’Boks face the acid test from All Blacks

SOUTH AFRICA can prove their Tri-Nations triumph over Australia was no fluke by beating greatest rivals New Zealand at Loftus Stadium today.

Record losses in France, Scotland and England late last year and fortunate warm-up wins over Scotland and Argentina reduced the Springboks to outsiders despite having home advantage over the Wallabies last weekend.

But inspired performances from replacement fullback Brent Russell and centre De Wet Barry triggered a massive improvement that led to a 26-22 victory in the opening match of the annual southern hemisphere rugby union championship.