HIGHLIGHTS: 2018 TRC Rd 4: New Zealand v South Africa
- 3140
South Africa edged New Zealand 36-34 in a pulsating round 4 Rugby Championship clash. New Zealand started superbly, running in two early tries for a 12-0 lead.
The Springboks responded brilliantly, crossing for three tries to storm in front 21-12.
The All Blacks hit back with a try just before halftime, but South Africa kicked a penalty to draw the first half to a close with a 24-17 advantage. The Springboks got off to the perfect start in the second half, with an intercept try extending the lead to 31-17.
New Zealand bounced back with at try reducing the deficit back to seven points, but South Africa were in again a few minutes later to make it 36-24. The see-saw battle continued with New Zealand's 5th try making it 36-29 with just under a quarter of the match to play.
The Springboks were reduced to 14 players after picking up a yellow card and the hosts capitalized with their sixth try making it just a two-point ball game with 5 minutes remaining. An intense finish followed as New Zealand had a chance to sneak it at the death, but were kept out by some heroic Springbok defence as the visitors held on for a famous away victory.