PRETORIA (Reuters):

NEW ZEALAND slammed the Springboks 45-26 in the Tri-Nations yesterday to register their first win in South Africa since 2003.

After trailing early on, the All Blacks stormed back for another impressive victory, the first in the republic under Graham Henry's leadership and first since a 52-16 thrashing, also in Pretoria, three years ago.

Flyhalf Dan Carter kicked four penalties and converted four of the five tries scored by Neemia Tialata, Luke McAlister, Sivivatu Sitiveni, Mils Muliaina and Rico Gear.

Dominate opening

Springbok passion and the advantage of playing in front of a full house at Loftus Versfeld saw the home side dominate the opening 10 minutes as it took an 11-3 lead.

However, the All Blacks, already assured of the title, forced their way back into the game to lead 16-11 at halftime and run away with it after the break.

Carter kicked three first-half penalties, the last after the hooter from 61 metres, and his deft chip set up prop Tialata's try.

Victory was secure midway through the second half as McAlister, Muliaina and Sivivatu all scored long range tries to give New Zealand a 38-14 lead.

The visitors were shaded in the scrums and lineouts, but their powerful attacking game was unfettered by the Springbok defence, which was tight at close quarters but flimsy out wide.

Attacking skills

After a try by scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and penalties by fullback Percy Montgomery and flyhalf Butch James, the Springboks lost steam. Their basic ball-handling and retention of possession at the breakdown were poor.

The stunned crowd of 52,000 was at least able to enjoy two moments of attacking skill from the Springboks as neat passes from Jacques Cronje and Jean de Villiers rewarded fine lines of running by Jaque Fourie.

But the All Blacks had the final say when the Springboks once again turned over possession on attack and Collins' kick down the middle of the field allowed wing Rico Gear to gather and run in the fifth try past a non-existent defence.