New Zealand edge Australia 13-9

A brilliant solo try by Joe Rokocoko coupled with a superb defensive effort guided New Zealand to a 13-9 win over Australia in the Tri-Nations in Brisbane yesterday.

Rokocoko beat two tacklers in a blistering run to the line to score the only try of the match early in the first half before the ever-reliable boot of Daniel Carter kept the All Blacks in front.

Carter converted Rokocoko's try from out wide, then added a penalty and a drop goal to enable New Zealand to extend their lead in the Tri-Nations and retain the Bledisloe Cup.

Australia's points came from three Stirling Mortlock penalties as the Wallabies failed to score a try in a test for the first time since their 18-9 loss to Ireland in Dublin in November 2002.

New Zealand's win was their third in as many matches of this year's Tri-Nations and lifted them to 13 points in the standings with Australia on six and South Africa yet to register a point after two defeats.

Australia host the Springboks in Sydney next weekend.