WELLINGTON: The All Blacks reclaimed rugby supremacy yesterday when they overpowered world champions South Africa 19-8 in an immensely physical opening Tri-Nations Test here.

The win saw the All Blacks replace the Springboks at the top of the IRB world rankings and brought the visitors' 14-game winning streak to an abrupt halt.

The victorious hosts also extended their world record unbeaten run of home victories to 30 and won back much of the respect they lost at home following their shock early exit from last year's World Cup.

With forecasted strong winds holding off until the dying stages and the chilly rain disappearing for the second half, both sides scored one try with Dan Carter landing four penalties for the All Blacks to one by Springbok flyhalf Butch James.

It was a devastating result for Springboks captain John Smit, who desperately wanted to beat the All Blacks on their home turf to cap off South Africa's World Cup success.
"We came here very purposeful and very much with the belief in ourselves that it's time to change our fortunes over here," he said.

"But they defended well, they kicked much better than us and we certainly didn't deserve to win."

In a titanic battle, which threatened to explode when an all-in brawl erupted after five minutes when All Blacks lock Brad Thorn picked up Smit and hurled him into the ground, the All Blacks' largely new-look pack humbled the vastly experienced South African eight.

South Africa have not won in New Zealand for 10 years and will have to show a marked improvement if they are to snap that record in the second Test, to be played in Dunedin next Saturday. -- AFP