Australia beat their trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand 21-17 in Vichy on day three of the IRB World Championship to proceed unbeaten to the Cup semi finals, where they will play France.
New Zealand also qualify for the semi finals, having finished fourth of the 12 teams after the pool stages and play top seeds South Africa.
New Zealand will certainly rue missed chances here today but Australia's defence, desire and organization was ultimately worth the win.
The Australians led 7-3 early on, Holmes' converted try to Brett's penalty. But Brett pulled another back and then a try for Jeremy Thrush took the New Zealanders ahead 11-7.
Two crisply struck penalties for Australia's Bibo, however, to add to his earlier conversion, put Australia 13-11 in the lead at half time.
Ioane's yellow card just before the break meant that for the first five minutes of second half the Australians played with 14 men but their defence held firm.
With Ioane back on, Bibo added a further penalty, which was cancelled out by Brett before a New Zealand lapse let in Holmes for a second try and a 21-14 Australian lead.
Final attacks from Patterson, Somerset et Pisi brought a penalty for Brett and confirmation of the defensive bonus point for New Zealand that takes them through to the semis.
Australia and South Africa remain unbeaten and on course, but will no doubt await the respective backlash from France and New Zealand on Wednesday.
Quotes
Greg Cooper, NZ coach: We didn't take our chances today. We dot a difficult draw and the most important thing was to qualify for the semi finals. Now we're there, we'll prepare for our next match.
Jamie Mackintosch, NZ captain: Australia played very well. We didn't get enough ball to the backs and we're disappointed but will now prepare for a tough match against South Africa.
Chris Hickey, Australia coach: I like the result, but not the performance. We won because of our kicker and because of the determination of the group.
Julian Salvi, Australia captain: New Zealand play a very physical game and it wasn't easy but we wanted to make the semi finals and now it's France.