New Zealand 32-12 South Africa
New Zealand carried the ominous form they showed in recent tests against Ireland and Wales into the opening game of the 2010 Tri-Nations, defeating holders South Africa by 20 points in Auckland.
The All-Blacks won the try count 4-0 with Conrad Smith, Ma’aa Nonu, Kieran Read and Tony Woodcock all touching down in an impressive performance at Eden Park.
Graham Henry’s charges were in control from start to finish and were 20-3 ahead at the break thanks to tries from Smith and Nonu and ten points from the boot of Dan Carter (2 conversions, 2 penalties) with a Morne Steyn penalty the solitary response from South Africa.
The home side added two more tries after the break through Kieran Read and Tony Woodcock and although the Springbok performance level was upped considerably from the first period, they couldn’t cross the All-Black try line and had to be content with three penalties from Steyn.
The All-Black victory prevented a fourth consecutive defeat to South Africa and the sides will meet again in Wellington next Saturday.
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