Rugby: All Blacks crush undermanned Wallabies

The All Blacks moved a step closer to regaining the Tri-Nations rugby crown as their ruthless efficiency extended the Wallabies Bledisloe Cup heartache to near record-setting levels with a crushing 49-28 victory at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne tonight.

Both trophies can practically be secured in Christchurch next weekend in what promises to be an awkward homecoming for Wallabies coach Robbie Deans after his side was skewered by the rampant All Blacks who coasted after Wallabies wing Drew Mitchell five minutes after halftime for his second yellow card offence.

The All Blacks had already banked their four-try bonus point - to maintain a perfect 15-point start to the tournament - when Mitchell was serving his first suspension, a shoulder charge on All Blacks captain Richie McCaw detected by South African assistant referee Cobus Wessels.

Referee Craig Joubert then issued a second yellow to the Wallabies first try scorer when he batted the ball away to prevent the All Blacks taking a quick tap -- an offence the South African said would be dealt via yellow card when he admonished McCaw and rival skipper Rocky Elsom in the 34th minute.

Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko - who celebrated becoming the All Blacks most capped wing by breaking a five-test try drought - and replacement hooker Corey Flynn all scored after Mitchell's test ended prematurely though the Wallabies at least denied the All Black eclipsing the record 50-point haul they piled on in Sydney in 2003.

Flynn crossed in the final minute - the final example of the All Blacks profitable expansive approach -- but Dan Carter was unable to add the sideline conversion.

Adam Ashley-Cooper and Elsom nailed face-saving tries after Mitchell's demise - the first five-pointers the Wallabies have recorded against the All Blacks in five tests.

That was the only consolation for Australia - and should the All Blacks replicate the relentless form showcased in three maximum point victories in Auckland, Wellington against the world champion Springboks -- and now Melbourne -- Deans faces the prospect of presiding over the Wallabies equal worst losing streak in the history of trans-Tasman rugby.

A combination of All Blacks panache, poise and physicality combined to condemn Australia to an eighth successive Bledisloe Cup defeat before a crowd of 51,000.

It is their worst losing streak in 63 years - the Wallabies now risk emulating the record nine-match losing sequence built between 1936 and 1947.

The All Blacks also lost a man to the sinbin - for the first time in the tournament -- when tighthead prop Owen Franks was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on Wallabies No 8 Richard Brown and New Zealand's response typified the gulf in quality between the sides.

Three minutes after Franks appeared unlucky to be sidelined for a no arms tackle the inspirational McCaw steamed 20-metres down the sideline, beating three defenders to underscore their unforgiving approach.

Carter deliberately aimed a deep kick to Ashley-Cooper moments after the fullback was concussed when attempting to slow a rampaging Rokocoko in the 22nd minute.

A fuzzy-headed Ashley-Cooper surrendered possession to give McCaw clear air down the right hand touchline before he held Brown, Mitchell and Dean Mumm at bay.

Cory Jane was the other first half beneficiary from the All Blacks merciless ability to prey on a vulnerable opponent when he effected the bonus point try down the absent Mitchell's left flank three minutes before the break to give the All Blacks an insurmountable 32-14 advantage.

Jane, who set up the first of Muliaina's brace with a superb off balance infield kick as he was bundled into touch, squeezed over through ineffectual tackles by Brown and an unusually subdued Will Genia.

Mitchell's night had started promisingly when he charged down a ponderous Carter's clearance in the eighth minute, juggled the ball and dived over out wide after eluding Rokocoko and Carter.

The All Blacks pivot atoned for his mistake from the restart when a Berrick Barnes clearing kick defected off Carter's chest before he collected the bouncing ball and fell over the line.

Meanwhile, although its reputation was torn to shreds in the build-up, Etihad Stadium's much maligned surface held up to closer scrutiny although one second half scrum produced serious gouging.

Australia 28 (Drew Mitchell , Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rocky Elsom tries; Matt Giteau 2 con, 3 pen)

New Zealand 49 (Dan Carter, Mils Muliaina 2, Richie McCaw, Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Corey Flynn tries; Carter 4 con, 2 pen). HT: 32-14