Springboks on song

Published on Saturday 1 August 2009 22:11

STAND-OFF Morne Steyn scored all of South Africa's points in a 31-19 victory over New Zealand at King's Park, the most by one player in a Tri-Nations match.

Steyn's haul came from eight penalties, one conversion and a try to beat Andrew Mehrtens's previous record of 29 points for New Zealand against Australia in Auckland in 1999.

South Africa's victory follows their 28-19 win over New Zealand in their Tri-Nations opener last weekend in Bloemfontein and it is the first time the Springboks have beaten the All Blacks on successive weekends since 1976.

The Springboks led 22-13 at the break, with the All Blacks scoring a try through lock Isaac Ross. The other New Zealand points came via the boot, with flyhalf Stephen Donald kicking three penalties and a conversion, and his replacement, Luke McAlister adding a penalty.

Jason White made a scoring start to life in France with one of Clermont Ferrand's four tries in their friendly against Biarritz.

However, while the former Scotland captain's contribution gave his side a 28-7 interval lead, it was not enough to prevent a 40-28 defeat. White and his new colleagues will be back in action on Thursday against Glasgow Warriors.

Rory Lamont continued his integration into the Toulon side in the 33-19 win over Racing Metro, while Andrew Henderson was in the starting line up for Montauban in their 27-26 defeat by Brive.