New Zealand vs. South Africa: Score and Recap from 2014 Rugby Championship Clash
New Zealand claimed a 14-10 win over South Africa on Saturday to cement their place at the summit of the Rugby Championship standings, following a tight, end-to-end encounter.
Steve Hansen will be grateful that the Springboks showed their share of the mistakes in what could have been a far worse result for his side, confirmed by BBC Sport:
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This was the 98th Test meeting between these two southern hemisphere titans, and Wellington was primed for a thrilling encounter, the hosts installed as favourites.
However, after an opening penalty from Aaron Cruden, Cornal Hendricks threw a spanner in the works, capitalising on some brilliant Duane Vermeulen groundwork in midfield to dot down for the game's opening try.
Handre Pollard also deserved his credit for the score, drawing Ma'a Nonu into the fray before unleashing his winger through the core of New Zealand's defence.
After just 15 minutes, the All Blacks found that their opponents would be just as or perhaps more resilient than expected, the Rugby Championship capturing Hendricks' moment of magic:
The two teams would reach half-time with the visitors in a 7-6 lead, New Zealand needing some spark of imagination to break down Heyneke Meyer's side, which had so far looked capable of damaging the All Blacks' title defence.
And how fitting it was that captain Richie McCaw was the man to provide that pivotal breakthrough in the 46th minute.
Cruden sent a cross-field kick on to the right flank for Kieran Read to bring down, McCaw providing an overlap of support that Jan Serfontein's last-ditch attempts couldn't prevent.
The decision went to TMO, but as Sky Sports Rugby shows, there was no questioning the score, putting McCaw in a fine vein of scoring form at this year's tournament, per the All Blacks' official Twitter account:
After 56 minutes and with the scores poised at 11-7, Pollard then demonstrated a cool which hasn't always been evident throughout the tournament. Stepping back into the pocket, he pulled his team within one point thanks to a well-taken drop goal.
A fine outing for Vermeulen continued when the No. 8 got over an All Blacks ruck to win a penalty for his side with just under 20 minutes left, but Wellington's jeers were enough to ensure Pollard's attempt just went wide to the right.
And from there, New Zealand pounced. The Springboks line-out in particular was in disarray, Bismarck du Plessis at one point gifting the opponent possession straight from the throw as the home side stretched their lead.
Beauden Barrett kicked to make the score 14-10, gaining confidence from a Westpac Stadium audience looking to push their substitute Hurricanes fly-half on.
A decisive moment came in the 75th minute, where Jean de Villiers opted to kick for the line-out rather than take a shot at goal. South Africa sensed their chance to take a lead, despite showcasing a flurry of handling errors.
Hansen's men were equal to the task, though, and a bout of late Springboks pressure was repelled after numerous phases, running flat lines and struggling to pierce their hosts' stern defence:
One last chance presented itself when South Africa's power at the scrum told in turning an 80th-minute pack-down, but the home side were just about able to dampen the last glimmers of South African hope, kicking out to cap off the four-point margin.
Hansen will be pleased to see his side win in scrappy fashion, a storyline that was always prone to unfolding against Saturday's opposition, but there are lessons to be learned all the same.
With Australia and Argentina set to clash later on Saturday, the All Blacks' lead at the top of the Rugby Championship table stretches to six points, however temporary that might be.
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