All Blacks thrash Springboks

3.00am

NEW ZEALAND 52 SOUTH AFRICA 16

PRETORIA - The All Blacks scored seven tries to thrash the Springboks in their Tri-Nations match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria this morning.

The victory was a record win for the All Blacks against their greatest rivals. The previous best was a 28-nil victory in Dunedin four years ago.

The All Blacks backline was in fine form and scored six of the seven New Zealand tries. Wings Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko, who each scored two tries, had too much pace for the South African backs. The other New Zealand tries came from first five-eighth Carlos Spencer, second five-eighth Aaron Mauger and replacement prop Kees Meeuws. Meeuws' celebration was shortlived when he was yellow-carded for elbowing Springbok prop Robbie Kempson after crossing the line.

New Zealand's other points came from Spencer, who was successful with four conversions and three penalties. He ended the match with a personal haul of 22 points.

In reply Springboks first five-eighth Louis Koen kicked two penalties, a conversion and a drop goal, while wing Ashwin Willemse scored a late try.

The Springboks did not seem to be the same side which shocked the Wallabies in Cape Town a week ago. This was mainly due to solid tackling by the All Blacks, who shut down any Springbok attack. The hot, dry conditions also suited the speedy All Blacks, who looked dangerous every time they got the ball.

All Black No 8 Jerry Collins, who made some telling tackles and was also prominent in attack, was named man of the match. He was supported by the rest of the pack, who stood up to the physical Springbok tight five.

New Zealand led 22-9 at halftime.


Scorers:

South Africa - Try: Ashwin Willemse; Conversion: Louis Koen; Penalties: Koen (2). Drop goal: Koen.

New Zealand - Tries: Carlos Spencer, Doug Howlett (2), Joe
Rokocoko (2), Kees Meeuws, Aaron Mauger; Conversions: Spencer
(4); Penalties: Spencer (3).

- HERALD STAFF