Australia 18-19 New Zealand

Dan Carter celebrated his return to the All Blacks with a penalty two minutes from full-time to give New Zealand a thrilling 19-18 win over Australia in the Tri-Nations on Saturday.

Carter, playing his first test match this year after returning from injury, held his nerve to land the matchwinning kick after Australia wing Lachie Turner was penalised for failing to release the ball.

Carter also kicked three other penalties and converted a try by replacement centre Ma'a Nonu as the All Blacks clawed their way back from a nine-point deficit at halftime to post their second win of the series.

The Australians, who have been beaten in each of their three Tri-Nations games this year, led for most of the match after flyhalf Matt Giteau kicked six penalties from as many attempts and had a chance to snatch victory at the death only to spill the ball metres from the New Zealand line.