New Zealand finish in style
Oct 06,2012
The All Blacks completed an impressive clean sweep in the Rugby Championship on Saturday, overcoming South Africa 32-16 at Soccer City on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
In a performance worthy of their status as the top-ranked team in the world, New Zealand weathered an early storm to overturn a half-time deficit and eventually run out comfortable winners.
The result extends the All Blacks' winning streak to 16 consecutive games, moving them within touching distance of the world record.
The Springboks led 16-12 at the break having dominated for most of the first half but were given a lesson in counter attacking to be outscored two tries to one in the opening stanza.
The All Blacks reversed the trend in the second period, adding two more tries while denying their hosts any points to underline their supremacy.
It was a classic case of shifting momentum - while South Africa start with a bang and ended with a whimper, the Kiwis progressively upped the tempo until there was only one team left in the contest.
The much-vaunted Highveld crowd mirrored their team's effort as they made it very clear to the All Blacks they weren't in Auckland anymore in the early stages but the corridors were filled with fans leaving the stadium with ten minutes left on the clock.
As was the case a week ago, Johan Goosen missed his first two attempts at goal but the hosts would nevertheless open the scoring with a rare sight: A South African try from a set-piece move! Willem Alberts bust through the All Black defence before offloading to Jean de Villiers, who showed off some juggling skills but managed to hold on. Bryan Habana was in space outside his skipper and had an easy run in, scoring behind the posts.
Goosen had no problems with the conversion and could further extend the lead to 10 points at the end of the first quarter when Brodie Retallick was penalised for a dangerous tackle.
The All Blacks had hardly ventured into the South African half but took their first chance to score in typical fashion, with a blistering counter-attack from broken play to send lock Sam Whitelock over in the corner.
If the hosts weren't already alerted to the New Zealand's ability to punish mistakes, they were given a reminder on 35 minutes. Habana came flying up in search of an intercept, it didn't work, and Hosea Gear ghosted through the gap left in the Bok defensive line before offloading to Aaron Smith, who finished. Dan Carter's conversion gave the visitors a lead that made a mockery of the possession and territory stats.
The Boks were dealt another blow as Goosen was forced off injured but replacement fly-half Elton Jantjies held his nerve with his first kick to put South Africa back in front at 13-12.
Jantjies found the target again from 48 metres with the last act of the half to give the hosts a deserved four-point advantage at the interval.
The All Blacks moved back in front almost immediately after the restart however after Jaco Taute missed a tackle on Israel Dagg, who combined with Kieran Read to set up a try for Ma'a Nonu.
Disorganizsed defending cost the Boks another try as Conrad Smith touched down to put the visitors ten points clear once Carter had added the easy extras.
Two misses from Jantjies suggested the Boks' woes at the kicking tee were far from finished, prompting Jean de Villiers to turn down a shot at goal in favour of chasing a try. And it nearly paid off, but Habana was not able to hang on when presented with a chance in the corner.
The last quarter was one-way traffic. Carter added a neat drop and a penalty to move his team well clear...in more ways than one.
Man of the Match There were a number of candidates in black but the official award went to Kieran Read, who was once again the ultimate example of a complete number eight as his ball skills matched his contribution in the tight exchanges.
Man of the Match There were a number of candidates in black but the official award went to Kieran Read, who was once again the ultimate example of a complete number eight as his balls skills matched his contribution in the tight exchanges.
Moment of the match: The All Blacks' second try, scored by Aaron Smith, summed up where these teams are at the moment. An instance of a Springbok trying too hard to do something special was punished by a clinic finish. Give All Blacks scraps, and they will feast!
Villian of the match: The 'fans' who left early.
The scorers:
For South Africa:
Try: Habana
Cons: Goosen
Pens: Goosen, Jantjies 2
For New Zealand:
Tries: Whitelock, A. Smith, Nonu, C. Smith
Cons: Carter 3
Pen: Carter
Drop goal: Carter
Yellow card: Dagg (66th min - offside)
South Africa: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jaco Taute, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Elton Jantjies, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Pat Lambie.
