South Africa brought New Zealand’s winning streak to an end in Rustenburg with a late penalty from fly half Andre Pretorius. The teams went into half time at 13 all but the hard fought match ended at 21-20. South Africa took the lead first but New Zealand still looked dangerous throughout the first half. Local favourite Bryan Habana scored his first Bok try this year with a trademark intercept try. The All Blacks had a late surge near the end of the first half but had a try in the 37th minute disallowed for an obstruction by So’oialo. In the second half the Springboks lack of fitness normally shows but this time their fitness and hunger were better so they had the better of the All Blacks. The Springboks were also allowed to keep the scoreboard ticking due to repeated indiscretions by All Black Rodney So’oialo. The All Blacks in general were a shadow of the team that played last week and only a few of their players seemed to arrive at the stadium with their mind in the right place. As always Ritchie McCaw was huge for the All Blacks as was Jerry Collins who was everpresent. After the match All Black coach said, ” We’ve had a great year and we wanted to finish with a clean slate, but they had greater desire than us,” “When you’ve won 15 in a row human nature ensures you’re not as hungry as a team like the Springboks were. We weren’t on the edge, but they were” he added. Under fire Springbok coach said, “It probably keeps the wolves from my door for a week. To beat the All Blacks when they’re on a roll is a tremendous achievement. “ The All Blacks now go home for a long break and their next match is against England at Twickenham while the Springboks must prepare for the Wallabies next week Saturday at Ellis Park. South Africa: (13) 21 New Zealand: (13) 20 South Africa: Jaque Fourie, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Andre Pretorius, Fourie du Preez, Os du Randt, John Smit (capt), BJ Botha, Johann Muller, Victor Matfield, Pedrie Wannenburg, Pierre Spies, AJ Venter. New Zealand: Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina, Aaron Mauger, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw, Rodney So’oialo.
Tries: Habana, Wannenburg
Cons: Pretorius
Pens: Pretorius 3
Tries: Carter, Rokocoko
Cons: Carter 2
Pens: Carter 2
Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Lawrence Sephaka, Albert van den Berg, Jacques Cronje, Ruan Pienaar, Butch James, Breyton Paulse.
Replacements: Anton Oliver, Neemia Tialata, Jason Eaton, Marty Holah, Byron Kelleher, Luke McAlister, Rico Gear.