New Zealand ended one bonus point short of claiming the 2010 Tri Nations title but its 20-10 win over Australia in Christchurch ensured its tenure of the Bledisloe Cup will last another season.
It wasn't the prettiest of games, more a battle of attrition in which the All Blacks' defences only yielded a runaway try from uncontrolled ball at the breakdown.
In effect, the All Blacks' line never looked like being breached by an Australian side seemingly more intent on keeping the margin close than having the wherewithal to test the home team in open play.
Australia minimised the chances for the All Blacks to play the game at the pace that has made them so devastating this year. By holding the ball for long periods, in close quarter, one-off driving at rucks, the Australians had more chance of remaining in touch.
But it was the mistakes in potentially good scoring situations that cost it. A classic example was seen when working their way close to the All Blacks line only to be penalised at the ruck five metres out.
The other factor was the highly-effective All Blacks defensive play which shut down many Australian drives.
The load was spread across the team. However, the close-quarter play allowed lock Brad Thorn to thrive while his partner Tom Donnelly was able to show out with some uncharacteristic running play.
It was a situation which called on first five-eighths Dan Carter to play a more tactical role with some outstanding kicking for position, something which his rival Matt Giteau was not able to match, and by comparison his kicking was below par.
Added to that was Carter's superior goal-kicking which saw him land four out of four, including a vital second penalty goal with 10 minutes remaining.
Australia started in the manner expected, keeping ball close and attempting to batter their way through the All Blacks defences. But it was when failing to make any significant ground that it resorted to kicks and on the two occasions it did that in the first seven minutes the All Blacks threw in quickly.
It was the second that produced the first try after a mid-field bust by centre Conrad Smith. Ruck ball was moved for hooker Keven Mealamu to feed wing Joe Rokocoko and he found fullback Mils Muliaina on the sideline along which he raced to score his 29th try.
But after landing the conversion from wide out, Carter attempted to run the ball only to lose the ball in the tackle. It was picked up by Australian flanker David Pocock who linked with lock Nathan Sharpe. He in-passed to fullback Kurtley Beale and he was able to race 60m to score the equaliser with first Giteau adding the conversion.
Four minutes later Carter got it right when worming through the tackle, flipping the ball to halfback Piri Weepu who then spun to second five-eighths Ma'a Nonu and he was able to feed Smith over in the corner.
Carter added the conversion and while Giteau landed a 19th minute penalty goal, Carter added another penalty goal to take New Zealand out to 17-10.
Flanker David Pocock was earnest in his work throughout the night, enjoying a fascinating close-quarter contest with Richie McCaw while blindside leader and flanker Rocky Elsom was forced into a tighter role which didn't allow him his usual rampaging runs. One who did show out in that role was lock Nathan Sharpe.
New Zealand 20
Tries: Muliaina, Smith
Con: Carter 2
Pen: Carter 2
Australia 10
Try: Beale
Con: Giteau
Pen: Giteau
HT: 17-10