Opening try: Israel Dagg
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New Zealand took one step closer to claiming the Rugby Championship title after seeing off South Africa 21-11 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.
The All Blacks, unbeaten in 14 Tests, outscored the Springboks two tries to one for a win that sees them take a commanding lead in the competition.
It certainly wasn't the best performance by the home side and they can count themselves lucky to come away with four points after South Africa blew several scoring opportunities - particularly in goal-kicking - that could have seen the match end in their favour.
Morne Steyn, Frans Steyn and Johan Goosen managed only two of nine attempts between them, whilst the visitors also let three chances slip with the try-line begging.
Indeed, this was a Test the Boks could have and should have won. Instead, South Africa's woeful kicking display and questionable tactics eventually proved costly and now leave New Zealand empty-handed after Aaron Cruden denied the visitors a losing bonus-point thanks to his successful penalty kick on full-time.
South Africa drew first blood when Morne Steyn raised the flags for the first and only time on 18 minutes after his namesake Francois had missed earlier from long range and Bryan Habana failed to hold an awkward pass with the line open.
The All Blacks struck back immediately though. Hooker Andrew Hore put in some hard yards before a beautiful offload from number eight Kieran Read set speedster Israel Dagg - who also handled four times in the movement - away for the opening try. Cruden missed the conversion, but the All Blacks were in front (5-3).
The two Steyns then missed three penalties between them, including a regulation shot from the Bok number ten on the stroke of half-time that could've put his team in front at the break.
But it was New Zealand who held the slender lead, even though the Springboks had 58 per cent territory and forced six turnovers from the All Blacks while conceding two.
South Africa came out firing in the second forty, but once again squandered points after Habana lost the ball on the run with the try-line in sight while Zane Kirchner's drop attempt missed the posts.
They finally broke through when Habana produced a moment of genius, chipping over the top and gathering for a super try - Morne Steyn missed the conversion, but the Boks were in front and deservedly so (5-8).
Cruden levelled the scores with a successful penalty (8-8) and then converted another sensational solo try - this time from replacement half-back Aaron Smith who dummied and sidestepped through the defence from 25 metres out.
Disaster then struck for the men in green and gold when replacement prop Dean Greyling was binned for taking out All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw. It was a night to forget for the Bulls prop, who also coughed the ball up with the try-line beckoning in the dying minutes and conceded a string of penalties.
Down to 14 players, South Africa's kicking woes spread to a third player when replacement Johan Goosen missed from halfway but he kept the game alive going into the final 10 minutes with a successful effort to make it 15-11.
But two penalty calls handed Cruden a pair of three-pointers that he made no mistake with to deny South Africa a bonus-point and make it four wins from four for New Zealand.
Man of the match: For South Africa, Duane Vermeulen was rock-solid while try-scorer Bryan Habana injected plenty of pace into the backline. However, it's hard to look beyond the inspirational performance from All Blacks captain Richie McCaw who gave as good as he received in the forward exchanges.
Moment of the match: Habana's touchdown was certainly one for the highlights reel, but replacement scrum-half Aaron Smith - dropped to the bench for a breach of team protocol last weekend - turned disgrace into triumph when he came off the bench to score New Zealand's decisive try.
Villain of the match: We seriously doubt we'll see Dean Greyling in a Bok jersey again after his error-prone and ill-disciplined 30 minutes on the field... oh, make that 20 minutes on the field - he spent 10 in the bin for his assault on McCaw.
The scorers:
For New Zealand:
Tries: Dagg, A Smith
Cons: Cruden
Pens: Cruden 2
For South Africa:
Try: Habana
Pens: M Steyn, Goosen
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Beauden Barrett, 22 Tamati Ellison.
South Africa: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jean de Villiers (c), 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Dean Greyling, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Johan Goosen, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Pat Lambie.
Referee: George Clancy (IRE)
By Dave Morris
Comments
paulynz says...
Respect to the Springbok forwards for stepping up for the game. They must be gutted that their backs kicked away so much hard-won ball and poorly at that. The Boks have some fine young backs trying to get game time. I guess I should be happy that players like MS, ZK and JdV continue to be selected.
