New Zealand 33-6 South Africa:

New Zealand struggled before three tries in the last 12 minutes set up victory over South Africa in the Tri-Nations Test at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

No tries were scored in the first 68 minutes, a passage of play notable for the chances created but not taken by the All Blacks, until Brendon Leonard's try from a Joe Rokocoko break.

Replacement back Nick Evans scored in the 71st minute before Dan Carter added another after the full-time siren.

The young Springboks team was given no chance of winning ahead of the match, with 20 key players left behind in South Africa and a number of players making their debut.

But they only trailed 6-3 at half-time and 12-6 until the All Blacks' late blitz.

Ironically, it was a Springboks knock-on that saw winger Doug Howlett pick up the ball and feed Rokocoko who then found replacement half-back Leonard with a backhand flick pass and he raced home to score his maiden Test try.

Just moments later, utility back Evans burst down the right flank and forced his way over for fly-half Carter to land a splendid sideline conversion.

Carter ran in the third try after the final siren following 12 phases from the All Blacks, allowing the fly-half to take advantage of a loose ball to stroll away to score untouched.

His conversion gave him 23 points in the game and hit back at critics that said he was out of form.

After a shaky start, Carter kicked New Zealand 6-3 ahead after Boks number 10 Derick Hougaard had fired over a penalty.

In a half dominated by defence, the only chance fell to the Kiwis when centre Luke McAlister broke through 30 metres out, but his pass to Howlett on the wing was too high and the opportunity was lost.

New Zealand continued to probe with attacking play, but again handling lapses denied them the authority that would have put points on the board.

The win sets up a tantalising series finale next Saturday, when New Zealand host Australia with both the Tri-Nations title and the Bledisloe Cup up for grabs.