Rugyby Tri-Nations: Emphatic All Blacks overwhelms South Africa

The All Blacks carved up an under-strength Springbok side to open their Tri-Nations account with an emphatic 40-7 victory at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

They scored six tries to one in the runaway win as they exposed the inexperience of the South African line-up.

A week after being humbled 39-20 by Australia, the Springboks slumped even further as they found themselves comprehensively outplayed in the forwards and could not cope with the speed and width of the All Black backs.

With 21 key players left at home because of injury, the Springboks were always going to struggle, particularly in the forwards where the more experienced All Blacks feasted on a regular supply of turnover ball.

The New Zealanders stepped up several levels with a far more controlled performance from the decidedly rusty shake-down against Fiji last week.

It was also a record-breaking outing for All Blacks pivot Dan Carter, who suffered an off-night with the boot missing four shots at goal but still contributed 10 points to become the top all-time points scorer in Test rugby with 1204, nine clear of England's Jonny Wilkinson.

ORIGINAL SOURCE

Content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.