Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:23 pm
New Zealand: 17 (23)
Tries: Bridge, Barrett Pens: Mo’unga 2, Barrett Cons: Mo’unga 2
South Africa: 3 (13)
Tries: Du Toit Pens: Pollard Cons: Pollard DG: Pollard
Defending champions New Zealand produced a clinical display to hold off a spirited South Africa in their World Cup Pool B opener in Yokohama.
The Springboks started brightly and took the lead with a Handre Pollard penalty before the All Blacks hit back.
Richie Mo’unga drew New Zealand level and two quick tries by George Bridge and Scott Barrett put them in front.
Pieter-Steph du Toit’s try and a Pollard drop-goal made it tense before Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett penalties.
The result means New Zealand extend their winning run to 15 games in the competition, last losing to France in the 2007 quarter-finals.
