Matthew Burke capped a typical late surge from Australia by kicking a penalty in the last second of the game to stun New Zealand in the Tri-Nations clash in Sydney.

The All Blacks, who had dominated for much of the second half, looked devastated as they left the field - knowing they had thrown away the chance of winning the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 1997.

New Zealand beat Australia 12-6 in Christchurch earlier in the competiton.

Three Andrew Mehrtens penalties and a Richard McCaw try had looked like being enough for New Zealand, but a late Mat Rogers try and Burke's penalty gave the world champions a stunning victory.

Australia led 8-3 at half-time, thanks to an early try from lock Nathan Sharpe as the All Blacks struggled to find any shape.

But Kiwi coach John Mitchell sent out a rejuvenated side after the break and Australia were immediately forced onto the back foot.

Despite a swirling wind, Mehrtens narrowed the gap to two points within five minutes and soon after New Zealand were in front.

Australia had a line-out yards from their line but the wayward throw to the back was gathered by flanker McCaw, who crashed over.

New Zealand went close again when winger Doug Howlett just failed to control Mehrtens' chip over the top into the in-goal area.

Another Mehrtens penalty gave the Kiwis a six-point lead on 61 minutes but from then on Australia gathered momentum for their final push.

Rogers cut the gap when he weaved over after a prolonged spell of Australian possession on New Zealand's line.

And an All Black hand in the ruck with seconds left squandered all the good defensive work as Burke stepped up to snatch the win.

Australia and New Zealand share 10 points at the top of the Tri-Nations table with two wins each as South Africa prop up the standings.

New Zealand meet South Africa in Durban on 10 August, while Australia play the Springboks in their last match in Johannesburg on 17 August.

Australia: Chris Latham (Mat Rogers 62), Ben Tune, Matthew Burke, Daniel Herbert, Stirling Mortlock, Stephen Larkham (Elton Flatley 57-61, blood bin), George Gregan, Toutai Kefu, George Smith, Owen Finegan (David Lyons 59), Justin Harrison, Nathan Sharpe (Matt Cockbain 63), Patricio Noriega (Ben Darwin 63), Jeremy Paul, Bill Young.
Reserves not used: Brendan Cannon, Chris Whitaker, David Croft.

New Zealand: Christian Cullen, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Andrew Mehrtens (Leon McDonald 78), Justin Marshall, Scott Robertson, Richard McCaw (Marty Holah 52-57, blood bin), Reuben Thorne, Simon Maling, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville (Joe McDonnell 74), Tom Willis, Dave Hewett.
Reserves not used: Andrew Hore, Sam Broomhall, Byron Kelleher, Daryl Gibson.

Referee: Andre Watson (South Africa)