Tri-Nations / maxliu / 26 July 2008 / Leave a comment

A great spectacle ended in an unfancied triumph for the Wallabies but New Zealand will be hungry for revenge next week.

The forwards made the difference for Australia as they ran in four tries to triumph over New Zealand in a superb Tri-Nations clash full of guttsy, attacking rugby.

Before the game, New Zealand were favourites to win the match at [1.66], having been backed at a low [1.35] and a high of [1.79]. Australia were [2.62] to win the match and had traded at a low of [2.16] and a high of [3.0].

This was a stunning victory for the Wallabies who started well, taking the lead inside ten minutes when Ryan Cross ran in the first try. Matt Giteau, who kicked five out of five, had already scored a penalty and he sent the conversion over to give the Wallabies a 10-0 lead.

Later in the half Peter Hynes scored his second test try and, with the scores at 17-5 to Australia, they went to [1.4] to win with the All Blacks out to [3.8].

But New Zealand hit back after the break, taking a 19-12 lead which put them at a low of [1.36] while Australia went out to [3.5].

But the crucial breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Wallabies flanker Rocky Elsom's score was converted as the Aussies posted a 24-19 lead. Giteau added a drop-goal before second row James Horwill powered over to seal a home win.

At the final whistle Australia won by 34 - 19.

An Australia win by more than 12.5pts was matched at a high of [11.0] on Betfair and £839,792 was matched on the game.

New Zealand, however, won't have to wait long for an opportunity to get their revenge as the two sides meet next Saturday in Auckland.

They are currently [2.72] to win the tournament with Australia [2.56] to make it a first Tri-Nations triumph in seven years. World Champions South Africa are favourites at [2.02].

Tags: Australia, Dan Carter, Giteau, Horwill, Hynes, New Zealand, Rugby Union Betting, Ryan Cross, South Africa, Tri-Nations Betting