New Zealand rallied to defeat Australia 28-24 in the Tri-Nations rugby decider to clinch its fourth straight southern hemisphere championship.

Mils Muliana, Tony Woodcock, Piri Weepu and Dan Carter touched down as the top-ranked All Blacks outscored the Wallabies by four tries to three at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. Carter also kicked four conversions for New Zealand, which trailed by three points at the break and 17-7 early in the second half.

"In the first half we didn't really get going," New Zealand captain Richie McCaw said in an interview with Sky Sports. "The coach gave us a bit of a rip up at halftime, which we deserved because we really didn't get into the game."

New Zealand's fourth win of the series left it atop the standings with 19 points, five more than Australia, with 2007 world champion South Africa in last place on 10 points. The All Blacks have now won nine of the 13 Tri-Nations titles since the annual competition began in 1996.

Both teams entered today's match with a chance of taking the trophy after winning three of their first five games, though Australia was coming off the back of its worst Test loss, a 53-8 defeat in South Africa on Aug. 30. Australia won the Tri-Nations most recently in 2001.

New Zealand took the lead on Muliaina's first-half try, which Carter converted, before Matt Giteau's penalty drew the Wallabies within 7-3. Adam Ashley-Cooper then touched down in the final minute of the half to give Australia a 10-7 halftime lead.

Five Minutes

The Wallabies needed just five minutes after the break to increase their lead to 17-7 as James Horwill touched down and Giteau converted. New Zealand then responded with 21 consecutive points to take control of the match.

Woodcock scored a try in the 50th minute, followed by Weepu touching down in the 64th and Carter three minutes later. Carter added all three conversions.

Ryan Cross's try with three minutes left pulled Australia within four points, but New Zealand held on and time expired.

New Zealand's victory also ensured it retains the Bledisloe Cup for the sixth year in a row after taking an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the four-match series against Australia.

The 3-foot high trophy, the major symbol of sporting rivalry between the neighbors, is being contested over four Tests this year, culminating in Hong Kong on Nov. 1. The holder keeps the silverware in the event of a tied series.