The Wallabies, who meet Wales in the final game in the Invesco Perpetual Series ’08, needed 10 points in the final 10 minutes to beat a stubborn Italian side 30-20 in Padova.
The Azzurri led 14-11 after a try by Stade Francais wing Mirco Bergamasco on the half hour, but Australia hit back to level at 14-14 at the break.
With replacement outside half Matt Giteau in fine kicking form – he came on after only 14 minutes for Berwick Barnes and ended the game with 17 points- the Aussie recovery gathered momentum as two more penalties took them to 20-14.
But the home side closed the gap to 20-20 with 10 minutes remaining, only to see full back Adam Ashley-Cooper break their hearts with a try which Giteau converted.
Giteau had the last word with his fifth penalty of the game two minutes from time.
Meanwhile, in Marrayfield, Scotland battled hard but found the All Blacks too strong in all departments.
New Zealand ended the match with a 26 point margin of victory and their tryline intact. The 6-32 scoreline to the touring team was a fair reflection of the comfortable win.
Graham Henry will have learnt little from the encounter, with his side turning in on when necessary to win with a four try to nil margin.
The All Blacks come to Cardiff for the third game in the Invesco Perpetual Series on November 22.
