Winger Brett Morris scored a try double as Australia held off a late New Zealand charge to win the ANZAC rugby league Test 12-8 at Melbourne's new football stadium last night.
Morris took his tally to eight tries in just five Tests, as the Kangaroos were outscored in the second half by the determined Kiwis in wet conditions.
The Kiwis stormed back from 12-0 down with two tries in the final 12 minutes but paid for Issac Luke's two missed conversion attempts.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
When Junior Sa'u powered his way over with just two minutes remaining the Kiwis had just one more play to snatch a dramatic win.
World Cup champions New Zealand have now lost their nine early-season Tests against the Kangaroos since their last win in the series 22-16 in Auckland in 1998.
The Kiwis opened confidently with their forwards keenly tackling their Australian counterparts in the first-ever game at the 270 million dollar (243 million US) stadium.
Australian hooker Cameron Smith was replaced injured late in the opening half after appearing to over-extend his arm in a tackle on Melbourne Storm teammate Adam Blair.
Jamie Lyon kicked the first points with a penalty goal in the 32nd minute in driving rain.
Australian skipper Darren Lockyer set up the opening try nearing half-time when he kicked for the corner and Morris raced through to touch down for a 6-0 half-time lead.
Backrower Sam Thaiday held off three defenders pushing him over the sideline to hurl the ball back over his head for Morris to brilliantly scoop it up and make it a 12-0 lead after 48 minutes.
New Zealand refused to give up and a Lance Hohaia cut-out pass found winger Jason Nightingale out wide to kick-start their late burst with 12 minutes left.
The Kiwis suddenly found life as they charged home but Sa'u's storming run proved to be too little too late as the visitors ran out of time.
