New Zealand move to the top of the Rugby Championship standings following a 29-15 bonus point win over 14 man South Africa, in Auckland.

The All Blacks tries came from Captain Kieran Read – who crossed the line twice - lock Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane.
South Africa responded with tries from Bimsarck du Plessis and Patrick Lambie, although du Plessis was to prove villain for the Springboks. The hooker was sin-binned in the first half for a heavy hit on Dan Carter – which dislocated the All Blacks’ fly half’s shoulder – and then shown red in the second half for a second yellow after he elbowed Liam Messam.
Read scored an early try, while Retallick got his score following good work from Beauden Barrett, while du Plessis was off the field.

Du Plessis scored after good driving work from the Springboks, shortly after his return from the sin bin.

The All Blacks were reduced to 13 men late in the game, with Ma’a Nonu and Read both sin binned. Lambe scored what amounted to a consolation try as, despite the numerical advantage, it was not enough to allow South Africa back into the game. New Zealand move 4 points clear at the top of the Rugby Championship.

Image: All Blacks' Kieran Read celebrates his try
©INPHO/Photosport/John Cowpland