New Zealand left no doubt, if there was any, as to its status as the best team in the world,

New Zealand left no doubt, if there was any, as to its status as the best team in the world, continually coming back against a pumped-up South Africa to win 38-27 and clinch a second straight Rugby Championship title today.

The top-ranked and world champion All Blacks took their recent dominance a significant step further by winning at Ellis Park for the first time in 16 years and scoring five tries in the intimidating cauldron against a No 2-ranked Springboks team that probably played as well as it could.

New Zealand’s fourth try and title-winning blow came in the 61st minute when replacement flyhalf Beauden Barrett sliced through, and outstanding No 8 Kieran Read scored the fifth two minutes later to completely shatter the desperate Boks.

A Liam Messam double had the All Blacks up 21-15 at halftime.

South Africa opened the scoring with a Morne Steyn penalty, before Ben Smith struck back with his 10th try for New Zealand this season, with Aaron Cruden converting for a 7-3 lead.

Springboks wing Bryan Habana then sprung into action, scoring twice within minutes to give the home side a 15-7 lead at Ellis Park. Habana was the last link in the chain after Duane Vermuelen broke the line, then provided the chip and regather on the left flank.

Messam bulldozed over from close range, with the help of Culum Retallick, then after the halftime siren, the All Blacks strung together several quick passes on the left side, before Liam Messam cut inside for his second.

New Zealand 38 (Liam Messam 2, Ben Smith, Beauden Barrett, Kieran Read tries; Aaron Cruden 3 conversions, Barrett 2 conversions, penalty) South Africa 27 (Bryan Habana 2, Willie le Roux, Jean de Villiers tries; Morne Steyn 2 conversions, penalty). HT: 21-15

– © Fairfax NZ News