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Luke Romano, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Tamati Ellison.
Referee: Romain Poite (France), Greg Garner (England)
Assistant referees: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
Comments (37)
Oct 06, 2012 at 22:06:29
Head line couldn't have been more accurate other than perhaps to add " and with only 14 players" against a team of much bigger men at home.
Oct 06, 2012 at 22:34:59
Congrats to the All Blacks! twice as good as the Boks. If the second best team in world rugby is so far behind the best the rest of the world is in trouble as it is clear the All Blacks have taken the game to a new level!! The Boks backs have no clue how to defend against the backs of the AB's and the defensive effort was poor. But I always knew the AB's would not be as poor as they were in Dunedin. Our problems clearly lie in our backs who were whiped on the day! If Ricardo Laubscher still has a job I will be amazed. These guys are pros what are they doing??? Maybe Wayne Smith should be lured with big money so that he can teach our backs how to play rugby!!! Clearly our backline coaches have no clue! Well done AB's your excellence in ruthless finishing was something to behold. Well now with tale firmly between the legs maybe the structure issues will be addressed because second place is nowhere!
Oct 07, 2012 at 14:07:35
We must be super kak to loose on home soil vs the all blacks at Soweto
Oct 07, 2012 at 02:11:27
Where's all those loud mouth Bok fans?? LMAO!!!! Ahhhhh, silence is bliss. j/ks Heck, even this site hasn't updated the results table lol.....
Well done to the world champion All Blacks! 16 wins in a row and the inaugural Rugby Champions won the best possible way by wining all their matches, 6 from 6!!! What a game. SA came out firing and had a lot of good ball and territory but couldn't capitalise on it. The All Blacks defence (as always) was solid and people forget that we don't just run the ball, our BIG-D is also a weapon. Fitness was also key! Composure and mental toughness from a side who has grounded out wins like this on many occasions in tough situations was also a huge factor.
The All Blacks had 6-7 penalties given against them and none to the Boks until the 54 minute, almost unheard of!!! Some very 50/50 calls going the Boks way but it was good to see the All Blacks not get frustrated. The ABs only had 30% of possession in the first half with similar territory and even with the little ball they had, they still managed 2 excellent running rugby tries. I knew (as did they) that if they stuck to their game plan and won more ball, then the tries would come........and they did.
4 tries to 1, the Boks put more pressure on themselves needing tries not 3 pointers and couldn't break the All Blacks line, even with 14. Much better performance from the Boks but still nothing to be worried about as an All Blacks supporter. Sorry Boks fans, it's true and I'm not being smug. However, like the ABs, it's a young side so both teams will continue to grow. The Boks are easily the worlds #2 side despite losing 3 times in the Championship. They are and forever will be the All Blacks biggest threat on the field. Good luck to the Boks in the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour guys, now we unite and play for the Southern Hemisphere.
Once again, well done All Blacks!!!!
Oct 07, 2012 at 11:00:37
Your south pacifican islanders did good back in black. Yes you gusy did beat us well, but we are young and learning and will get better. We dont have a massive pool of islands to poach our rugby talent my friend. You Kiwis would be Fu"k all without the islanders. Anyway onward and upward.
Oct 07, 2012 at 11:18:37
Did you even watch the game?? In the starting line-up there was only ONE pacific islander (ma'a nonu) and ONE pacific islander(kevin mealamu and he was born in N.Z) on the bench! Stop coming up with stupid excuses and accept the loss! cause your making yourself look like an idiot.
Oct 07, 2012 at 11:30:07
You are the idiot mo fo. i am having my usual dig at you kiwi boys. This really does touch a nerve with you guys. We have only ever had one ( the beast) mate you are the reason why the poms have turned to foreign poaching. i live in the U.K and all the rugby nations i.e Wales Eng Scots and Ireland think the same about you guys. So boo hoo idiotic twat. Dont try explain you reasons for not fielding proper NZ born players yesterday or in the past.
