Champions win again

After trailing early on the All Blacks stormed back for another impressive victory, the first in the republic under Graham Henry's leadership and first since a 52-16 thrashing, also in Pretoria, three years ago.

Flyhalf Dan Carter kicked four penalties and converted four of the five tries scored by Neemia Tialata, Luke McAlister, Sivivatu Sitiveni, Mils Muliaina and Rico Gear.

Springbok passion and the advantage of playing in front of a full house at Loftus Versfeld saw the home side dominate the opening 10 minutes as they took an 11-3 lead.

However, the All Blacks, already assured of the title, forced their way back into the game to lead 16-11 at halftime and run away with it after the break.

Carter kicked three first-half penalties, the last after the hooter from 61 metres, and his deft chip set up prop Tialata's try.

Victory was secure midway through the second half as McAlister, Muliaina and Sivivatu all scored long range tries to give New Zealand a 38-14 lead.

The visitors were shaded in the scrums and lineouts, but their powerful attacking game was unfettered by the Springbok defence, which was tight at close quarters but flimsy out wide.

After a try by scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and penalties by fullback Percy Montgomery and flyhalf Butch James, the Springboks lost steam. Their basic ball-handling and retention of possession at the breakdown were poor.

The stunned crowd of 52 000 were at least able to enjoy two moments of attacking skill from the Springboks as neat passes from Jacques Cronje and Jean de Villiers rewarded fine lines of running by Jaque Fourie.

But the All Blacks had the final say when the Springboks once again turned over possession on attack and Collins' kick down the middle of the field allowed wing Rico Gear to gather and run in the fifth try past a non-existent defence.

"It takes time to get used to the conditions, altitude is a factor and it took them a while to get their second wind," Henry said of his side's slow start.

"For the first 10 minutes it looked like they were walking in porridge. But then they played very well, especially in attack in the second half. We were able to get the ball wide and score some great tries. Our loss in Cape Town last year (22-16) played on people's minds a bit, so it's nice to put that to bed."

Springbok coach Jake White said he was disappointed his team failed to capitalise on their good start, blaming defensive lapses for the fourth defeat on the trot in the competition.

"Apart from being concerned that we didn't capitalise on a good start, I'm also very concerned about the amount of space we gave them," he said.

"Obviously, conceding five tries means we have to look at our defence. If you make a mistake, the All Blacks will punish you and today they did that with 100 percent accuracy.

New Zealand's joy was marred slightly by four injuries.

Fullback Leon Macdonald and Greg Somerville both left the field in the opening quarter, the prop with a series Achilles injury, while number eight Chris Masoe and blindside flank Reuben Thorne are also in doubt for next Saturday's test against the Springboks in Rustenburg, a platinum mining town 80 kilometres west of Pretoria.

"Greg has torn his achilles tendon, which has a huge recovery time of about six months and is very disappointing,"

Henry said. "Chris (ankle) and Leon (hip flexor) both have serious injuries too and will be out for at least two to three weeks and we think Reuben Thorne has broken his thumb."