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Carter stars in All Blacks victory

New Zealand's Dan Carter, right, tackles South Africa's Juan Smith in the Tri-Nations match at the Westpac Stadium, in Wellington, New Zealand, yesterday. PHOTO: AP

Flyhalf Daniel Carter inspired the All Blacks to a 35-17 victory over a courageous South African side in an intensely physical Tri-Nations rugby Test yesterday.

South Africa were under pressure to perform after their drubbing at the hands of Australia last week and they made a flying start with a try from the kick-off.

But their ill-discipline, and inability to perform at pace for the full 80 minutes cost them dearly as Carter banged over seven penalties and was instrumental in both the All Blacks' tries by Piri Weepu and Richie McCaw.

The No. 10's kicking record was 100 percent, producing a personal tally of 25 points.

South Africa's reply came from tries to Fourie du Preez and Breyton Paulse, both converted by Percy Montgomery who missed three of four penalty shots at goal.

It was not a complete performance from the All Blacks who looked dangerous when allowed to attack, but wasted a lot of possession with errant tactical kicking.

They led 19-7 at half-time, but the score flattered them as Victor Matfield won two lineouts for the Springboks against the throw and Jacques Cronje and Juan Smith equalled McCaw, Rodney So'oialo and Reuben Thorne at the breakdown.

Percy Montgomery, left, of the Springboks is tackled by Mils Muliaina, right, of the All Blacks during the Tri-Nations match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

With 10 minutes remaining, the Springboks were only eight points in arrears, but by then they had run out of steam and it was left to Carter and McCaw to put the issue beyond doubt.

Early on the more cohesive Springboks forwards had been in charge, and the recalled Butch James brought much-needed fluidity to their backs' rush-defense which troubled the All Blacks.

Mils Muliaina, left, of the All Blacks runs down the line with teammate Chris Jack, right, during the Tri-Nations match against South African in Wellington yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

On one of the few occasions the All Blacks did attack with pace, Mils Muliaina threw a forward pass to Leon MacDonald when they had a two-man overlap.

But as the match wore on, and the All Blacks forwards gained parity up front, the South Africans' heads went down as Carter notched up the points.

It was a face-saving turn around for the pivot who gifted the Springboks their opening try when his attempt to clear from the kick-off was charged down and Fourie du Preez scored within 18 seconds of the start.

Montgomery's conversion put the Springboks up 7-0 and, desperate to impress after the Australian capitulation, they enjoyed the best of the early exchanges.

But Carter slowly reeled in the visitors. The flyhalf slotted four penalties at regular intervals, and then on the stroke of half-time he made the break which led to Weepu's try.

Carter's conversion had the All Blacks ahead 19-7 at the turn, extending the lead to 25-7 with two further penalties soon after the resumption.

South Africa narrowed the gap with 15 minutes remaining when a neat du Preez cross-kick landed in the arms of Breyton Paulse who scampered 20 meters to score.

Montgomery converted and added a penalty to narrow the gap to 25-17, and the outcome was in the balance.

But the Springboks had nothing left to counter the All Blacks' late rally led by Carter, who produced another penalty before sending McCaw away for the last try with a fine kick-and-chase down the left touchline.

The Springboks now have a second clash with the Wallabies on the road before they return to South Africa for three home matches.

The All Blacks face away and home fixtures against the Wallabies and then go to South Africa for their final two matches.
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