Oct 07, 2012 at 12:25:51
But we must bring our players back from uk to strengthen our team. Nz doesn't
Oct 07, 2012 at 15:40:31
Yawn Yawn Garbage F. Louw and who else. You guys can pick and choose from Tonga, samoa, Fiji etc.... list goes on. PPfftt!!!
Oct 08, 2012 at 01:46:28
Hahahaha, what a racist pig, typical, you're making yourself like like a right little sook and bad for your fellow countrymen. Man up. You got beaten. As Jess said, there were only 2 Island boys in that tea that ate Boks for lunch and they grew up here so it's a full NZ team, not sure why that's hard for you pea sized brain to swallow. Your argument is invalid.
I'll say it again because for the ones who can't read. Islanders are brought up HERE and play and learn OUR style. The NZ acadmay makes them play like us. If your case had any merrit, then Tonga, Fiji and Samoa would be winning all the time and taking away Championships lol. They don't, because, well, they suck. NZ is what makes the player, not the skin colour, race or birth certificate. You're grasping at straws, stick to blaming the ref and your coaches, anyone but YOUR team....where the REAL problem lies.
Oct 07, 2012 at 15:06:32
Probably won't get a serious anwser from you Bok2007, and not even going to get into your continous "P I Player poaching" delusion. However AB rugby has changed as the ethnic population numbers changed in NZ. Auckland is acknowledged as the largest Polynesian in city in the world, as those that came from the islands in the 50's started having NZ born children that obviously grew up immersed in for one thing rugby, hence the rise of polynesian rugby players. This is a question and admit don't know anything about the South african population demographic but could it be that the lack ethnic diversity or new blood has stifled rugby development over the generations. The Islanders bring a different dynamic to the game, power and flair. What I'm asking is could the game in SA now be affected by it's "dome" like atmosphere where there is a lack of new blood and ideas. Again this is not a dig at SA rugby rather a question.
Oct 07, 2012 at 15:45:01
And where are you from may i ask polyboy. Tonga??? christ only knows. Im winding you guys up. You guys have done it for years and nothing is going to change. If the pacifican islanders were'nt good at rugby, the NZ population wouldnt let them near their borders. True or false. Mate the AB;s played well and are riding on a crest of a wave. SA are in a transition stage and are missing a load of players through injury. We will get there and when we do im sure it will be great watching rugby for all fans of the sport.
Oct 07, 2012 at 19:33:14
I'm one of those 2nd generation polynesians. It was work rather than rugby that bought my grandparents, and parents over. Can't anwser whether with or without PI's the AB's would be better or worse, all I know is that they bring something different to the game. For example to kiwi's this maybe blasphemous but if Lomu and Kirwan played same time for same position, Kirwan wouldn't get a look in. I'm not scathing of Boks, in fact they are the team I support when not playing AB's. I do think they need someone like Carlos Spencer running their backs, because you do have the forwards, Spencer (aside from his earlier comment) because he would bring an outside perspective to back play, that the current bok back coach doesn't seem to be able to do. I remember the Danie Gerber's, Ray mordt's, Andre Joubert's, James Small's of Bok back line pasts and wonder what they think of the curent backline.
