You are in > manchester.com  > News > All Blacks overcome determined Boks

Rugby Union

All Blacks overcome determined Boks

14/07/2007

Three late tries by New Zealand helped them overcome a determined South Africa side 33-6 in Christchurch to put them back on top of the Tri-Nations table.

The Springboks had held the All Blacks to a six point lead with 20 minutes remaining before Brendon Leonard scored the decisive try which took the game away from the visitors.

Nick Evans and Dan Carter then added two further scores to put the game beyond doubt in the closing stages.

Penalties dominated the opening period. Carter helped the Kiwis take the lead after nine minutes, only to be pegged back by Derrick Hougaard midway through the half.

Carter added a second to give New Zealand a 6-3 lead at the break. Hougaard levelled things once more at the start of the second half before the immaculate Carter stretched the lead again.

South Africa were down to 14 men after Pedrie Wannenburg was sin-binned and the All Blacks made their numerical advantage pay as Carter slotted two more penalties to make it 12-6.

Both defences were dominating until Joe Rokocoko scythed through the Springbok midfield before flicking an audacious no-look pass out to Leonard who completed an easy finish.

That seemed to break the visitors' resistance and Evans was able to score in the corner five minutes from time as the All Blacks stretched the Boks defence with some flowing passes.

Carter then broke clear and scored with the last play of the game to give the scoreline a flattering look.

© Adfero Ltd