Inspired All Blacks beat Boks
Source: Agencies |
July 11, 2010, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
NEW Zealand invoked memories of past encounters with South Africa to record a 32-12 victory in its opening Tri-Nations clash yesterday.
The All Blacks, who had lost their three previous encounters against the world champion, soaked up wave after wave of green-jerseyed attackers to continue their long unbeaten run at Eden Park in Auckland and give them an early advantage in their quest to recapture the Tri-Nations crown from the Springboks.
The All Blacks, who have not lost at the stadium in Auckland since 1994, scored tries through centers Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, No. 8 Kieran Read and prop Tony Woodcock. Flyhalf Daniel Carter added three conversions and two penalties.
South Africa flyhalf Morne Steyn slotted four penalties.
"I think it was a pretty special day for All Blacks rugby," New Zealand coach Graham Henry told reporters. "It was a special day and every guy played well. I think the edge was created by the results from last year and the boys should be very proud."
The All Blacks battled the Springboks for much of the last century for world supremacy and performed their rarely seen Kapa o Pango haka before kickoff, setting the scene for another electric test match.
Springboks lock Bakkies Botha, however, could have ended the game as a contest in the second minute when he head-butted All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan in a tackle, but the incident was not seen by referee Alan Lewis.
The aggressive Botha, however, did not last much longer before he was yellow carded 11 minutes later for infringing on his own goal line.
Carter slotted the penalty to tie the score at 3-3 after Steyn had scored an early penalty.
While the Boks attempted to slow the pace of the game, the All Blacks took advantage of the extra man with Mils Muliaina launching a blistering counter-attack up the middle of the park to set up Smith for the opening try, which Carter converted.
Carter gave his side a 10-point lead with his second penalty shortly after Botha had returned to the fray, before Nonu bludgeoned over from in close following a sustained build-up by the All Blacks, who took a 20-3 lead into the break.
Steyn added two quick penalties early in the second half as the Springboks looked to turn the momentum before the All Blacks settled back into the game.
The home side, however, held out with an aggressive defense line and unlike last year was more patient with the ball, building pressure while still playing at high speed and extended their lead when Read burst over following a sustained build-up.
Steyn reduced the gap with his fourth penalty before the All Blacks earned a bonus point for their fourth try when Woodcock barrelled over in the final minute.
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