Springboks Blackwashed on all fronts
South Africa(9) 16
Try: Willemse. Conversion: Koen. Penalties: Koen (2). Drop goal: Koen
New Zealand(22) 52
Tries: Rokocoko (2), Howlett (2), Meeuws, Spencer, Mauger. Conversions: Spencer (4). Penalties: Spencer (3)
When your only game-breaker is still basking in the glory of the Tri-Nations opener you can hardly expect the most potent attacking side to hide their weapons of mass destruction in sympathy.
The All Blacks prized open all the Springbok wounds coach Rudolf Straeuli believed his team had patched up in last week's stirring win at Newlands. Those wounds are gaping and they may already be septic.
The theme for the Springboks on Saturday was a familiar one against a side that has become their bogey team over the last few seasons. How much longer can we really call this the greatest rivalry in Test rugby?
Fact is, New Zealand again underlined the value of superlative game breakers, who made the most of the scant opportunity that fell their way in the first half before running riot in the second.
Often under the Springbok whip at close quarters in the opening half, the All Blacks absorbed the early barrage before running with purpose and direction in equal measure to unlock the Springbok defence almost at will in the second.
The obdurate defence that was a hallmark of the Bok performance at Newlands was left at the coast. No rapidly advancing defence, no bone crunchers in midfield.
Equally conspicuous by its absence was the Boks' controlled aggression, which incapacitated the Wallabies at the breakdown a week ago.
With the levels of commitment that rattled the Wallabies clearly absent, the Springbok challenge ultimately petered out and this time there was no game breaker to gloss over the short comings.
There was, however, right wing Ashwin Willemse, who deserves kudos for his determination and perseverance.
While the hosts were able to grind some go-forward when they opted for the direct approach, most notably through Juan Smith and Bakkies Botha, they failed to make headway when the ball went past the first
receiver. Louis Koen, De Wet Barry and Andre Snyman formed a hamfisted midfield combination, while Stefan Terblanche and last week's hero Brent Russell had one of those days where a lengthy sleep-in would have been more appropriate.
From the moment Russell let the first up-and-under slip from his grasp, the little dynamo's light started to dim.
While there was more honest endeavour among the forwards, they also struggled to subdue their direct opposition. Smith was a tireless workhorse at No 8, lock Botha displayed similar industry, while tighthead prop Richard Bands delivered another creditable performance.
The All Blacks' fetcher, captain Reuben Thorne and No 8 Jerry Collins combined well in the backrow, while Chris Jack proved a thorn in the Springbok side.
Hooker Keven Mealumu again displayed his terrier-like instincts when taking the ball on the charge, while the back three axis of Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko made the Springboks pay when they were presented the opportunity to stretch their legs.
Carlos Spencer was assured at flyhalf, but if the All Blacks are going to take lingering questions out of this match it is the inability of the Blues' flyhalf to find the middle of the uprights with monotonous regularity.
Regrettably, the Springboks have a lot more than the accuracy of their goalkickers with which to concern themselves.
TEAMS
South Africa - Brent Russell (Andre Pretorius 56th); Stefan Terblanche, Andre Snyman, De Wet Barry, Ashwin Willemse; Louis Koen, Joost van der Westhuizen (Craig Davidson 64th); Juan Smith, Wikus van Heerden (Pedrie Wannenburg (64th), Corne Krige (captain); Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha (Selborne Boome 70th); Richard Bands (Rob Kempson 55th), Danie Coetzee (Dale Santon 60th), Lawrence Sephaka. Coach: Rudolf Straeuli
New Zealand - Mils Muliaina; Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko; Carlos Spencer, Steve Devine; Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw, Reuben Thorne (captain); Ali Williams (Brad Thorne 51st), Chris Jack; Greg Somerville, Keven Mealamu, Dave Hewett (Kees Meeuws 55th). Coach: John Mitchell
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Cards: Yellow to Meeuws for elbowing
Crowd: 50 000