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New Zealand sneak win over South Africa

South Africa Springboks' Francois Steyn (L) and Willem Alberts (R) tackle New Zealand All Blacks' Ma'a Nonu during their Rugby Championship test match in Dunedin September 15, 2012. REUTERS/Anthony Phelps

DUNEDIN (Reuters) – New Zealand flyhalf Aaron Cruden kicked two late penalties as the All Blacks hung on to beat South Africa 21-11 in their Rugby Championship clash at Otago Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa Springboks’ Francois Steyn (L) and Willem Alberts (R) tackle New Zealand All Blacks’ Ma’a Nonu during their Rugby Championship test match in Dunedin September 15, 2012. REUTERS/Anthony Phelps

The All Blacks scored two tries, to fullback Israel Dagg and replacement scrumhalf Aaron Smith, while Cruden slotted three penalties and a conversion.

Springboks winger Bryan Habana scored a brilliant individual try early in the second half to take his South African try-scoring record to 43, while Morne Steyn and his replacement Johan Goosen added a penalty each.

The South Africans, however, gave up 20 points worth of missed kicks from six penalties and a conversion, while fullback Zane Kirchner missed a long-range drop goal attempt.

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