Referee assault mars All Blacks victory

South Africa 23 New Zealand 30

The assault on Irish referee Dave McHugh marred what was otherwise a thrilling Tri-Nations encounter between South Africa and New Zealand.

The All Blacks eventually triumphed but not until McHugh had been helped from the field early in the second half after a man wearing a Springbok shirt got through security and wrestled the Irishman to the ground, dislocating his shoulder.

The victory puts New Zealand five points clear of their arch-rivals Australia, who must win and score at least four tries next weekend to keep their Tri-Nations hopes alive.

Neil de Kock and Andre Pretorius scored the Springbok tries and in reply Leon MacDonald, Doug Howlett and Aaron Mauger all touched down for the All Blacks with McHugh also awarding a penalty try during the first half.

Pretorius added two conversions, two penalties and a drop goal to tally 16 points, while opposite number Andrew Mehrtens had a slightly less successful day with the boot, kicking two conversions and two penalties.