Oct 07, 2012 at 20:25:19
i know mate the SA backline just dont have a clue. our forwards are quite dominant but the backs just cant deliver. The AB;s cut through them like a knife. We do need a kiwi coach. But this would never happen with the afrikaans nation. by the way never rated James Small
Oct 07, 2012 at 15:53:17
Poly, traditionally the black population in SA have favoured soccer over rugby, and whilst more effort is beginning to be made to grow the game at grass roots level in poorer areas soccer is still generally their preferred sport. There's also a gap for a lot of poorer chaps between school and making it as a pro, a lot of talent seems to fall in the cracks due to a lack of proper management and funds. I'm sure you're also aware of the ever-present political hangover in our country which in the past has made all our coaches' job impossible at times, forcing them to select "quota" players of colour ahead of better players to "better reflect" the state of our reformation (coach Peter de Villiers is probably the best example). That's not to say that all of them were bad, in some cases they were very talented but were exposed to test rugby too early, and the fact that they knew they were selected merely to fulfill a quota damaged their confidence. But I believe we're slowly reaching a point where almost all the players in the team are there on merit.
Rugby in SA, I think, will always be held back by the ridiculous demands of one-eyed politicians because it is our most successful, high profile export, and they want to control it. Our cricket also suffered but to a lesser extent. I hope this makes sense - the quota thing is just one aspect of the crazy complexities that surrounds rugby over here, I've barely scratched the surface. We probably overthink things most of the time...except our gameplan maybe!
Please feel free to add stuff I've missed fellow Saffers.
Oct 07, 2012 at 23:09:34
I agree with you Nj though i dont think its the quota system that is holding us back atthe moment and i know you not saying that that is the problem, but i just would like to say one thing. That its the players of colour who are bringing fire to the game of late. All the big tries that we have been needing have been coming from Jp Pieterson, Habana, Kirshner so presently i think it just boils down to the quota sytems used at management level thats the problem. Colour is being used as a tool to reduce our rugby and fans. I hope HM wins the next WC just to throw it in their face and use their ignorance against them. I dont think they think he can do it so he has an advantage over them and more of an advantage than JWhite had. HM will have to work harder and smarter if he want this but i think he can get it right and has made positive results fast in half a season. Now we have NHem to deal with and build on the team. Next year we are going to do it and the year after.i just hope we dont do it all too soon and slump at the wrong moment so i do believe that we should be patient and just enjoy our rugby and build slowly and collect and get to know eah nd every player in the build up to the great games.
Oct 08, 2012 at 01:36:17
NJ and Kojak, I didn't mean to imply that players of color are needed more new injection of blood what ever color the players is, would SA teams be open to players from the islands or other nations plying their trade there, I know you have had the odd French, Fijian and US internationals at Super 15 level, but does currie cup teams have open selection regardless of nationality or is this not an option. It would stimulate exchange of ideas, competition for places and how they play in their positions with hopefully a flow on higher up. Just a thought.
Oct 07, 2012 at 04:12:42
Well done and congratulations to the ABs who totally outplayed and outclassed the Boks in the second half. No excuses, we were beaten by a great team.
I must say that I am really pleased with our young team up to number 10, thereafter is where the problems begin. Firstly, we need a new backline coach who can inspire some creativity in our midfield. Frans Hougaard needs to be dropped and JP re-installed. Jean Div is a liability, but at the same token I understand that we need him for his experience. Man i miss Jaque Fourie at 13. Lambie must be drafted in at 15 at the end of year tour.
All in all and in spite of the loss, I think this young Bok team will become a formiddable outfit when they get the little things right. It takes a bit of time, but it will come.
Oct 07, 2012 at 05:16:55
Unfortunately the Boks lost but I made a few bucks to sooth the hurt.
Hey, the Bok backline is non-existent....make the changes now starting with the backline coach.
Newname for the Bok coach...HM stands for Hail Mary.
Oct 07, 2012 at 10:44:35
As a proud Kiwi I am glad about the success of the All Blacks but we all need to see this in perspective.
The Boks lost probably 7 or 8 of their greatest ever players at the end of last year and to compound that the remaining greats like Burger, Smith, Spies, Bismarck, Brussow, Peterson, just to name a few is out injured. There are 6 players younger then 21 in their team which must be some sort of record.
