South Africa vs New Zealand match report: Patrick Lambie brings All Blacks juggernaut to a halt

South Africa 27 New Zealand 25

South Africa fly-half Patrick Lambie celebrates kicking the match-winning penalty (Getty Images)

New Zealand’s long unbeaten record, extending to 22 matches and nearly two years, was ended in Johannesburg yesterday as Pat Lambie’s late penalty gave South Africa a breathless 27-25 victory.

The replacement fly-half landed his monster kick from 52 metres to cap another captivating clash between the world’s top two teams.

Lambie was on for Handre Pollard, who had earlier scored two tries, three conversions and a penalty in an outstanding performance by the 20-year-old rookie. It was the All Blacks’ first defeat since losing to England in late 2012, though they had already secured the Rugby Championship title a week ago.

Francois Hougaard scored the Boks’ other try while New Zealand replied through tries by Malakai Fekitoa, Ben Smith and Dane Coles, Beauden Barrett kicking 10 points.