Wynne Gray: Boks' doggedness stunts ABs' dash but not prized win

New Zealand All Blacks winger Julian Savea in action during the Semi-Final 1, between New Zealand and South Africa. Photo / Brett Phibbs

There was nothing pretty about the All Black victory but everything attractive about a place in the World Cup final.

It's far more appealing than a hollow playoff match at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday which awaits the Boks after their dogged confrontation but eventual loss to their major rivals.

Conditions were a little tetchy with some rain, the odds rose several more levels and the All Blacks tightened their game. In many ways they were forced to because the Boks were not about to concede any territory to a team which thrives on adventure.

The Springboks shut down that space by attacking the breakdowns with such ferocity that much of the All Blacks' enterprise was stunted. Referee Jerome Garces found plenty of fault with the All Blacks and Handre Pollard, then Patrick Lambie kept kicking penalties.

The penalty count was a significant 14-6 in the Boks' favour.

When the All Blacks needed to staunch that first half damage they turned to the lineouts and picked off four of their rivals' throws.

One of the most significant came near the end as the Boks made a play for territory and a possible winning penalty from a lineout drive. Victor Matfield was on the field and set to take delivery from replacement hooker Adriaan Strauss.

Sam Whitelock rose to the same altitude and a touch in front of the Springbok legend. The All Black lock got the vital grab and the impending danger was shut down.

That small piece of skill was a massive sign about why the All Blacks have managed to lead the world for most of the last four years.

They find a way to win when they are battling some misfires. Sketchy possession meant they struggled to find some consistent veins of attack, although they were still good enough to claim two tries to none.

Richie McCaw dunked a clever pass over a defender into Jerome Kaino's touchline drive to the line and Ma'a Nonu drove on and on to leave Beauden Barrett an unimpeded dive for his try.

When they got a few chances the All Blacks played while the Boks, apart from a lively start, lacked much imagination about their tactics. Kick and chase and if that doesn't work, maul a bit, then kick and chase again.

At times the Boks have gone away from that formula and several recent duels with the All Blacks have been matches for the ages. But when the rewards and pressure rose to huge levels, the Springboks ambition shrank, they reverted to type and dragged the All Blacks down to their level.

It took all the All Blacks' concentration to unpick the humdrum and find a few golden corridors to the final.