New Zealand beat South Africa 27-20 in the Rugby Championship
Last Updated: 26/07/15 11:47am
New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw scored the winning try to give the All Blacks a 27-20 win over fierce rivals South Africa on Saturday.
All Black skipper Richie McCaw celebrated his140th cap with the winning try in the 77th minute to secure their place at the top of the shortened Rugby Championship.
In a highly entertaining game that fell just short of being a classic due to the uncontested scrums in the second-half, the game was closely fought between the best two sides in the world.
In a World Cup year, there were experimental selections on both sides and it was one of those selections - Lima Sopoaga making his debut fly-half for New Zealand - who opened the scoring after South Africa were penalised for going straight off their feet at the breakdown.
The game was played at a frenetic pace as the All Blacks looked to run the 'Boks off the pitch with quick play in all areas. However, the 'Boks were up for it and capitalised when Israel Dagg’s pass to Kieran Read was turned over after a massive hit from Bismarck Du Plessis. South Africa worked the ball wide before Jesse Kriel found Willie le Roux on his inside to send the 'Bok full-back over. Pollard converted for a 7-3 lead after nine minutes.
South Africa’s tactical kicking, which let them down so much against Australia last weekend, was much better at the high altitude of Johannesburg and they were also bossing the breakdown with some outstanding work from Heinrich Brussow, Lood de Jager and Bismarck du Plessis.
Pollard extended South Africa’s lead to 10-3 but they should have ended the half with their second try but could not quite finish it off. And it was New Zealand who showed why they are the number one team in the world with a superb try right on the half-time whistle.
A high kick from Dagg was well fielded by Hendricks but he was smashed back by McCaw who turned over the ball. Sopoaga roared into space and a lovely floating pass to Ben Smith saw him go over in the corner. Sopoaga converted to make it all square after a scintillating first half.
Up a gear
New Zealand lifted it up a gear at the start of the second year but a brilliant steal at the breakdown from Brussow stopped a promising attack.
Jesse Kriel, who scored on his debut against Australia last weekend, showed why he is one to watch as he cut through Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu running onto a wonderful pass from Pollard to score.
Moments later it was all square once again as All Blacks hooker Dane Coles showed great pace to go in under the posts after some superb work from Malakai Fekitoa, who was on for Nonu. Sopoaga converted to make it 17-17.
South Africa pounded away at New Zealand’s line after winning a penalty from the driving maul and Lood de Jager was inches short. Pollard eventually put South Africa 20-17 ahead with his second penalty of the night.
South Africa were soon back on New Zealand’s line once again as Le Roux made a telling break upfield. The All Blacks defence held firm – illegally though, as Sam Whitelock was shown yellow for slowing the ball down.
Uncontested scrums
This should have been the moment that South Africa closed down the game but it was New Zealand who persevered and took advantage of uncontested scrums after a head injury to replacement Springbok prop Vincent Koch meant that South Africa had no one to play at tight head and lost one of their most potent weapons.
New Zealand weathered the storm and then showed South Africa how to turn possession into points when they turned down a shot of goal in the 77th minute and went for the corner. Unlike the 'Boks who could not make it count, the All Blacks were rewarded for their bravery when captain fantastic McCaw went over from the lineout. Sopoaga converted to make it 24-20 and then nailed another penalty on the hooter as the All Blacks showed South Africa how to finish opportunities.
