New Zealand recorded their eighth successive win over England with a 19-6 victory at Twickenham yesterday after scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan scampered over for the only try of the match in the 57th minute.

The All Blacks lifted the pace in the second half on a treacherous surface which contributed to a series of unforced errors from both sides after heavy rain throughout the week.

Cowan's try came after relentless recyclng by New Zealand as they surged on to the attack, although the home supporters thought the final pass from captain Richie McCaw had gone forward.

The teams were tied 6-6 at half-time with Dan Carter and Jonny Wilkinson kicking two penalties apiece. Carter overtook Andrew Mehrtens as New Zealand's top international points scorer before the break but also missed two penalty attempts.

World champions South Africa ran in four tries to tame a spirited challenge from Italy and put their European tour back on track with a 32-10 win in Udine.

The Springboks got off to a bright start, wing Bryan Habana popped up to open the score with a try in the fifth minute and then turned provider for centre Jaque Fourie to go under the posts.

Italy mustered a gritty response. Flyhalf Craig Gower set up centre Gonzalo Garcia to go over in the 33rd and knocked over the conversion with the post's help.

The hosts kept the pressure on the visitors after the break but Steyn eased the pressure with a penalty before scrumhalf Fourie du Preez finished off a sweeping move to secure the win for the Springboks.

Other results: Wales vs Argentina 33-16; Scotland vs Australia 9-8; Ireland vs Fiji 41-6; France vs Samoa 43-5.