NEW ZEALAND overpowered Australia to retain the Tri-Nations title and Bledisloe Cup at a rain-swept Eden Park in Auckland yesterday. With two titles on the line in trying conditions, the All Blacks put to bed any fears of an upset with an emphatic second-half performance.

The All Blacks were better suited to the slippery conditions and took an early lead thanks to some accurate kicking by playmaker Dan Carter.

But in a competitive opening 40 minutes, the Wallabies made equally good use of their chances to trail just 12-9 at half-time.

After the break, penalty goals continued to be the only source of points for both sides until two personnel changes by New Zealand boss Graham Henry gave his side the impetus in attack. With reserve scrum-half Brendon Leonard and hooker Keven Mealamu sent into the fray, the All Blacks scored the match's only try in the 58th minute.

In the game's first sustained attacking passage of play, Leonard latched onto an interception and charged to within metres of the line.

In the subsequent action it was Leonard again who darted for the line, and although he was cut short, prop Tony Woodcock made sure of the points as he grounded the ball to give the hosts a 23-12 lead.

The Wallabies continued to press the All Blacks in the closing moments but points proved hard to come by and another Carter penalty put the result beyond doubt.

NEW ZEALAND Muliaina; Howlett, Toeava, McAlister, Rokocoko; Carter, Kelleher, Woodcock, Oliver, Hayman, Robinson, Jack, Collins, McCaw, So'oialo Subs Mealamu, Tialata, Thorne, Masoe, Leonard, Mauger, Evans Scorers Woodlock try; Carter 7 pens AUSTRALIA Ashley-Cooper; Mitchell, Mortlock, Giteau, Gerrard; Larkham, Gregan; Dunning, Moore, Shepherdson, Sharpe, Vickerman, Elsom, Smith, Hoiles Subs Freier, Baxter, McMeniman, Chisholm, Waugh, Staniforth, Latham Scorers Mortlock 3 pens, Giteau drp gl