South Africa have fallen to a 23-35 defeat at Ellis Park to New Zealand.

The All Blacks opened up a 15-point lead following tries from captain Sam Cane and Samisoni Taukei'aho, but the world champions fought back to take the lead with 12 minutes to go courtesy of scores from Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, as well as 15 points from the trusty boot of Handre Pollard.

Late tries from David Havili and Scott Barrett stunned the Springboks to deliver a vital victory.

Here is how we rated the Springboks in defeat.

1. Ox Nche - 6

Nche didn't grab the upper hand at scrum time as he would have liked, but he made his tackles. A solid enough performance before being replaced in the 36th minute.

2. Joseph Dweba - 4

Early errors with his brake foot at the scrum, he threw a shoddy first lineout that New Zealand picked off. He was replaced in the 30th minute.

3. Frans Malherbe - 7

A significant defensive shift from the big man in his 50th test cap. His scrummage was solid, and he carried strongly. Stayed on longer than his starting peers playing 51 minutes.

4. Eben Etzebeth - 6.5

Etzebeth piled into rucks throughout the match and made nine tackles. A solid lineout option, but he wasn't quite as impactful as he has been in recent tests.

5. Lood de Jager - 7

The Springboks' lineout faltered at times, but de Jager can't shoulder all the blame for that. He was busy around the park making 13 tackles, and was effective at the breakdown. 

6. Siya Kolisi - 6

He had some big carries and tackles throughout his 51-minute shift, but he was not nearly as effective as last week.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit - 8

A stock standard tireless performance from du Toit, who looked to be on his way to scoring a great intercept try in the first half. He thundered into tackles, was a safe lineout option and covered just about every blade of grass on the Ellis Park pitch.

8. Duane Vermeulen - 5

It was a gamble for the Springboks to start the veteran loose forward, but it did look as if it was a week too early for him. He made his tackles and made three solid carries, but he wasn't at his best.

9. Jaden Hendrikse - 6

He was arguably unlucky to have been penalised for his obstruction line, but his kicking wasn't on point either. A few too many went just too far or too shallow and hooked a few as well. 

10. Handre Pollard - 6

Another good game from the tee, and Pollard threw a nice pass in the build-up to Lukhanyo Am's try. He made a few questionable decisions with ball in hand but otherwise a sound outing.

11. Makazole Mapimpi - 8

Mapimpi saw plenty of ball for a change as he racked up 118 running metres. His aerial work was on point as he regularly put the All Blacks under pressure. He took his chance to score well and was unlucky to have another ruled out.

12. Damian de Allende - 6.5

He held onto the ball on a few occasions when he should have spread it wider, but other than that, it was another strong outing for the abrasive centre. He spent most of the game in the outside centre channel and didn't look out of place.

13. Lukhanyo Am - 9

He ripped through the All Blacks' defence about every time he touched the ball. An outstanding game, particularly considering that he played most of it on the wing after Kriel's injury. He scored a try, had an assist ruled out, made over 140 running metres and beat four defenders.

14. Jesse Kriel - n/a

Last just nine minutes before he was forced off the pitch. The third game in a row that South Africa has lost a backline player in the first half. 

15. Damian Willemse - 7

Willemse threw a stellar long pass to assist Makazole Mapimpi's try. He was outstanding in defence, making another superb cover tackle. He was rightfully yellow-carded early in the game but spent most of the match making up for it. 

Replacements

16. Malcolm Marx - 7

There were still some lineout troubles after he came on, but his impact was notable. 

17. Steven Kitshoff - 7

One penalty against him but helped turn things around for South Africa.

18. Vincent Koch - 6.5

Another player who made a strong impression off the bench.

19. Franco Mostert - 6

Busy around the park but was beaten at the lineout by the likes of Barrett and Whitelock.

20. Jasper Wiese - 7

One silly penalty doesn't takeaway from a big performance in place of Vermuelen. He strong on defence and made good metres with the ball in hand.

21. Kwagga Smith - 6

Busy in all departments.

22. Herschel Jantjies - n/a

Not on long enough to warrant a fair rating.

23. Willie Le Roux - 7

A standout on attack but was found wanting on defence at times.