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The great sides in any sport find a way to win when they don’t play their best. And the All Blacks – spoken of during the week by Heyneke Meyer as the best rugby side ever – have done just that, beating the Springboks 20-18 at Twickenham in London.
The New Zealanders did not have it all their own way – this wasn’t the flaccid French – and they were down at halftime. But like they have done so many times before, they did just enough to beat the Boks while preserving themselves for the battle next week.
This week, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and captain Richie McCaw spoke not about losses to Japan, the boot of Handre Pollard or the likelihood of rain. They spoke about game management and the need to control every possible facet of the match.
And if you ever want to see what game management looks like, watch the second forty minutes from Twickenham today.
They may have dropped some balls, splayed some kicks and given away a penalty or two, but they were in complete control from the moment Dan Carter banged over a drop goal just after half time until the moment the full-time whistle was blown.
They are now set to take the field in the second consecutive World Cup final, playing the winner of either Australia or Argentina.
The reigning Rugby World Cup champions are ready. The Haka lays down the challenge. It's time. #RSAvNZL https://t.co/QdcKDYfTmk
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 24, 2015
The South Africans roared out of the blocks, throwing the ball wide and getting some great field position through a Jesse Kriel break before accepting their first penalty of the game.
The All Blacks, when given their first half-decent field position of the day, hit back immediately through a slick Jerome Kaino try down the right wing.
There would have been plenty of nervous South Africans who were fearing France 2.0 after that try, but the Springboks’ strength at the breakdown and stifling ability ensured that was the only try of the first half.
Three more penalties to the Boks were converted by Pollard, who despite kicking poorly in general play was perfect from the tee in the opening stanza.
In all, the Kiwis conceded nine penalties in the first half – far too many for a World Cup semi final. They were constantly under pressure at the breakdown and Kaino’s yellow card just prior to halftime – which allowed Pollard to kick the Boks five clear at the break – was a reflection of the referee’s frustration with New Zealand’s tactics.
It's advantage #RSA thanks to Handre Pollard's reliable right boot – what drama awaits in the second half? #RSAvNZL pic.twitter.com/iR20im7Qnd
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 24, 2015
Steve Hansen normally looks pretty emotionless on the sideline, but his displeasure was evident as the referee blew the pea out of the whistle against his troops throughout the first 40. His halftime spray would have been a sight to behold.
In the second stanza the All Blacks showed little of the nerves which almost cost them against France four years ago, knowing that they had the quality and the time to wrestle this one back.
Just five minutes after the break Carter kicked a 35-metre drop goal after noticing a small knock on by his side in the lead-up. From there the All Blacks gradually gained the ascendancy, scoring a try through Beauden Barrett just minutes later to lead by five.
South Africa tried valiantly from then on, but could barely get the ball anywhere near the All Blacks’ 22. When they did, it was quickly pilfered away.
The sides traded penalties from Pollard, then Carter, then from late replacement Pat Lambie, however two points was as close as the Boks would get as the rain teemed down across the stadium.
The wet weather was supposed to be an advantage for the Boks, but it probably acted as a hindrance as they were even more reluctant to throw the ball around and never looked like crossing the line in the final 40 minutes.
They will have four long years to think about this campaign and the fact they overcame their initial stutters against the Japanese to go within two points of a World Cup final.
But it is the All Blacks who will proceed to next week’s final and they will be surefire favourites to lift the Webb Ellis for a third time.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.