18 Jul 2010

All Blacks' defence outstanding as they beat the Springboks

3:06 pm on 18 July 2010

The All Blacks defeated South Africa 31-17 in the second Tri-Nations test in Wellington on Saturday night.

New Zealand scored four tries to two and led 13-10 at half time.

Radio New Zealand's rugby correspondent says the Springboks were an improvement on the previous week in Auckland when they were comfortably beaten 32-12.

But in the second half the All Blacks were outstanding in defence as they repelled several South African attacks.

The scoreline could have been more favourable to the home side though, Dan Carter had an average night with his kicking, missing five attempts at goals. He struck two penalties and a conversion.

Ma'a Nonu, Mils Muliaina, Rene Ranger and Israel Dagg scored tries for the All Blacks while Piri Weepu added a penalty.

Danie Rossouw and Schalk Burger scored tries for the world champions, while Morne Steyn added a penalty and two conversions.

New Zealand now have two wins and two bonus points for a handy lead after just two games.

Next Saturday, the Springboks play Australia in Brisbane and a week later the All Blacks cross the Tasman to face the Wallabies in Melbourne.

Jean de Villiers suspended

South African rugby wing Jean de Villiers has been suspended for two weeks following a dangerous tip tackle on his All Blacks opposit Rene Ranger during the test.

De Villiers lifted and tipped Ranger towards the ground during a tackle in the 27th minute of the match.

The judicial officer says an important mitigating factor in de Villiers' favour was his good disciplinary record, which consisted of one yellow card during a career spanning nearly 10 years and 60 tests.

The winger will miss the Springbok's next Tri-Nations match against Australia, in Brisbane on Saturday.