The ABs only played as well as the opposition allowed them to but hey, gotta be happy with a 10 point win over South Africa.
Richie McCaw was colossal. Surely the best forward to have ever played the game...
Posted 20:17 15th September 2012
Ramage says...
@Trader2 yes something is wrong with the All Black backline and it is the coach Foster. He was a failure as the Chiefs coach and once again he is failing miserably. The backs look disorganised and cant seem to run on to the ball and catch it. Today they were uncharacteristically missing tackles. Foster has taken our back play back years and is fouling it up just as he did with the Chiefs.
However if I think the All Blacks were bad then the Boks were worse. Out to Pienaar, if he didnt kick then Steyn kicked what a boring gameplan Meyer is ruining rugby at least PDV had his team trying to run the ball. Fancy paying to watch that game and of all places in Dunedin. Get Meyer out of Rugby he is an absolute disaster. I wont say any more as the Bok supporters have said it all.
The backs are woeful and the only two features of the game were the individual brilliance and skills of Habana and Smith with their tries. No Im being too harsh, I also note the skill of the All Black players and Dagg in the first try and the sheer brilliance and graft of McCaw who played an outstanding game. Put that alongside of the play of Greyling and you see how one forward ruined all the good work of the others. His cheap shot was so ridiculous one wonders about his intelligence. This is one game the Boks will rue.
Finally we all keep waiting for the All Blacks to click yet this is now the 7th game under the new coaches and its about time they looked at their methods. Just as Meyer needs to be cited for dumb tactics and kicked out of the game for boring rugby so Foster needs to be cited and also kicked out for taking the All Black backline play back to the mediocrity of his failing Chiefs sides. Remember it was a Foster coached Chiefs side that was caned unmercifully in that record Score in A super Rugby final by of all teams the Bulls.
Posted 20:05 15th September 2012
Mace says...
First off all its good to see most saffas taking the loss on the chin, and as for Greyling i hope you get a lengthy ban for your disgusting actions!!! If your Bok team is to improve they must get rid of Kirchner, Morne Steyn, Pienaar along with your coach. Id hate to say it but Habanas try was brilliant!!! As for our boys Richie are you man or machine? I cant think of any man in NZ who is the best ambassador for our little country, it looks like your in for your fourth IRB Player Of The Year award the way your going. Dagg you had impressive game at the back. And Aaron Smith in my eyes your the best halfback in the world right now i think you proved to everyone that Piri's only in the AB's to lead the haka. It wouldnt suprise me if he arranged to meet you at the pub after the Pumas game in wellington only to stand you up and narked you out to Hansen hahahaha. ALL BLACKS FOREVER...
Posted 19:26 15th September 2012
boksmashoffice says...
The Blue Bulls got hammered by the Griquas. This just proves the bulls concept of rugby is ancient. I really hope HM has the guts to make changes. Morne needs to play currie cup rugby along with Kircher. Goosen and lambie must be tried. JDV for the bench. I woud even consider Pietersen (stormers) for full back. Fair play to HM for stating Greyling will be dealt with. But is that to deflect attention? How cynical of me to think that. All the Boks need to be locked in a room with a Bok jersey hanging and hopefully they will realise what a privilage it is to play for the Boks and maybe then they will bleed for the jersey.
Posted 18:23 15th September 2012
Perthbok says...
First off, well done NZ and especially Richie, but I can't help but feel the boks threw that away...sorry, the bulls threw the game away for the boks.
The only bull good enough to wear the bok jersey at the moment is Hougaard. Greyling should never get a sniff of another test cap, just way too out of his depth and an absolute ****.
Goosen needs to be given the 10 jersey for the rest of the RC, between the Aaron Smith try and Greyling's sin-binning was the best i've seen the boks play under HM...FINALLY a first reciever attacking the gain line instead of kicking aimlessly. As others have pointed out, MSteyn and Kirchner must go
Posted 17:17 15th September 2012
benski says...
