Saturday, September 12, 2009

South Africa 32-29 New Zealand

South Africa (22) 32
Tries: Du Preez, De Villiers Cons: M Steyn (2) Pens: F Steyn (3), M Steyn (2) Drop-goal: M Steyn

New Zealand (12) 29
Tries: Sivivatu, McCaw Cons: Carter (2) Pens: Carter (5)

Bismarck Du Plessis
Bismarck Du Plessis celebrates a first Tri Nations triumph in five years

Morne Steyn and namesake Francois kicked 22 points in Hamilton as South Africa won the Tri-Nations series for the first time since 2004.

Fullback Francois kicked three prodigious first-half penalties to lift his team to a 22-12 halftime lead.

Fourie du Preez's first-half try was converted by Morne Steyn before he added two penalties and a dropped goal.

Despite a spirited second half Kiwi fightback, the Springboks held firm to deservedly deny the title holders.

The win not only gave the Springboks their third Tri-Nations title, but also means they have beaten the All Blacks in three successive Tests for the first time since 1976.

For nearly three-quarters of the game South Africa were dominant across the field, forcing the All Blacks into repeated handling errors.

But they had to respond to an early setback as Dan Carter kicked New Zealand into an early lead after South Africa transgressed in gathering the opening kick-off.

However, that only served to invigorate South Africa, and Francois Steyn stepped up to launch his kicking onslaught, landing penalties from 60 and 58 metres to put the Springboks in front and they were never to relinquish the lead.

606: DEBATE
Ashkeel

They stretched their advantage minutes later when Bryan Habana knocked Joe Rokocoko out of the way going for a high ball and scrum-half Fourie du Preez was on hand to score.

Morne Steyn, who took the closer kicks, landed the conversion and the Springboks were firmly in command at 16-6.

Further penalties from Carter and both Steyns rounded out the first half scoring with the All Blacks losing two try-scoring opportunities when Carter and then Stephen Donald lost possession in trying to kick through.

And Carter was at fault again when his pass to Isaia Toeava was intercepted by De Villiers who raced away to score unopposed for Morne Steyn to convert for a 29-12 lead.

With the game almost out of reach, the All Blacks snapped into action and scored their first try when Toeava broke down the left flank to put Sivivatu over in the corner.

Carter added the conversion and a penalty to reduce the gap to seven points before Morne Steyn completed the Springboks' scoring with his second penalty.

Despite a late rally by the Kiwis, South Africa held on and deservedly earned the glory.

New Zealand: Muliaina, Rokocoko, Nonu, Donald, Sivivatu, Carter, Cowan, Read, McCaw (captain), Kaino, Ross, Thorn, Franks, Hore, Woodcock. Reserves: De Malmanche, Afoa, Thomson, So'oialo, Leonard, Toeava, Jane.

South Africa: F Steyn, Ngungane, Fourie, De Villiers, Habana, M Steyn, Du Preez, Spies, Burger, Brussow, Matfield, Botha, Smit (captain), B du Plessis, Mtawarira. Reserves: Ralepelle, J du Plessis, Rossouw, Kankowski, Januarie, Jacobs, Pienaar.

Referee: Nigel Owens (WAL)

ะพ 1:44 AM

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