Lock Chris Jack and centre Luke McAlister scored late tries to give New Zealand a 34-27 victory over Australia yesterday, sealing the All Blacks' seventh Tri-Nations title.

The win ensured the All Blacks head to South Africa for their final two matches with an unassailable six-point lead. Australia have 11 points with one match remaining while South Africa prop up the table with one point.

"We are pleased to have wrapped up the Tri-Nations after four games out of six," said All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

"The boys played exceptional football in the second half after being nine points down and they showed heart and character."

After Stirling Mortlock and Daniel Carter traded two penalties apiece, Lote Tuqiri grabbed the first of his two tries with an interception and Mortlock's conversion gave the Wallabies a 13-6 lead.

Both sides seemed content to spin the ball at every opportunity, though the All Blacks had problems at the breakdown, where the Australians were more combative.

The All Blacks, down 20-11 at the break, dominated the second half with Carter slotting two penalties before Jack finished off a sweeping move to give his team the lead for the first time with 17 minutes remaining.

The All Blacks were able to cement the win when Phil Waugh was sinbinned for an early tackle and Carter slotted his fifth penalty.

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