Wallaby O’Connor strikes late to end All Black streak

Sunday, 31 October 2010 22:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Winger James O’Connor scored a last-minute try and then drilled the conversion to give Australia a 26-24 victory over New Zealand in Hong Kong on Saturday and end a 10-match losing streak against the All Blacks.

O’Connor’s nerveless kick three minutes after the siren had sounded also brought an end to New Zealand’s 15-test winning streak and will send the Wallabies off on their European tour in the best of spirits.

A try from Quade Cooper and a brilliant solo effort from centre Adam Ashley-Cooper gave Australia an early lead but Jimmy Cowan and Cory Jane crossed the line and the returning Dan Carter added a penalty to put the All Blacks in front at the break.

New Zealand centre Ma’a Nonu added another try after 54 minutes of the Bledisloe Cup test but Drew Mitchell finished well to close the gap just after the hour mark, setting up the late siege of the New Zealand line and O’Connor’s dramatic finale.