All Blacks shatter Springboks' invincible air

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

WELLINGTON (AFP) — The All Blacks reclaimed rugby supremacy Saturday when they overpowered world champions South Africa 19-8 in an immensely physical opening Tri-Nations Test here.

The All Blacks extended their world record unbeaten run of home victories to 30 and won back much of the respect they lost at home following their shock early exit from last year's World Cup.

In the process they brought a 14-game winning streak by the Springboks to an abrupt and brutal halt.

With forecasted strong winds holding off until the dying stages and the chilly rain disappearing for the second half, both sides scored one try with Dan Carter landing four penalties for the All Blacks to one by Springbok flyhalf Butch James.

In a titanic battle, which threatened to...