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Rugby Union

South Africa end All Blacks' five-year unbeaten home run

12/07/2008

Ricky Januarie scored the winning try for South Africa as they ended New Zealand's five-year unbeaten home run with a 30-28 win in the second match of this year's Tri Nations.

The scrum-half jinked his way through the All Black defence with five minutes remaining to allow the Springboks to avenge their 19-8 defeat in the opening match of the tournament.

Dan Carter scored most of the New Zealand points, with the home side crossing the whitewash just once, thanks to a much-improved defensive display from the World Cup holders.

The Kiwi fly-half made the most of some sloppy play early on from South Africa to register four penalties in the first half-hour.

South African full-back Percy Montgomery replied with three penalties of his own to keep the visitors in touch before they went ahead thanks to JP Pietersen's try.

The winger capitalised on a steal from an All Black line-out to score in the corner. Fly-half Butch James put the Springboks further in front with a drop goal before Carter made it 17-15 at the interval with another penalty.

Graham Henry's side improved after the restart and a period of sustained pressure inside the South African half eventually led to arty for Sione Lauaki.

Carter converted the try to give the home team a five-point lead only for James to respond with two penalties for South Africa.

The game was beginning to flow as the tension rose, but Carter remained calm and restored New Zealand's lead with a drop goal.

With seven minutes remaining Springbok lock Victor Matfield was sin-binned for a high tackle on Lauaki, meaning the visitors were reduced to 14 men for the closing period of the game.

However, a moment of genius from Januarie allowed the South African's to overcome the hosts. The scrum-half danced past one challenge before chipping ahead, collecting his own kick to touchdown.

That levelled the scores and Francois Steyn converted to give the Springboks at two-point lead. Carter tried two drop goals in the closing stages but for once his efforts came up short allowing South Africa to claim the historic win.