All Blacks pull off comeback victory
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA— New Zealand scored two tries in the last five minutes and kicked a match-winning conversion on the final play to beat South Africa 32-30 on Saturday, avenging their loss to the Springboks three weeks ago in thrilling fashion.
Scott Barrett drove over from close range in the 75th, and Ardie Savea from a similar position in the 80th, as the world champions showed worldchampion composure and belief.
Replacement flyhalf Richie Mo’unga kicked the conversion of Savea’s try to win.
The All Blacks had already secured the Rugby Championship title — their third straight — but targeted this last-round game as the one they really wanted to win after the Springboks’ upset in Wellington.
To win at Loftus Versfeld, New Zealand twice came back from 17 points down, first when it trailed 23-6 early in the second half and then when 30-13 down entering the last quarter.
New Zealand, strangely lacklustre in the first 40, saved its best for the last quarter, when it rolled past a Springboks team that had ran out of steam.
The game was still in the balance with five to go and New Zealand 12 points behind.
Barrett wrestled his way over after a series of drives off a lineout to set up the grandstand finish.
Replacement Savea did the same and the All Blacks ground to a gutsy win, and a satisfying finish to another successful southern hemisphere championship.