The Wallabies proved they can win the World Cup in France despite losing to the All Blacks 26-12 on Saturday.
However claims by Wallaby coach John Connolly that the Welsh referee Nigel Owens cost Australia the match are poorly conceived.
The truth is the Wallaby pack – particularly the front row – struggled against a dominant All Black pack. And overall the New Zealanders were too strong, except in the lineout.
Both sides adapted well to the wet conditions at Eden Park in Auckland, where the Wallabies haven't won for 21 years. The win gives the All Blacks both the Tri Nations and the Bledisloe Cup, the trans-Tasman trophy.
One of the crucial match-ups in the game was between Wallaby flyhalf star Stephen Larkham and All Black Dan Carter. The young Carter won the duel, giving further weight to the claim that he is the best in the world.
His accurate, long-range punting was supported by an aggressive All Black kick-chase, which put enormous pressure on fill-in, Wallaby fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper and winger Drew Mitchell.
However, reserve fullback Chris Latham returned from serious injury as a second-half replacement, proving he will be fit for a crucial role in the World Cup.
Despite being outplayed, the Wallabies know that they beat the All Blacks in Melbourne just three weeks ago. And they know they went into the match missing several players due to injury or indiscretion.
Coach Connolly said the Test showed that the All Blacks have lost their "psychological edge" over Australia.
And, more significantly, the Wallabies were wobbly at the beginning of the season, continuing their poor form from the last few seasons. However, the coaches have transformed the side into one of the world's best since then, so who knows what will happen come September?
Finally, the Wallaby cause was undermined by Springbok coach Jake White, who left his 20 top players at home for the away-leg of the Tri Nations, resting them for the World Cup.
That contempt for the Tri Nations meant that the All Blacks had a much easier game against the B-grade Boks leading into the tournament decider against the Wallabies.
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