Classic Encounters - Springboks vs All Blacks 2005

As a preview ahead of the South Africa vs New Zealand Tri Nations meeting this weekend, we’re bringing you footage of this classic match from 2005 when both sides met at Carisbrook, in what proved to be a vitally important win for the home team.

A late try from hooker Kevin Mealamu sealed the victory 31-27 in a thrilling match in which the lead changed hands six times.

The match kicked off with the famous Kapa O Pango Haka being performed for the first time ever, adding to the big occasion.

Flying winger supreme Joe Rokocoko scored twice for the All Blacks on the night, while Ricky Januarie showed that Dunedin must surely be one of his best places to play, as he scored a quick thinking charge down just before half time.

With five minutes left in the match the New Zealand forwards drove to the line from a lineout, before Auckland’s Mealamu split from the maul and plunged over for the line.

Luke McAlister converted to give the All Blacks the decisive advantage, and the game ended with the men from New Zealand sneaking it by four.

All Blacks skipper Umaga admitted his side had been slightly fortunate to win.

"We were lucky to hold them out and get what we got, but we're happy with it," Umaga said.

"To the Springboks' credit, they never gave up, as you saw on the scoreboard and in the way they played.’

A South African win or draw would have given the Springboks the crown, but it wasn’t to be, and New Zealand went on to beat Australia in Auckland the next week and lift the Tri Nations trophy once again.

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Tana Umaga and the first Kapa O Pango in 2005

Time: 08:13