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All Blacks sneak dramatic late win

Author
Adam Cooper ,
Publish Date
Sun, 26 Jul 2015, 5:06AM
Ben Smith scoring the first All Blacks try (Twitter)
Ben Smith scoring the first All Blacks try (Twitter)

All Blacks sneak dramatic late win

Author
Adam Cooper ,
Publish Date
Sun, 26 Jul 2015, 5:06AM

Updated 9.27am: The All Blacks have rallied back for a 27-20 win over South Africa in another thrilling Rugby Championship encounter in Johannesburg.

MORE: Six of the Best - Key Players from the match

The Springboks proved the dominant side of the first half, with Willie Le Roux crossing over for a try in the ninth minute.

However, Ben Smith retaliated on the verge of the halftime break to score a converted try which levelled the scores up at 10-all at the break.

The physical South African side came out firing again in the second spell, with Jesse Kriel dotting down for an important try early on.

AUDIO: Highlights from the match

The All Blacks were dealt a further blow when lock Sam Whitelock was sent to the sin bin after regular infringing.

However, when the Springboks lost both tighthead props scrums were no longer contested.

Coach Steve Hansen said that was a relief after Sam Whitelock was sin binned.

"Noone in the world has three tighthead props in there so they had to go to golden oldies scrums. We were down to seven men versus eight, and that would have been a tough spot to get out of, so I think that was a massive turning point."

New Zealand reclaimed the lead late in the match, when captain Richie McCaw scored from a superb lineout move.

McCaw has told Sky Sport they were forced to dig deep.

"In that first half we got beaten to the punch, breakdown areas and in the contact. But we worked our way back into the game, and a couple of crucial times on d and we got our points when we needed to."

Lima Sopoaga converted the try and slotted a further three points to solidify the lead, with the first-five scoring 12 points in a pleasing debut.

Springboks coach Heyneke Mayer said the injury to flanker Francois Louw and several other forwards cost them.

"We lost three of our forwards. Guys came on but you know we needed those guys in the last 15, so big setback."

All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick is battling an injured ankle, while midfielder Ma'a Nonu picked up a shoulder problem.

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