In a physical fast paced game the All Blacks out muscled the Springboks to take first blood in the 2008 Tri-Nations series.  The first half there was nothing to choose between the sides as the Blacks went in 9-8 ahead.  The second half and they upped the pace and pressure and came out worthy winners 19-8.  This match was played under the ELV’s and with both unlimited numbers in the lineout for either side and collapse of the maul.  Although it did not seem to make much difference to the game apart from an almost total lack of mauls and piles of bodies at rucks, there did seem to be a considerable number of penalties.  The Blacks had the edge in the tight and seemed to control the lineout until the second half.

Bring on game two next week and lets see if the Springboks can compete for the full 80 minutes.