13 Sep 2009

South Africa win Tri Nations

11:10 am on 13 September 2009

South Africa won their first Tri-Nations title since 2004 with a 32-29 victory over New Zealand in Hamilton.

South Africa fullback Frans Steyn slotted three long-range penalties, while flyhalf Morne Steyn kicked 13 points for the visitors, who withstood a late charge from the All Blacks.

Fourie du Preez and Jean de Villiers scored tries for the visitors, de Villiers coming from an intercept to take the Springboks to a 29-12 lead midway through the second half.

Sitiveni Sivivatu and captain Richie McCaw then scored tries as the All Blacks came storming back.

The All Blacks had a chance to win the game in the last seconds but a Daniel Carter cross kick just eluded lock Isaac Ross and went in to touch.

Daniel Carter kicked 19 points.

New Zealand meet Australia in the final game of the series next week in Wellington.