Civoniceva bursts through the New Zealand defence

"It was heartbreaking the way we got beaten last year," said the prop.

"This one is the best ever. They were two very competitive sides and it just came down to who wanted it the most.

"New Zealand fought their way back into the match to their great credit - but you can just never ever forget the Aussie spirit."

Interview: Australia captain Darren Lockyer

Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart felt his side should have sealed the win sooner but saluted the Kiwis for playing their part in an absorbing contest.

"There were probably four opportunities there where we could have scored tries and we blew them," he said.

"I've been there before where you're the dominant team and each time you blow an opportunity, the other team grows confidence.

It was pretty nerve-wracking at the end there but you've got to try to keep your head Ricky Stuart Australia coach

"I could really see the New Zealand boys growing energy out of it and we were keeping them in the game. So for them to hang in there turned it into a classic game.

"It was pretty nerve-wracking at the end there but you've got to try to keep your head.

"It was very difficult because you know the players are under fatigue, and that there's a lot of emotion flowing.

"But the way that the boys grouped, and the way their team spirit was building and building and building right throughout the series, really helps in regards to winning tight games like that.