All Blacks emerge worthy winners as they outscore Springboks in first test upset

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 22 : New Zealand overcame a tough physical challenge to outscore South Africa five tries to one and win the first test 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday to go one-up in the four-match series.

The All Blacks had been underdogs going into the first international of their eight-match tour but took full advantage of the hosts' numerous handling errors and ill discipline for a statement victory that ended a 12-match winning streak for the Springboks and will rock the confidence of the world champions.

Will Jordan extended his run as New Zealand’s record try scorer with two tries that bookended scores from Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson. Ruben Love kicked over four conversions.

South Africa’s try came from Andre Esterhuizen with three penalties and a conversion from Cheslin Kolbe.

An attritional contest was always on the cards and it proved a slugfest at times as South Africa looked to impose their physicality, but the All Blacks took them on toe-to-toe and emerged with a deserved win.

It hands them a major psychological advantage with the next three tests to follow on successive Saturdays.

"I'm incredibly proud, the score might be convincing but there was nothing in it and it was an absolute arm wrestle," said winning coach Dave Rennie.

"We defended and defended and we were clinical when we got our opportunities. It’s a great result for us,"

The Springboks had the chance to take an early lead in the second minute with an easy-looking penalty but opted for a lineout instead, looking to maul over for an early statement try, but botched it.

The next penalty, three minutes later, was then booted over for the opening points of the series.

SPURNING EASY POINTS

When New Zealand had their first opportunity to