AUCKLAND –
New Zealand stayed firm at its 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 on Saturday.
Under pressure after conceding a first-ever defeat on Argentina 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.
Two well-taken tries by Emoni Narawa and Will Jordan set up a 14-3 lead at halftime before Quinn Tupaea grabbed a third 5-pointer for the hosts 13 minutes from time in the rainy Rugby Championship blockbuster.
New Zealand holds off South Africa close battle in Auckland
