BRIDGE KEEPS BOKS AT BAY

New Zealand 23 S Africa

13

NOTHING could stop New Zealand – not even a row with the World Cup officials – as they laid down an ominous marker to their rivals.

The slick and skilful All Blacks, bidding for an unprecedented third-successive Webb Ellis Cup, held off a second-half fightback by South Africa after superb first-half tries from George Bridge and Scott Barrett in Yokohama.

It was an impressive start but they were irked as Sam Cane was prevented returning to the field despite passing a concussion test.

The flanker, who underwent a check at half-time following a head-knock, was told he had exceeded the 10-minute limit, prompting a formal complaint from the world champions.

“The on-ground official felt he had overdone his time for the test,” said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

“He passed the test and was as good as gold but we have since had a chat with the match commissioner and they are going to have a yarn about it and rectify the situation for future games.”

The match, watched by a crowd of 63,649, lived up to its clash-of-the-titans billing from two sides who may yet be back at Yokohama in six weeks in the final. South Africa gave it a good crack, particularly in a third quarter in which they fought back from 14 points down to within four with a try from Pieter-steph du Toit.

But New Zealand – with full-back Beauden Barrett outstanding and his successor at stand-off Richie Mo’unga kicking them clear in the closing stages – proved they will be the team to beat.