New Zealand claimed the Tri-Nations rugby title in stunning fashion when replacement Israel Dagg ran in an 80th-minute try to steal a 29-22 win over South Africa in Soweto on Sunday morning.
The All Blacks trailed with two minutes left until captain Richie McCaw and then Dagg dotted down to clinched their 10th Tri-Nations crown in 15 seasons and break South African hearts - and spoil South Africa captain John Smit's 100th test.
McCaw squeezed over in the right corner in the 78th minute, and the try was eventually awarded after long deliberation by the Television Match Official.
With the scores locked at 22-22, and with just seconds remaining, centre Ma'a Nonu then broke through the South African backline and passed to replacement wing Dagg, who ran in a brilliant winning try. It was the first time the All Blacks led in the entire match.
No. 10 Dan Carter kicked 14 points for the All Blacks.
In the first-ever rugby international in Soweto, in front of more than 90,000 people at FNB Stadium, South Africa grabbed the first try through flanker Schalk Burger and first-five Morne Steyn added five penalties and a conversion to put the Springboks on course to end a three-match losing streak in the competition.
But New Zealand hit back late in the first half with a try from prop Tony Woodcock after a sweeping move started by a break from veteran lock Brad Thorn.
And despite trailing for much of the second half, the competition's inform team launched attack after attack against a tiring South Africa in the final 20 minutes - before McCaw and then Dagg sealed victory in dramatic fashion at the venue which hosted the World Cup final last month.
New Zealand 29 (Tony Woodcock, Richie McCaw, Israel Dagg tries, Dan Carter 4 penalties, conversion), South Africa 22 (Schalk Burger try, Morne Steyn 5 penalties, conversion). HT: 14-16.
AP