World champions South Africa survived a stirring late fightback by the British and Irish Lions to win a pulsating first test 26-21 at Kings Park yesterday.

The Springboks got off to a flier with a try by captain John Smit after five minutes and scored a second through flanker Heinrich Brussow early in the second half.

They dominated the set piece and with flyhalf Ruan Pienaar and full-back François Steyn landing their penalties, led 26-7 early in the second half.

The Lions fought back superbly, though, as flanker Tom Croft added a second try to his first-half effort and scrumhalf Mike Phillips scampered over to set up a thrilling finale, with the Boks eventually holding out.

Only once before, against Australia in 1989, have the Lions lost the first test and come back to win the series. The second test is in Pretoria next Saturday with the third in Johannesburg on July 4.

Meanwhile, New Zealand produced a vastly improved performance to beat France 14-10 in their second test at Wetspac Stadium yesterday.

Ma'a Nonu scored a try while Stephen Donald (two) and Luke McAlister slotted penalties for the All Blacks, who were comprehensivley outplayed in their 27-22 first test loss last week in Dunedin.

Other result: Australia vs Italy 34-12.