New Zealand hold off South Africa 24-17 in Eden Park battle

On the night of his 100th test, Ardie Savea made a heroic turnover in the final minutes to thwart a South Africa raid on the try-line

CHARGING: New Zealand's Jordie Barrett on the burst in Saturday's heayweight Rugby Championship clash between the All Blacks and South Africa at Eden Park. Pic: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

New Zealand hung tough at their Eden Park fortress to claim an attritional 24-17 win over South Africa in a heavyweight clash between the world's top two rugby sides early Saturday.

Under pressure after conceding a first-ever defeat on Argentine soil against the Pumas two weeks ago, the All Blacks responded with a performance of grit and discipline to stretch their unbeaten run at their Auckland stronghold to 51 matches.