Spencer's kicking decisive

All Blacks defeat Boks 19-11 to retain Tri-Nations

DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) -- New Zealand overcame a searching test from a South African team fueled by desperation to win its rugby union international 19-11 at Carisbrook on Saturday and retain the Tri-Nations championship.

The Springboks arrived in New Zealand with their reputation damaged by a 52-16 pasting from the All Blacks in Pretoria and their image stained by allegations of foul play from last week's 29-9 loss to Australia.

They left, after their last match before October's World Cup, having been beaten by the All Blacks for the 33rd time in 62 tests -- for a record sixth time in succession -- but with some of their international prestige restored.

Springbok coach Rudolph Straueli had a sharp reply to his critics after his team's courageous effort -- and a particular response to Wallaby coach Eddie Jones' recent allegations of foul play.

"It's great to play in a country which is a rugby country where people appreciate a hard game like this," Straueli said. "It shows you can play a physical game and a hard game and not give away any penalties or yellow cards.

"I think there's obviously been a lot of pressure on us from everyone as their is on all teams and all coaches. But the pressure we put on ourselves is much greater than the pressure anyone else can put on us.

"It's significant that when it came down to it this week the only people who believed in us as we believe in ourselves were New Zealanders."

New Zealand entered the match, poised to win the Tri-Nations championship for the second year in a row after scoring 14 tries and posting more than 100 points in away matches in South Africa and Australia.

It was widely expected they would prevail by a similar margin but South Africa's rekindled spirit, their boisterous but efficient defense allowed New Zealand only one try and a slender winning margin.

That try went to left wing and rising star Joe Rokocoko from a kick-and-chase in the fifth minute of play. It was the Fijiian-born flyer's 11th try in only six tests since his June debut.

The Springboks replied with a superb try of their own: one scored by prop Richard Bands and one already regarded as one of the finest by a tight forward in international rugby.

Bands was the first receiver in a Springbok passing movement which began just inside the All Blacks half. He eluded the first tackle of his opposite number, Kees Meeuws, then beat the cover tackles of Carlos Spencer and Aaron Mauger.

Asked later whether he had ever scored from such range he replied dryly: "From halfway? Not recently.

"I just made the call and ran into the gap. The referee was in front of me so I sidestepped him. I thought I'd give it a bash and it paid off at the end of the day."

Even in the dying minutes of the match, when the Springboks' defeat had become inevitable, they continued to defend their own line with ferocity. The All Blacks when close to scoring on several occasions in the game's last moments but were rebounded from an unbending Springbok wall.

The decisive factor in the match was ultimately the goalkicking of flyhalf Spencer who kicked four penalties and a conversion -- five goals from five attempts.

The Springboks' usually dependable goalkicker Louis Koen, who maintained an 89 percent success rate in this year's Super 12, managed only two penalties from five attempts. He also missed three dropped goals.

Spencer's conversion of Rokocoko's try provided the difference between the teams at halftime when the All Blacks led 13-11. His penalties in the 47th and 58th minutes were the only points of the second half.

"Carlos kicked really well," said All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne.

"We've always believed in him and tonight he showed what he's capable of."

The match was played in still but bitterly cold conditions which limited running play. After Rokocoko's try, from a kick by Mauger into the left corner, and Bands' startling burst there were few clean breaks by either side.

The Springboks managed to clear their rucks slowly and establish an effective pick-and-run style, finding narrow gaps in the All Blacks' interior defense. While they found continuity, however, they failed to stick the last passes which might have created tries.

"I'm not happy with a loss but I'm happy with the way the guys played," said Springbok captain Corne Krige. "We'll keep our heads up and at least we can take something out of this for the World Cup."

All Blacks coach John Mitchell, an avowed opponent of night matches in New Zealand where dew often affects handling, welcomed his team's first tough test in three matches.

"It was always going to be a grind," he said. "I always expected that and it was great for the team to experience it tonight. It was a tough match and we'll be better for it."

"It was a very physical contest after what the media has done to this team over the past week. They did the Springbok jersey proud."

The South Africans signaled their intentions from the start Saturday when they confronted the All Blacks during their traditional haka. Krige led a vigorous forward effort and although there was a lack of communication in the inside backs, the Springbok midfield was unbreakable.

The All Blacks must now prepare for next week's match with Australia in Auckland in which they will attempt to add the Bledisloe Cup to the Tri-Nations trophy.

"We're happy but everyone realizes there's one more big match to go and we're focusing on that," Thorne said.

NEW ZEALAND 19 (Joe Rokocoko try; Carlos Spencer 4 penalties, conversion) def. SOUTH AFRICA 11 (Richard Bands try; Louis Koen 2 penalties).

 

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