Associated Press
New Zealand stretched its unbeaten record at Eden Park to 51 matches with a 24-17 win over world champion South Africa on Saturday in a match played in passing rain and under a hail of Springboks’ kicks.
South Africa kicked incessantly in the first half, from scrumhalf, flyhalf and center but without positive effect in a test billed as the biggest of the year.
The All Blacks, coming off a loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires two weeks ago, attacked with ball in hand and scored tries inside 17 minutes to winger Emoni Narawa and fullback Will Jordan, building a lead that the Springboks couldn’t break down.
In contrast with the ball in hand, South Africa was often ineffective. The foundations of their attacking play were static and the All Blacks’ defense was excellent in unpicking their strength at breakdowns and mauls.
The Springboks still were strong at set pieces
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