JOHANNESBURG – After leading 12 – 7 in the first half, many South Africans were optimistic as victory against the All Blacks seemed a possibility.
At the start of the second half, New Zealand overcame the disadvantage of being a man down, when Daniel Carter scored a drop goal, which was followed shortly by a try courtesy of Beauden Barrett. Bryan Habana was sin-binned moments thereafter for a professional foul, metres from the Bok tryline.
The #AllBlacks are heading to the final! Tense final 10 minutes. #RSAvNZL #TeamAllBlacks #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/SOTRRnOSU5
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 24, 2015
Coach Heyneke Meyer conceded that discipline was again the reason his side lost the game.
On a more positive note, flyhalf Handre Pollard kicked 15 of the 18 points South Africa scored, despite the fact that two tries were scored against them.
#RSAvNZL Meyer: “I’m very proud, I don’t think anybody gave us a chance. We gave it everything but we weren’t good enough."
— EWN Sport (@EWNsport) October 24, 2015
The Springboks still have one more match in the Rugby World Cup on Friday October 30, when they meet the loser of the second semi-final between Australia and Argentina.