Precision and individual class saw the All Blacks complete their second win, 31-17, over South Africa to make a flying start to the 2010 Tri Nations campaign on a wintry night at Westpac Stadium at Wellington.
South Africa limped to Australia point-less and seemingly bereft of ideas after another mauling by a highly-motivated All Blacks side.
Undeterred by miserable, wet conditions, the All Blacks were prepared to move the ball, even in their own 22m area, when playing into the wind. Nothing South Africa could do could contain the driving off the plays spearheaded by No.8 Kieran Read, who continued to grow in stature, flanker Jerome Kaino and hooker Keven Mealamu.
When they had done their work, first five-eighths Dan Carter was able to probe with his boot or let the ball out to the outside backs who were a constant threat.
Acting as the link, and an ideal choice under the circumstances, was halfback Piri Weepu. He thrived in the conditions, feeding the ball consistently while making breaks efficiently to ensure the advantage line was continually broken.
With Richie McCaw again leading the way in the loose, the All Blacks continually caught the South Africans on, or behind, the advantage line with some outstanding defence.
Ultimately, eight tries to two in the two matches highlighted the superiority of the All Blacks in the contests.
South Africa lacked direction from its first five-eighth Morne Steyn and it was left to hard-running by the midfield backs, especially Jaque Fourie, to try and get enough impetus for his side.
South Africa again paid the price for ill-discipline when lock Danie Roussouw was sin-binned when flicking at the eye of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw while he was seated on the ground.
A melee broke out but referee Alain Rolland had no qualms about pulling out the yellow card. Carter missed the kick for goal which resulted but the All Blacks struck at the drop out, when No.8 Kieran Read took good ball who flicked the ball to wing Cory Jane.
He linked inside to McCaw and from the ruck the ball was moved left where second five-eighths Ma'a Nonu charged ahead after doubling around and scored in the seventh minute.
South Africa attempted to move the ball through the midfield but Fourie was tackled and supporting players kicked the ball into halfback Piri Weepu's hands. He found space down the centre of the field and then threw a long pass to fullback Mils Muliaina who was flying from 40m out and he headed the cover defence to put New Zealand 10-0 up after 11 minutes.
A lucky penalty, resulting from a ruling against wing Rene Ranger for not using his arms in a tackle on Zane Kirchner, the South African fullback, when television replays suggested otherwise, allowed the Springboks their best scoring opportunity.
From a lineout, halfback Ricky Januarie sniped through a gap and then fed de Villiers into a gap and he raced into the goalmouth. From the ruck Roussouw charged over close to the posts to score. First five-eighths Morne Steyn landed the conversion.
Steyn got the Springboks to 13-10 behind just after the halftime break but again the re-start favoured New Zealand and when a downfield kick was run back by Muliaina, Carter was able to kick high and then rucked ball was moved for Ranger to dive over in the corner for