Australia has scored yet another heart-stopping win over New Zealand at Sydney's Olympic Stadium, a sole try to Lote Tuqiri proving the difference as the Wallabies stayed alive in the Tri Nations rugby series.

The 23-18 win to Australia opens up the Tri Nations for all three teams with Australia and New Zealand on nine points and South Africa on two, but the Springboks will host the final two matches over the next two weeks.

But there is uncertainty over New Zealand's trip to South Africa for the next match of the series, a report suggesting New Zealand may not fly to South Africa because of security fears.

The New Zealand rugby union was taking a "neither confirm nor deny" approach to whether the match in Johannesburg would go ahead.

The win continued Australia's edge over their trans-Tasman rivals at this venue, with the home side having won five of the seven matches played at Sydney Olympic Park between the two teams.

Australia played superbly in defence, keeping New Zealand tryless and continuing an unhappy run for the Kiwis who have now scored just two tries in three Tri Nations matches.

It was also the fourth time there that the games have been decided by less than a converted try, with Australia winning the bulk of the tight ones.

"These games aren't good for the heart - we don't mean to make them go down to the wire, it's just the nature of the two teams," Gregan said.

The key for the Wallabies was an ability to constantly pilfer possession with Smith and Waugh tireless and as effective as the best bank robbers.

Time and again, New Zealand's best efforts were destroyed when the Australian flankers fleeced them cold.

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