New Zealand hold off brave Australia to regain Bledisloe Cup.

(From Agence France Presse)

New Zealand withstood a ferocious late rally to defeat Australia 21-17 and regain the Bledisloe Cup in a pulsating Tri-Nations championship match at a rainswept Eden Park here.

The All Blacks, who had already secured the Tri-Nations crown, made sure of finishing their season on a triumphant note thanks to two first-half tries from wing Doug Howlett and three penalties from Carlos Spencer.

But the New Zealanders -- who had thrashed the Wallabies by a record 50-21 margin in Sydney last month -- were clinging on in the closing stages as Australia threw everything into a spirited late assault.

Relieved New Zealand coach John Mitchell admitted there had been little too choose between the sides for long periods.

"But I believe we were …