Considering all this I can't understand why some of my idiotic countrymen on this site find so much joy in beating this side, guys if the boot was on the other foot and we lose more then 15 players through retirement or injury we would be smashed by 50 points. Take away 15 of our top players we would struggle to beat any of the home nations never mind the Boks. To be honest just take away Richie and Dan I don't personally feel we would have won yesterday and maybe not even in Dunedin.
So please keep things in perspective it's like beating a guy running on one leg in the 100m, soon some of the experience guys will return for the Bokke and the young ones will gain experience and they will be a force. I cant believe you guys are giving the bok coach so much flak, my God maybe you guys must try and coach a team from scratch, not an easy feat, the Blacks have been almost unchanged for many years now that's why it's easy for Hansen to just step in and make things work.
Congrats to my boys but keep your heads on Bokke your team will be brilliant in the not so distant future!
Oct 07, 2012 at 11:03:03
Now here is a decent Kiwi. Thanks mate and well done. From us saffars in the U.K
Oct 07, 2012 at 11:24:55
I have alot of respect for Bok rugby and I like to take emotion out of the game and look at it with perspective. It's great to win, makes us all feel good but humility is needed in modern sport because things change day to day, next year we might not win a game against the Bokke so keep things in perspective. The boks have been horribly disrupted but soon they will have stability. McCaw is an all time great and I regard the likes of John Smith and Victor Matfield as equal champs, the world of rugby needs the bokke and the All Blacks to be competitive, without it rugby is nothing!
Oct 07, 2012 at 11:34:28
On a more technical note, the Bok scrum is looking great, they miss a little of the aggression of Bismarck and lack alot of experience. Schalk could be backin the mix next year and maybe the rest for Spies will be good, him at his best brings an x factor to the boks pack.
At 9 things don't look to smooth, maybe the legend of Fourie du Preez can rise again after his contract ends in March, he's only 30 and my goodness at his best the best 9 I've ever seen.
Goosen is the future, this boy wil be brilliant give him a chance, for sure the successor to Dan Carter for the premier 10 on the planet.
The centres is a concern, Jean was a great Bok but for me it's a WAS and he doesn't have the pace or the vision anymore to keep up. Jaque Fourie is a massive loss, someone must convince him to go back to the Bokke, he is the premier 13 in the world.
A couple of those changes will make the world of difference.
As for the Blacks they will keep on going, the only concern will be when McCaw and Carter hangs up their boots, that's like losing half the team!
Oct 07, 2012 at 12:04:58
First well done to u kiwis,, but I'm not gonna sit here and be calm about the whole thing,,, at the end of the day we have player 6 and won 2,, that is not good enough,, the players and the coach have to take a look at themselves, we should always win our home games,,, I don't really see this championship as being positive at all,, we were rubbish,, we deserved to get beat in Argentina ,,, three of the kiwi tries were down to poor tackles,, and worse defence, so while giving the kiwis credit as they did play well,, but our defence was seriously Kak, every time the kiwis ran the ball they scored... At the end of the day it is simply not good enough,, 2 wins from 6,, this tournament,, and since Meyer been in charge, 4 wins from 9,, if they get battered on the eoy tour,, then ,, Meyer will have no choice but to go
Oct 07, 2012 at 12:13:20
Congrats to the ABs on winning so comprehensively. I disagree with the allegation that this win was due to Carter and Mc Caw. They played well but Read, Gear, Smith and Nonu had as big an influence. The whole squad played well and it's great to see the continuing development of the AB machine.
As for the Bokke the last 2 games were a step in the right direction. However, i will shock most on this site and say i feel Jantjies is the best long term option at 10. Goosen's defence and kicking still have a long way to go. My preferred Bokke team. Steyn, Pietersen, Taute, De Jong, Habana, Jantjies, Pienaar, Vermulaen, F Louw, Alberts, Bekker, Eztebeth, Coonie, Bismark, Beast.
