The Springboks started off the tri-nations with a tight win under pressure at Newlands. whilst they won’t be happy with the scoreboard, the signs are there that they are right on track.
The All Blacks also won’t be entirely happy with their large win, but move onto Durban next week in what should be another titanic battle with the Boks.
The emerging Springboks showed the large amount of talent and depth currently in South Africa by beating Argentina A 24-10, whilst the Junior All Blacks smashed Australia A 50-0 in Dunedin.

Carter dominant as All Blacks beat Canada

Daniel Carter became only the 2nd All Black flyhalf to score a hat-trick as the All Blacks struggled to overcome a tenacious Canadian side. Whilst the Canadians were only trying to keep the score down, their defence held strong for large parts of the game and put the pressure on the All Blacks who simply couldn’t find their rhythm. Whilst a few changes will be made heading into next weeks game in Durban, they showed they may not be as dominant as the last 2 seasons.

New Zealand 64: Tries: Daniel Carter 3, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Luke McAlister, John Schwalger, Andrew Hore, Chris Masoe, Doug Howlett, Rico Gear Conversions; Carter 7
Canada 13: Mike Pyke try; James Pritchard conversion, 2 penalties

Wonder Boy Steyn sticks it to Aussies

South Africa will be happy with the result and large parts of the game, but the failure to put the Wobblies away gives us much to work on. The Boks dominated from the start but simply could not convert territory and posession into points. It showed we are on the right track and can dominate the set pieces, but we need to do more to get over the advantage line and put the opposition onto the back foot. The Wobblies defence was committed and strong to their credit but they were aided by a ref who protected them at scrum time, and allowed them to get away with murder in the rucks and mauls. They continually came in from the side and slowed South African ball, and were only warned at the end of the match. Meanwhile Spies was warned early on and given a yellow card for having the ball thrown into whilst retreating. What a bullshit decision that was. But the composure of the Boks came through and they were deserved winners. The confidence to keep going for the tries as penalties were won towards the end of the game must be commended. The concern will be the injuries to Captain Smit, Steenkamp and Juan Smith. Over the next week the Boks need to work on playing the ball closer to the ruck and using the forwards to get over the advantage line to give the backs a bit more room to work from.

South Africa 22: Try by Jaque Fourie. Percy Montgomery kicked three penalties and a conversion and Francois Steyn two dropped goals.
Australia 19: Try by Matt Giteau. Stirling Mortlock kicked four penalties and a conversion.