Tri-Nations title gone for NZ

3.30pm UPDATE

Coach Graham Henry acknowledged that the All Blacks had been outplayed after New Zealand's hopes of a third consecutive Tri-Nations rugby title disappeared in a 40-26 defeat in Johannesburg this morning.

Centre Marius Joubert scored three tries as South Africa piled on five tries to the All Blacks' two at a packed Ellis Park.

The result ended New Zealand's record eight-match winning streak over the Springboks stretching back four years.

It also meant the competition finale between Australia and South Africa in Durban next weekend will decide this year's title winners, with the Wallabies needing only a draw.

The All Blacks paid the price for a below-par performance against fired-up opponents in front of a 68,000 crowd.

The Springboks turned around their 23-21 defeat in Christchurch last month, when they had just 30 per cent of the ball.

This time, they got a more abundant supply, with their lineout securing all their own throws and pinching two of the All Blacks'.

Their loose forwards, with No 8 Joe van Niekerk prominent, were in fine form and they had a strong midfield pairing in Joubert and second five-eighth De Wet Barry.

In a match that seesawed on the scoreboard, New Zealand failed to make full use of their opportunities and came up with numerous handling lapses.

They also conceded field position cheaply when attempts to run the ball from deep came unstuck.

Henry said the Springboks were clearly the better side and deserved their win.

"We lacked a bit of composure," he said.

"We had opportunities we didn't take. We either dropped the ball, or we didn't use the numbers we had. And we fell off a lot of first-time tackles."

After both teams were introduced to former South African President Nelson Mandela, New Zealand raced to an early 10-0 lead.

An Andrew Mehrtens penalty was followed by a superb solo try by fullback Mils Muliaina, who ran 50m through the South African defence for a converted try.

But South Africa hit back with three tries in 15 minutes from midway through the half.

Joubert got his first when he slipped New Zealand skipper Tana Umaga's tackle, then winger Breyton Paulse crossed after an All Black backline move broke down.

Joubert scored again just before the interval to help South Africa to a 19-13 halftime lead.

After an exchange of penalties, New Zealand went back in front 23-22 thanks to winger Joe Rokocoko's eighth try of season.

However, Springbok winger Jean de Villiers replied to swing the momentum back the way of South Africa, who led 33-26 with 12 minutes to go.

Joubert's third try five minutes from time sealed victory.

The match featured two referees, with Welshman Neil Williams going off after just 10 minutes with a calf injury and being replaced by Ireland's Donal Courtney.

All Black skipper Tana Umaga said the Springboks' aggressiveness at the breakdown had been a key to the test.

"You can't take it away from South Africa," he said.

"They just attacked our ball in the tackle area. We gave away numerous penalties in that facet of play and you just can't do that."

Umaga said he was disappointed with his own performance, but praised that of midfield partner Sam Tuitupou, who was playing with a broken rib and an ankle injury.

Second five-eighth Tuitupou was given little room to move by the South African defence in the first half, but came into his own in the second spell with some strong runs and solid defence.

Springbok skipper John Smit said having a good share of possession was the big difference from Christchurch.

"We had a lot more opportunities to play and really to do the things we had been training for, and that obviously builds confidence," he said.

"At 10-0 down I was anxious, but I could see the guys were all focused. We had to stick to our guns and that's what happened."

- NZPA