The Springboks did not win the match but they won back hearts and minds with a colossal performance that took the All Blacks to the brink at Newlands on Saturday in one of the best Tests yet between the sides. New Zealand’s 25-24 win was testament to their ruthless ability to make the most of their chances after individual Bok errors. In a game of minuscule margins, the All Blacks were that little bit more clinical. Over 90 minutes (the first half ran to 50 minutes) the Boks were the better team. But New Zealand were good enough to hang in when they had to and pounce when the right moment arose as they beat the Boks for a 57th time in their 95th meeting. It also gave the All Blacks a 100% winning record in the tournament for a second successive year and took their tally to 30 wins in 33 Rugby Championship matches with only two losses and a draw. Despite the result, SA’s sixth consecutive loss against New Zealand, the word "rivalry" has been restored to the lexicon of contests betwee...
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