The All Blacks have stolen a 19-17 victory over the Springboks and retained their No.1 world ranking in the 100th Test between the countries.
New Zealand and South Africa traded tries in the opening six minutes courtesy of Will Jordan and S’busiso Nkosi but the remaining 74 minutes of play consisted of only penalties.
The All Blacks, with nine straight victories under their belt before Saturday’s match in Townsville, took a 16-14 lead in the 61st minute before a sixth lead change saw South Africa go ahead 17-16 with 13 minutes remaining.
New Zealand reserve Quinn Tupaea won a crucial turnover penalty in the dying stages that paved the way for Jordie Barrett to give his side a two-point lead with just over two minutes remaining.
After a century of history between these sides, this match lived up to expectations.
The teams will do battle once again in seven days’ time. New Zealand’s narrow win means the Wallabies cannot win the Rugby Championship.
The All Blacks have not lost a Test since last year’s loss to Argentina in November in Sydney.
The All Blacks conceded a staggering 23 turnovers to South Africa’s eight but it was Jordie Barrett’s flawless night with the boot (five from five) that helped his side chalk up a memorable win.
South Africa were just minutes away from regaining their world No.1 ranking, having suffered back-to-back defeats to the Wallabies, but couldn’t execute when it mattered most.
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