All Blacks steal win in South Africa

South Africa 21 New Zealand 26

South Africa have narrowly lost to New Zealand in the last ten minutes of the second of the 2007 Tri-Nations series in Durban today.

The home side used their impressive lineout as a platform to keep the pressure on the defending champions in the opening 20 minutes.

They were held up over the line at one stage but came away with two penalties by Percy Montgomery and Ruan Pienaar.

The All Blacks showed a little better in the second 20 minutes and Dan Carter managed to equalise with two three-pointers from four attempts.

However, the Springboks led 11-6 at the break thanks to a try by Schalk Burger after another lineout maul.

Aaron Mauger shortened the lead with a drop goal soon after the restart but Sharks outhalf Butch James ran in an interception try with Montgomery converting to double the Kiwi's score with 45 minutes played.

Carter made it three from six when sub backrow Pedri Wannenburg was sin-binned for hands in the ruck near his own line just minutes after joining the fray.

Montgomery kicked another penalty but the All Blacks turned the screw in the final quarter as the home side tired and the game became looser.

Captain Richie McCaw burst over from three yards out after a great run by number eight Rodney So'oialo and Joe Rokocoko's touchdown after 72 minutes gave New Zealand the lead for the first time, with Carter converting both.

It ended 21-26 with the visitors camped on the Springboks' line but the home side had secured the losing bonus point and so remain top of the table.