Australia...23 New Zealand...18: The All Blacks, whose hold on the Tri-Nations trophy has become unsteady after losing to Australia in Sydney, yesterday travelled to South Africa despite a security threat.
Following the Test defeat on Saturday, the All Black players held a meeting until 3 o'clock yesterday after reports that the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade had information that an al-Qaeda-linked group had targeted specific sites in South Africa, including Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
It is believed the terrorist group had targeted sites in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria, with Ellis Park the only sporting venue.
New Zealand are scheduled to play South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday, a week before Australia meet the Springboks in Durban for the final round of the Tri-Nations. These two matches will determine the Tri-Nations victor, with all three countries in a position to win the trophy. After a three-hour meeting, the All Blacks voted to leave for Johannesburg.
New Zealand's coach Graham Henry said the team had been informed the Ellis Park threat was a "low security risk".
"It was (rated) one out of 10, and we've got that advice from the New Zealand government," Henry said. "However, if the situation deteriorates we can make a decision to abort."
The Australian team will also consult with government authorities before deciding whether to travel to Durban next weekend.
New Zealand players and officials said the terrorist threat, which they were first informed of last Thursday, did not affect their preparation for the Sydney Test, or their performance on the night. Instead, the All Blacks said they were the victims of more committed and organised rivals.
As in the first Bledisloe Cup match in Wellington last month, New Zealand at times totally dominated possession, but were unable to secure the try required to get ahead of Australia, who became only the third Wallaby side in 13 years to keep the All Blacks try-less.
South Africa succumbed to the same All Black pressure in Christchurch last month, but the Wallabies showed greater resolve. As importantly, the words of at least one All Black team official were proved right on the night.
Before the Test, New Zealand's assistant coach Steve Hansen said the Wallaby flanker George Smith was such a talented, resourceful player, he would be a star in any position.
The former Wales coach said whatever impact Australia lost at the lineout, through having only two jumpers, would be more than compensated for by Smith's prominence at the breakdown.
Hansen was correct, with Smith winning the official man-of-the-match award. Several of Smith's tackles ended dangerous All Black charges, and his presence was a constant bother for the visitors.
One player not making the trip to South Africa is the All Blacks captain Tana Umaga who has returned home to Wellington to be with his wife Rochelle who is due to give birth to their third child. Aaron Mauger and Rico Gear have been called in as cover while wing Doug Howlett has suffered nerve damage in his right shoulder. Daniel Carter suffered an ankle injury on Saturday and his replacement Sam Tuitupou then broke a rib.
AUSTRALIA: Latham; Rathbone (Sailor, 73), Mortlock (Burke, 62), Giteau, Tuqiri; Larkham, Gregan (capt); Young (Dunning, 74), Cannon (Paul, 57), Baxter, Harrison, Sharpe (Vickerman, 70), Smith, Waugh, Lyons (Roe, 70). Try: Tuqiri. Penalties: Burke 2, Giteau 4.
NEW ZEALAND: Muliaina; Howlett, Umaga (capt), Carter (Tuitupou, h-t), Rokocoko; Spencer (Mehrtens, 60), Marshall; Meeuws (Somerville, 71), Mealamu, Hayman, Jack, Williams, Holah, Gibbes, Rush (Mose Tuiali'i, 71). Penalties: Carter 4, Spencer, Mehrtens.
Referee: J Kaplan (South Africa).
