Performance of the Day

New Zealand were by far and away the most impressive team of the day, recording a resounding victory over Southern Hemisphere rivals South Africa with a score of 57-15. The victory rounded off a fantastic Rugby Championship campaign for the All Blacks, who finished the competition with six wins from six games with six four try bonus points.

The first half was a close fought affair with the sides going into the break with only three points between them. The Kiwis managed to get over the try-line twice in the first forty. The first was scored by Israel Dagg after clever play by flanker, Jerome Kaino. The second was a controversial score after TJ Perenara appeared to lose control of the ball as he dived for the line.

In the second half New Zealand really turned on the style as they played some fantastic, free-flowing, attacking rugby. They ran in seven tries to put the Springboks to the sword. Dagg and Perenara got over again to get a brace each. Beauden Barrett also got over for a couple of five pointers as well as playing a crucial role in assisting his teammates for their scores. Other try-scorers on the day included replacements Codie Taylor and Liam Squire, as well as star performer Ben Smith.

An almost perfect performance by the world champions showed rugby fans everywhere just what they are capable of against world class opposition. Australia will have to play out of their skin to have a chance of beating them in Bledisloe three in a couple of weeks time.