Australia say they are confident of turning the tables on New Zealand at this year's World Cup despite going down 26-12 to the All Blacks in Saturday's Tri-Nations decider at Auckland.

The Australians kept in touch with the All Blacks for most of the match until prop Tony Woodcock sealed the home team's victory when he scored the only try of the game, midway through the second half.

The result reinforced New Zealand's position as favourites to win the World Cup, but Australia coach John Connolly said the Wallabies were quietly confident of beating them next time.

"We showed enough to keep impressing on the All Blacks that we are so close to getting on top of them," Connolly told reporters.

"If we meet the All Blacks at the World Cup, we definitely will not be intimidated by them."

Australia stunned New Zealand in the semi-finals of the 2003 World Cup when Stirling Mortlock scored a length of the field intercept try.

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