Late tries give All Blacks Tri-Nations title

New Zealand scored two tries in the final three minutes to snatch a 29-22 victory over South Africa at Soccer City yesterday and clinch the Tri-Nations title.

Captain and flanker Richie McCaw dived over in one corner and replacement back Israel Dagg in the other as the Springboks slumped to a fourth consecutive loss in the southern hemisphere championship after leading for so long.

It was also a special day for All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter, whose third penalty goal 29 minutes into the first half raised his Test tally to a world record 1113 points as he overtook veteran England pivot Jonny Wilkinson.

All South Africa had to show for a much improved performance after three heavy losses in New Zealand and Australia was a bonus point for finishing within seven points of the victors in their first Soweto Test.

New Zealand have 23 points from a possible 25 after five matches, Australia four and defending champions South Africa a meagre one with two home matches against the Wallabies to come in the next two weekends.