South Africa Takes Down New Zealand

The Springboks started off their Tri Nations Campaign in perfect style, as the defeated the All Blacks 28-19. It was a deserved victory for the men in green. The first half was completely controlled by the Springboks. They should have lead by more as some poor kicking prevented them from being up by a larger margin and they had to settle for a 14-3 halftime lead. They extended their lead early in the second half to 17-3, after a converted penalty. The All Blacks got back into the match at around the 50th minute mark. Conrad Smith scored a spectacular individual try to make it 17-10. Soon after Donald converted a penalty to make it a 4 point game. The teams would then trade penalties after 63 minutes to make it 20-16. As New Zealand looked for a try to take the lead the Boks got a crucial interception. The ball was kicked deep into New Zealand territory. They got another turnover and had lots of support once they got possession. The ball found Jaque Fourie, who sprinted for the try. The conversion was missed, so the score was 25-16. The All Blacks quickly got a penalty to keep them in the match. However, South Africa won the ball back and forced a penalty. With 77 minutes on the clock, Steyn took advantage of an ill advised penalty from New Zealand. His kick from the halfway line was fantastic, and it made it 28-19. That is how it would finish and the Springboks joined New Zealand as the co-leaders atop the standings.