South Africa 22 New Zealand 18
South Africa overcame New Zealand in a lukewarm third place play-off in the Millennium stadium tonight. Both defences again were dominant which isn't surprising seeing as both sides know each other so well. In the end it was a controversial first half try from Springbok winger Breyton Paulse that separated the sides. To be fair both sides did try to win by running but an unusual amount of errors maybe emphasised the point that neither side really wanted to be there.
New Zealand opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a penalty but the Springboks replied immediately with what has become almost a trademark drop-goal, this time through full-back Percy Montgomery in the absence of Jannie de Beer. In the 26th minute Paulse followed a kick up in the New Zealand 22 and although Christian Cullen got their first the ball spilled free and Paulse just managed to pull it over the line. The half time score was 16-12 and it was hoped the second half would be a livelier affair for the large crowd.
New Zealand did up the pace but the Springboks were up to everything thrown at them, a defining moment being a Terblanche ankle tap on Lomu although the big man was gone past him. He came down and New Zealand hopes faded.
South Africa's excellent commitment in defence made them deserved winners and they now qualify automatically for the competition in four years time.
It now looks like there's no way back for New Zealand coach John Hart who must be somewhat hesitant about returning home to a nation that expected the Webb Ellis trophy to be on the plane too.
