17 Sep 2016

ABs outclass Springboks

9:57 pm on 17 September 2016

Hooker Dane Coles gave a masterclass in backline playmaking to set up three New Zealand tries as the world champions thrashed South Africa 41-13 to all but secure the Rugby Championship title on Saturday.

Dane Coles gives Faf de Klerk the big don't argue.

Dane Coles gives Faf de Klerk the big don't argue. Photo: Photosport

Look back at commentary of the game here.

Coles made the final pass for tries to Israel Dagg, Julian Savea and Sam Whitelock, while Ben Smith, Ardie Savea and TJ Perenara also crossed to secure the bonus-point victory.

Beauden Barrett slotted four conversions and a penalty for the home side, who have moved to 20 competition points and all but sealed the Rugby Championship with two games remaining.

Springboks winger Bryan Habana scored his 66th test try, three short of the world record of Japan's Daisuke Ohata, while flyhalf Elton Jantjies added a conversion and two penalties for the touring side.

Israel Dagg scores the first try.

Israel Dagg scores the first try. Photo: Photosport

The All Blacks started the match stringing attacking phases together with break-neck speed.

The Springboks were up to the challenge, lifting their intensity as they typically do against New Zealand to defy their previous form in the Rugby Championship.

They answered with vigour, sending their talisman, Habana, across the line in the 19th minute to score the opening try, following a daring break into the All Blacks' 22.

Unfazed, New Zealand scored from the kick-off when Dagg waltzed across the chalk unmarked.

Barrett added the extras as he did from the sideline 10 minutes later, after Julian Savea busted over in the corner for the All Black's second.

Julian Savea scores.

Julian Savea scores. Photo: Photosport

Ahead 15-10 at half time, New Zealand increased their advantage 10 minutes into the second half when Ben Smith slipped over the line, thanks to two runs and some slick hands from Ardie Savea.

The flanker scored the next try himself carrying one Springbok on his back and another around one leg.

The result was put beyond doubt when Sam Whitelock scored the All Blacks' fifth in the left corner thanks to a huge pass from Coles.

Perenara caught the Sprinkboks napping to score the final try of the game.

The All Blacks next face Argentina in Buenos Aires on October 2.

Ardie Savea scores.

Ardie Savea scores. Photo: Photosport

-Reuters/RNZ