South Africa 28 New Zealand 19:Jaque Fourie scored a late try as world champions South Africa opened their Tri-Nations campaign with a 28-19 victory over holders New Zealand in Bloemfontein today.
Fourie raced down the right touchline for a 72nd-minute try to clinch the win while Morne Steyn completed the scoring with an angled penalty from halfway with just two minutes remaining.
Outhalf Ruan Pienaar had scored a 26th-minute try and kicked a penalty, with fullback Francois Steyn adding two penalties to give the Springboks a 14-3 half-time lead.
South Africa could have been out of sight at the break but for poor goal-kicking, with Pienaar missing four penalty attempts.
Coach Peter de Villiers replaced him at halftime with Steyn, who immediately kicked a penalty and added another in the 57th minute.
A Stephen Donald penalty was all New Zealand had to show for their first-half effort, but they quickly struck back after the break, closing the gap to 17-13 after centre Conrad Smith sped through for a try in the 48th minute and Donald added the conversion and a penalty.
The All Blacks outhalf enjoyed a solid day with the boot kicking two more second-half penalties.
South Africa's win meant they reclaimed the International Rugby Board's number one ranking from the All Blacks.
Teams:
South Africa:Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers (Wynand OIivier 68), Bryan Habana, Ruan Pienaar (Morne Steyn 40), Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha (Danie Rossouw 68), John Smit (Jannie du Plessis 65), Bismarck du Plessis (Chiliboy Ralepelle 80), Tendai Mtawarira.
New Zealand:Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard (Piri Weepu 52), Rodney So'oialo (Kieran Read 53), Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross (Jason Eaton 73), Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata (Owen Franks 40), Andrew Hore (Keven Mealamu 58), Tony Woodcock.
