New Zealand narrowly justified their number one world ranking with a hard fought 19-17 win over world champions South Africa in Townsville on Saturday to secure the Rugby Championship title with a match to spare.
The 100th test between rugby's two most successful nations did not disappoint and it was not until fullback Jordie Barrett kicked his fourth penalty two minutes from time that the All Blacks took the lead for the final time.
All Blacks winger Will Jordan and his Springboks counterpart S'bu Nkosi scored early tries but from then on it was a kicking duel between South Africa flyhalf Handre Pollard and Barrett to decide the spoils.
Ultimately, Barrett's 14 points from the tee were enough to give New Zealand a 12th southern hemisphere test championship title and a 10th successive test win.
South Africa 69 runs away from winning World Test Championship
Saudi Arabia, Qatar to host fourth round of Asia's World Cup qualifiers
Big target looms but South Africa are confident of chasing it down
De Bruyne joins Italian champions Napoli after Man City exit
Australia topple S Africa top order to take charge of WTC final