Now let's wait for the boil over
Oct 07, 2012 at 15:11:09
Agree about Goosen, he is a work in progress albeit a very good work. I think the pressure to replace Steyn saw Meyer forced to select him, however he needs space to play his game, and against the AB's that was not going to happen. Agree that Jantjies is a better option.
Oct 07, 2012 at 23:20:38
I think Meyer also goes for white oz first until he is orced by poor playingto choose colourd oaks. I seen it happen with dejong over taute and goosen over Janties. He selected both colourd players first but fielded the newbies first WHY??? Can someone answer that question without aggression.
Oct 08, 2012 at 18:10:12
Ja bru that's just the way it is,, de Jong deserved to be in the team for sure,, not sure bout jantjies tho,, as he has not been excellent,, been ok but not great,, I'm half boer, and I'm a wit ou,, but grew up on the point in Durban,, so most of my true mates were bruin ou,s,, and will stick with u on that Meyer as a boer ou,, will always pick wit ous if he gets the chance,, but what the coloured players need to do is just perform well make it impossible not to pick u,, we will always have politics and tribal Kak in our rugby and it works both ways,, anyway de Jong or no de Jong,, we were Kak,, lol played 9 won 4,,, no bru that sounds more like a Scotland record,, when the kiwis are standing on played 17 won 17.. Well lets hope the eoy tour goes well if we lose a few then I will be calling for Meyers head.. Fuck it rugby season over,,, time to become a football thug,,, chelski!!!! Man city r shit
Oct 07, 2012 at 16:08:49
Jantjies is a better option.....you must be either a NZ selector or an OZ selector to make that claim.
Jantjies is just another "Earl Rose" unfortunately for SA rugby supporters and the game of rugby.
Oct 08, 2012 at 11:35:21
AJ please expound on your ridiculous view. Can yo at least give resaons for why Goosen is better than Jantjies instead of hiding behind blanket generalisation. Why do you bring in a race angle into such a simple observation? No wonder SA is in so much decline with pig headed old farts like you not willing to give change a chance
Oct 07, 2012 at 23:41:26
As an All Black supporter I am delighted with the result and can see an enormous amount of confidence within the team. Well done AB's !!
Whether you win or lose it's important to be gracious. One thing for sure that both countries have a special respect for each other and for me what's important is that the occasion is bigger than the result. If we didn't get to experience Bok/All Black rugby anymore we wouldn't be able to enjoy rugby, results or even our comments on this website.
For me - I salute rugby in New Zealand and South Africa and long may it continue for everyone to enjoy. I love rugby and will always look forward to future battles between our rugby loving nations.
I hope one day I have the opportunity to go to South Africa and watch a test.
For me at the moment I want to get my feet back on the ground from 14 months of earthquakes in Christchurch.
Oct 08, 2012 at 04:03:04
Well Boks end up 3rd in innaugral rugby championship. HAd your chances tobeat the ABS but once again couldnt deliver. For me - 3 bok players that could do better:
1. De Villiers - never cool under pressure and for a captain to freak out every time you get close to the tryline or throw forwardpasses etc - sends shivers through whole team... Captain has to be cool....as much as pains me to say - look at mccheat.. for example.
2. Curly Sue @Fullback - he is the most stagnant FB I have ever witnessed why do you keep using him - Aplon although small is 10xs the player - at least he can beat the first defender cionsistently...
3. BEkker - too tall and takes too long to tackle... let Dagg make break which led to a try.
Oct 06, 2012 at 21:06:01
Hehehehe!! Back to the drawing board aye ladies. So much for the ABs getting humbled by the young boks. Looks like the ABs will be chowing on Goose tonight.
Oct 06, 2012 at 21:39:47
Classy as ever I see lol...how's that citizenship coming? They can have you with pleasure.
Nonetheless, well done AB's
Oct 07, 2012 at 10:57:33
Well done south pacifican islanders. Comon please let us play a real NZ team.
Oct 07, 2012 at 20:58:43
lol u mad brah?