New Zealand ended the Tri-Nations unbeaten after coming from behind to beat Australia by 23-22, in another ominous result exactly a year before the Rugby World Cup begins.

It looked as though the Wallabies had done enough, but when the All Blacks started coming back with 15 minutes to go, the Australians tired and their busy schedule over the last few weeks started to tell.

Nevertheless, the All Blacks certainly didn’t look like the all-conquering, unbeatable, mystical side that they’ve been billed as over the summer, and without Dan Carter, they looked short of ideas and direction.

Richie McCaw was also outplayed by David Pocock opposite him, and frankly, Australia probably deserved the victory.

The Rugby World Cup begins a year today. Australia and New Zealand will be the teams to beat on this evidence, although a lot can happen in a year.