@leebok... need to get rid of Piennar as well, WAY too slow behind the scrum, bring on Saral.
Posted 16:27 15th September 2012
KiwiJoe says...
Winning games you should have lost is what being champions is all about
Great respect for SA for their hard assed attitude , but that,s the Boks for you and thus has it always been.
The All Blacks need these sorts of matches, as with the Pumas and France at the RWC, horrible for AB fans to bear but very statisfying if a win is the result.
Posted 16:00 15th September 2012
Trader2 says...
And that folks is what a real test match between the Bokke and AB's is all about. To all the idiots predicting 30/40 points plus wn to NZ, well you have no idea of the history and to all you Bokke fans hoping to see your team get smashed, shame on you, not real fans I would suggest. The AB's really haven't fired all this RC but still are 4/4 and if you believe really good teams win playing badly then either the Argies or Bokke are in for a real tickle up in the next few weeks. Something is not working in the backs though, (whats Wayne Smith up to for the next few weeks), they just look a bit clueless at times and I don't think it has anything to do with pressure. There just seems to be a lot of "I don't really know where I should be standing" type of stuff going on. There is no doubt that DC is missed, his kickoffs and all round direction of the backline is something Cruden is still learning about, hopefully it is that simple because there is just not the flowing attack we have grown to love.
As for the Bokke they will get their game organised and come back as they always do (hopefully not in 3 weeks though) and when they do and play with the same aggression and commitment as they did tonight then the Wannabies won?t be No 2 for long.
Posted 15:21 15th September 2012
boksmashoffice says...
Just saw the Dean Greyling non tackle on Mccaw. Was not clasy act. Again apologies to the rugby fans. The dude lost us the match. If the Ab's backline had the ball that the Boks forwards provided they would have put the points on the board. Morne looks down and did not fancy any of the kicks. Its not the way you want a good servant to Bok rugby to be remembered. The backline coach must go. There was no creativity in the backs. The Bok game plan was poor. Just kick the ball back to the Ab's to run back at us. Ruan had a very poor game. His tactical kicking was awful. Lambie got 5 mins to turn the game around today. He must be thinking why the hell is HM thinking. Sideshow bob looked clueless when he came up into the line to attack and he had no idea what lines to run. Lambie would have been a better option. I hope there is a clea out of dead wood and we bring in Goosen, lambie, De Jongh. HM has to bite the bullet. Pdivvy would have won those games. JDV must be benced too. steyn and De Jongh must be given a go. Can't wait for the excuses and team selection for the wobblies. Well done to the Ab's.
Posted 14:59 15th September 2012
Oceansnz says...
Boks showed they really have a lot of talent. But, Steyn, and some apathetic cover defense from Kirchner lost it for them. Hmm, will be very interesting if Goosen starts at 10 from now on...
Posted 14:53 15th September 2012
Rugbyphile says...
Interesting game -/bok pack in charge til the beast who was playing his best rugby for around a year was curiously subbed for Greylimg-who is as thick as a plank/
--despite being on top SA blew 4 of their own lineouts/--bad coaching/ --Pienaar and M Steyn kicked away a mountain of possession---F Steyn has stopped running forward and just walks--JdeV is 6 years past his best--bring in Pretorius for Pienaar who is too slow at this level-Goosen must play de Jong must play Lambie must play and Kirchner must go. Give Willie le Roux a go on the bench and Aplom --pace is what is needed as well as a good kick in the rest for zfrans Steyn--and being Percy back as kicking coach No doubt there is some bullls dumderheaf doing the job ATM --
Posted 14:24 15th September 2012
bokkrige says...
Just seen the Dean Greyling incident on you tube. He must never play for the boks again. the guy has let down millions of boks fans. Ritchie, on behalf of all Bok fans we apologise. Still haven't seen the game but hopefully HM will start to be a real coach now... looking at all the talent available to him.
Posted 14:18 15th September 2012
Carpelone says...
From my match preview
It won't be a massacre, only because NZ are stuck in second gear. If they hit the third gear ....
