All Blacks return to number world number 1 ranking
The All Blacks continued their home dominance with a hard fought victory downing the Springboks on another cold unwelcoming Wellington night. The win takes the All Blacks to number one in the rugby rankings and gave the Springboks their first loss since the World Cup.
It began as a torrid affair with both teams playing with passion, and vigor that saw All Blacks lock Brad Thorn appear to lift South African captain John Smit and drop him to the turf after the whistle had blown.
This was probably Thorns only mistake, he went on to have a strong performance, along with Ali Williams. Playing without the injured Richie McCaw the All Blacks barely missed a beat thanks to the work of Rodney So'oialo, his replacement as captain and in the No 7 jersey. In the backs it was once again a master class from Daniel Carter and Conrad Smith performance on defence was outstanding.
The Springboks show enough to warrant careful preparation for the AB's this week ahead of the Dunedin test, but for now the rugby world seems to be back in order
New Zealand 19 (Jerome Kaino try; Daniel Carter 4 pen, con) South Africa 8 (Bryan Habana try; Butch James pen). Halftime: 9-8.
Rudi Wulf of the All Blacks is tackled by South Africa's Bryan Habana. Photo / Mark Mitchell
