The All Blacks have taken a major step towards retaining the Bledisloe Cup and have all but secured the Tri-Nations trophy after a 49-28 win over the Wallabies in Melbourne.

After conceding an early try to Drew Mitchell, the All Blacks went on the attack scoring tries through Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko and Corey Flynn, while fullback Mils Muliaina scored a double on his 30th birthday.

Prop Owen Franks was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle in the first half before Australian winger Drew Mitchell followed him to the bin shortly after for the same offence.

While Mitchell was off the park, the Wallabies were warned for intentionally slowing the ball down when conceding penalties and not long after he returned from his first indiscretion, Mitchell received a second yellow for slapping the ball away. Referee Craig Joubert was left with little choice but to show a red card and the Wallabies were left with 14 men.

The All Blacks ironically spent much of the remaining time defending their line - which they did so stoutly for the most part.

Carter had the chance to get the score past 50 but he missed a conversion attempt near the sideline right on the buzzer.

All Blacks 49: Mils Muliaina 2, Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Corey Flynn tries; Carter 4 conversions; Carter 2 penalties.
Wallabies 28: Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rocky Elsom tries; Matt Giteau 2 conversions; Giteau 3 penalties.