Steyn ruthless for Springboks

South Africa 31 New Zealand 19: South Africa made it two impressive wins from two Tri-Nations matches as Morne Steyn scored …

South Africa 31 New Zealand 19:South Africa made it two impressive wins from two Tri-Nations matches as Morne Steyn scored every point at the Absa Stadium in Durban. Captain John Smit became the most-capped captain in world rugby by leading the Springboks out for the 60th time, but it was the outhalf who stole the show with a thoroughly dominant performance.

Following last week's 28-19 win in Bloemfontein against the same opposition, the world champions were eager to maintain such standards and had number 10 Steyn to thank for the margin of victory today.

Steyn's hugely impressive haul of a try, conversion and eight penalties scuppered the visitors' hopes of avenging last week's defeat - while ensuring he, like Smit, entered the history books.

Steyn smashed Jannie de Beer's record of 22 for the most points scored by a Springbok in a single match while also out-stripping Andrew Mehrtens' record of most points in a Tri-Nations fixture.

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Indiscipline among the New Zealand ranks contributed to their downfall as they played into the hands of their strong-kicking opponents.

However, it was the visitors who made the better start - with Isaac Ross' flowing try helping them to a 10-3 lead.

But Steyn turned the game, crossing in the 38th minute, and his penalty in the 74th completed a superb individual performance in a match he started in place of ankle injury victim Ruan Pienaar.

Both Smit - replaced late on, having won his 86th cap - and Steyn received ovations from the crowd as the Springboks won a series against the All Blacks for the first time in 30 years. Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers collected their 50th caps.

South Africa face Australia in Cape Town next weekend, with the All Blacks waiting until August 22 when they travel to Sydney.