Tri Nations Rugby: New Zealand Are Out

12.09.2009
South Africa 32, New Zealand 29 in Hamilton (Tri Nations)

Review
New Zealand lost any hope of a Tri Nations title when they went down to South Africa in Hamilton. New Zealand needed to win, needed to gain a bonus point and needed to prevent South Africa gaining a bonus point. None of these things happened. New Zealand lost and South Africa won the Tri Nations Trophy.

New Zealand were down 12-29 at one stage but fought back well in the second half. The difference between these two teams? South Africa pounced on any mistakes made and New Zealand made most of the mistakes.

Next week the two old foes New Zealand and Australia square off for the Bledisloe Cup. The Tri Nations are done and dusted for 2009

South Africa captain John Smit, with a little help, holds up the Tri Nations Trophy
Image thanks to www.sarugby.co.za