencer nailed one either side of halftime to extend the lead.

The result was all but sealed when the All Blacks secured their bonus point for a fourth try in the 50th minute. Centre Tana Umaga celebrated his 50th test with a try which lifted the score to 33-11.

Spencer left the game with what appeared a minor leg injury, with Mauger moving into first five-eighth and Daniel Carter on at second five-eighth.

Carter's first act was a head-high tackle for which he was penalised but he made amends in the 56th minute when his acceleration saw him dash 30m to score.

The Wallabies dominated possession through the final quarter of the game but the margin was always beyond them.

Sailor scored a fine individual try after busting off the back of a lineout but Rokocoko crossed for his third with 10 minutes later to quell any comeback hopes.

Australia's best back, Rogers, scored himself but Mauger capped a fine game with a try next to the posts.

- NZPA