Reuben Thorne is stopped by Juan Smith
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Matches: South Africa 16 - 52 New Zealand

Teams: New Zealand | South Africa

New Zealand brought South Africa crashing back down to earth by romping to a record seven try victory over their hosts in the latest Tri Nations clash.

The All Blacks' back division ran riot against the Springboks who were hopeful of another notable scalp after beating Australia last weekend. The win makes John Mitchell's side the overwhelming favourites to clinch the Tri Nations crown and the performance of his dazzling backs will echo around the world.

Kiwi speedsters Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko maintained their impressive scoring records for the All Blacks grabbing a brace each with flyhalf Carlos Spencer, centre Aaron Mauger and replacement prop Kees Meeuws also crossing for five pointers to create a new record of tries to accompany the record winning margin.

The Boks started brightly as they looked to maintain their unbeaten record in 2003 and opened the scoring through the boot of flyhalf Louis Koen after just five minutes but the sign were ominous just a few minute slater when Spencer skipped in for the All Blacks' first try. The Aucklander had appeared to have returned to his worrying form with the boot in the opening quarter while his opposite number Koen looked self-assured and slotted over a superb drop goal to emphasise the point.

But that was the last time the Boks held the lead as their visitors cranked up a couple of gears.

Another penalty from Spencer was followed by Howlett's opening try. The Blues' paceman popped up on Aaron Mauger's shoulder, after he had broken the Boks' line in the 22, and collected the ball and sped in for the score. With his form back Spencer added an easy conversion and it was not long before Rokocoko stretched the lead.

A strong break from Muliaina created the opening and after the ball went down Springbok fullback Brent Russell, who struggled all game, inadvertantly popped the ball up to Rokocoko who obliged by running in to score. Spencer obliged again with the extras.

After the break the All Blacks picked up where they left off with Spencer added two more penalties before Rokocoko grabbed his 7th try in just his fourth appearance in a New Zealand shirt. He got on the end of yet another sweeping move and was happy to accept a gift from the industrious Tana Umaga.

Replacement Meeuws gabbed the fifth try as the All Blacks' pack drove over far to easily but his joy was shortlived as he retaliated to some Bok treatment with an elbow that saw him immediately sent to the sin-bin. South Africa responded with a deserved try for Ashwin Willemse converted by Koen but despite being reduced the 14 men the All Blacks continued to find openings.

The Bok defence was stretched again before the ball found its way into Howlett's hands and he produced a superb finish in the corner with no room to play with. Howlett made another break shortly after the re-start before feeding Mauger who was able to run in unopposed to round off the scoring.

On this evidence New Zealand will be favourites to add to the Wallabies' woes next weekend in their Bledisloe Cup clash while it's back to the drawing board for the Springboks before they embark on their Tri Nations tour.