NZ by less than 10, unfortunately (this will be sold as a win by HM) .
Boks by 5 if Steyn and Kirchener get injured in the first half.
New Zealand was completely outplayed. Did you see how Kirchner butchered the first try opportunity throwing that ball to Habana? How good was Frans Louw? The Springboks often plays as if the scoreboard does not count, frustrating. Pienaar is an excellent kicker, why didn't HM give him the task after the first half?
"Bullesque" selection by HM costed us the game.
Well done to New Zealand, even though they were exposed in several areas (they played 14 man rugby, where was Savea?).
Posted 14:09 15th September 2012
powerplay says...
Hard luck to SA you could've won that game. Well done to ABs for regrouping-a sign of a champion team-very patchy though, but as KiwiLad has mentioned, when was the last time the back-line looked so poor? Some might argue that any back line looks poor under pressure, but there were moments when there wasn't much, and the back line didn't look that great! I was giving him the benefit of the doubt, but the appointment of Ian Foster as assistant coach, seemed to have no merit at all, he has one of the worst head coaches records! Hopefully, this is just a phase and it doesn't come back to bite, if it does, it wouldn't be his fault, but the person who appointed him-Hanson.
-Is it really Morne Steyn's fault? I mean, the guy is just following what he is being told to do.
-For a team with a lot injuries and have copped a lot these last 3 weeks, SA did pretty well to not only stay in it, but were in a place to win it!!!
-Piri may have confirmed he is a bench player.
-Cruden needs to do more than just distribute the ball.
-The locks are getting better with running.
-hats off to Richie for another good game.
On a side note, and maybe its just me, but I thought the ABs looked tired, maybe a hang over from wining or playing too much rugga?
Posted 14:07 15th September 2012
SaffainNice says...
Dean 'amoeba for a brain' Greyling was pretty impressive...with the punch I mean! WTF, who is this bone head? Beast wasn't exactly on fire today, but when I saw the face of this knob running onto the field, I knew we were losing a lot of 'onfield IQ' with this change and I was proven right.
To HM and co, after this blown opportunity please, please have a rethink on how we should be playing the game and who should be playing? Goosen and Lambie have to be starters..., it's a no brain. This bulls style of 'hoof it high and chase' was good while it lasted for the 2007 WC but it needs to be pin-point and at the moment its a lottery we are losing more often than not. We have brilliant talent that can give another dimension to our game, being wasted on the bench. The forwards fought hard for the ball and 9 and 10 kicked aimlessly.
I must say Justin Marshall was a great commentator today. Totally unbiased. If you didn't know him, you wouldn't know which side he would want to win. Very professional.
Posted 14:06 15th September 2012
porridge_time says...
McCaw's performance today was simply outstanding and he is certainly holding his hand up for his four World Player of the year title.
Posted 14:03 15th September 2012
jmanngod says...
McCaw... Legend! Bok forwards were immense, but tactics were very poor. In the end a deserved, if close, win to the Mighty ABs.
Posted 13:53 15th September 2012
swiwi says...
Hollow victory for me. Tight five outplayed by SA. We should have lost, but SA gifted us the game with their terrible kicking out of hand & from the tee. I see PR gave M Steyn a 3/10. How bad do you have to be to get 1/10 - Steyn was truly awful.
Posted 13:25 15th September 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
All Blacks reversing their way to the title.
Posted 13:11 15th September 2012
ben7 says...
Next Bok team
1. beast
2. strauss
3. jannie
4. kruger (although flip vdm was surprisingly good)
5. bekker
6. louw (he made heeeeeaps of turnovers!!)
7. alberts
8. vermeulen
9. pienaar....
10. goosen (he made a huge difference instantly)
11. hougaard
12. steyn
13. juan de jongh? (jdv is USELESS)
14. habana
15. lambie
16. liebenburg
17. cilliers
18. flip vdm
19. coetzee
20. pretorius
21. jdv... theres no one else i can think of
22. aplon
Never want to see Morne steyn, kirchner or greying in a Bok shirt again.
Posted 12:50 15th September 2012