(SATSports) – Reigning world champions South Africa suffered a narrow 19-17 defeat against New Zealand in their Rugby Championship encounter at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Saturday.
Both teams scored one try each, in the first half, with Springboks winger S’bu Nkosi replying to Will Jordan’s effort for the All Blacks.
All Blacks full-back Jordie Barrett kicked a late winning penalty for New Zealand who were down 17-16 with five minutes left, to finish with 14 points.
Springboks fly-half Handre Pollard kicked four penalties to finish with 12 points but crucially missed a conversion after Nkosi’s try that would have potentially seen the game end as a draw.
It was the 100th Test match between the two great rivals and victory saw New Zealand improve their record against South Africa to 60 wins, 36 defeats and four draws.
The very first Test between the two three-time world champions was played at Carisbrook ground in Dunedin on 13 August 1921.
The win also confirmed New Zealand as winners of the 2021 Rugby Championship.
Meanwhile, South Africa will rue their failure to take advantage of their turnovers and some decision making as they slumped to a third successive defeat in the tournament.
Hosts Australia are slated to play Argentina in the day’s other game at the same venue and could leapfrog South Africa into second place with a win.
