A seven-try burst from New Zealand was more than good enough to see the All Blacks past the challenge of rivals Australia in their Tri-Nations encounter in Melbourne.
Two tries from fullback Mils Muliaina and further touch downs from number 10 Dan Carter, flanker Richie McCaw, wingers Cory Jane and Joe Rokocoko and replacement Corey Flynn secured a 49-28 win and allow NZ take a stranglehold on the series.
Australia had actually taken an early lead with a try by Drew Mitchell but by the time Adam Ashley-Cooper and flanker Rocky Elsom also crossed the line in the second half, the scores were mere consolation efforts.
From the moment Carter's try and conversion made it 10-8 in the tenth minute, the visitors never looked back. The Aussies kept in touch with kicks until the 30th minute when Matt Giteau slotted a penalty for 22-14, but then a Carter penalty, and a converted try by Jane left it 32-14 at the break and as good as over.
It definitely was when Mitchell was red carded for Australia early in the second half for slapping the ball from an opponent's hand, having been yellow carded earlier in the game. Carter then gift-wrapped a second try for birthday boy Muliaina that was converted.
The Wallabies rallied a little and went close through Giteau and Elsom but the All Blacks were as doughty in defence as they were ruthless in attack. Ashley-Cooper did cross the line for the home side but to underline their superiority, the All Blacks' quick passing again stretched the Wallabies before wing Rokocoko claimed his 46th Test try courtesy of a neat twist and stretch in the tackle.
Then Elsom's further consolation try was cancelled out by Flynn, the missed conversion closing out the game.