All Blacks show future

Coach Graham Henry made five changes to the starting lineup who sealed the Tri-Nations title against South Africa, benching old hands, including winger Joe Rokocoko and flanker Jerome Kaino.

The reshuffle appeared to backfire as the All Blacks trailed by 13 points with 15 minutes to go. Victor Vito failed to fire at blindside flanker and flyhalf Aaron Cruden struggled with his restarts as the replacement for the injured Dan Carter.

Then Richie McCaw, celebrating his 52nd cap as captain to surpass Sean Fitzpatrick's record, drifted off the pack near the left corner and turned the game on its head.

Detaching from the scrum early, the 29-year-old charged over the line for a try that would spark a 23-22 win, a record 10th straight victory over a demoralised Wallabies side and a clean sweep of the Tri-Nations.

"I guess when you reflect on most of the milestones, to have a win under your belt certainly makes it nice," McCaw said.

"Yeah, (the record) is something I guess I'm proud of but you can't do it without a good bunch around you.

"I just love playing for this team and being captain of this team, it's a thrill every time going out."

Scrumhalf Piri Weepu, who has battled with Jimmy Cowan for the starting scrumhalf slot, slotted all five of his kicks.

including the winning conversion of Kieran Read's try.

"Piri kicked magnificently, didn't he? And he played really well so he's a very special player," Henry said after the All Blacks' 15th straight victory.

McCaw, who conjured a 78th minute try to rally the All Blacks to a last-gasp win over last year's champions South Africa in Johannesburg, struggled to explain the All Blacks' ability to get out of jail beyond describing an unshakeable belief within the playing group.

"We've got a bunch of senior guys now and a lot of players who've played a lot of tests and been through a lot of experiences," he said.

"So when you get in situations out there, the key is to be composed and as I said earlier, keep believing in what you're doing.

Henry added: "I think it's got a lot to do with composure on the field and leadership out there and the senior players, and Richie in particular."