New Zealand reached the Rugby World Cup final by beating South Africa 20-18 in an attritional game in wet conditions, keeping on track for a first successful defense of the title.
The All Blacks scored both of the semi-final’s tries at Twickenham, through flanker Jerome Kaino in the sixth minute and reserve back Beauden Barrett in the 52nd, and recovered from a 12-7 deficit at halftime.
South Africa’s game plan, based on tough defense and kicking at every opportunity, frustrated New Zealand in the first half but was less effective after the break. The Springboks’ points came from six penalties - five by flyhalf Handre Pollard in the first half and another from his replacement, Pat Lambie.
Flyhalf Dan Carter kicked the rest of New Zealand’s points through two conversions, a penalty and a dropped goal, in a match that stayed tense until the end.
Australia and Argentina meet on Sunday in the second semi-final.
