All Blacks only have themselves to blame

Getty Images ©

The All Blacks knew indiscipline was likely to cost them dear with Springboks' first five-eighth Morne Steyn able to kick goals from almost anywhere on the paddock, and so it proved.

Steyn landed all 31 points for his team as too many penalties and poor decision making handed the Tri-Nations advantage to the Springboks.

New Zealand now heads home without a win from its South African road-trip with three weeks to prepare for a massive Test against Australia in Sydney.

Few All Blacks will be happy with their performance and they now have to pick themselves up quickly if they want a fifth-straight Tri-Nations title.

Here's how Yahoo!Xtra scored the All Blacks players:

1. Tony Woodcock - Solid as ever in the scrum but flew under the radar around the paddock. 6

2. Andrew Hore - First throw was a little wobbly, and looked less secure when Ross was off the park. Replaced in the 44th minute. 5

3. Owen Franks - Missed a tackle early up but can be relatively satisfied with his performance. 6

4. Brad Thorn - The elder statesman of All Blacks rugby continues to be solid and can't be blamed for any of the indiscplines. 6

5. Isaac Ross - Popped up on the left wing to score a fantastic opening try. Should never have been yellow-carded. 7

6. Jerome Kaino - Pinged twice early by referee Nigel Owens for not binding. Solid in the tackle but never dominant. 6

7. Richie McCaw (c) - Great run put the Springboks on the back foot and was crucial to the opening try. Looked dangerous with the ball in hand but was pinged a couple of times at the breakdown to give the 'Boks six points. 7

8. Rodney So'oialo - Not his usual dependable self. Passing wasn't as good as it needed to be and gave away the penalty on the half-time hooter that stretched the Springboks lead. 6

9. Jimmy Cowan - Nervous start after his early kick was charged down. Was his usual gnarly self around the breakdown. Replaced in the 44th minute. 6

10. Stephen Donald - Took one for the team after Matfield's knee to the shoulder. Dead ball kicking was solid, but wasn't as impressive under the high-ball. Passing at times put the team under pressure. Not his greatest game. 6

11. Sitiveni Sivivatu - Always looking to get involved in the game and barring a couple of handling errors proved he's the best winger in New Zealand. The one New Zealand player who can feel satisfied with his performance. 8

12. Ma'a Nonu - Found great space in the midfield and was always dangerous going forward as the All Blacks looked to spread the ball. 7

13. Conrad Smith - With Nonu dominating in the midfield didn't get too many chances to try and repeat last week's heroics, but looked impressive when given the ball in hand. Great tackling as always. 7

14. Joe Rokocoko - Good effort in run up to first try, but put his team-mates under pressure when choosing to run the ball from the in-goal area. Terrible under the high-ball. 5

15. Mils Muliaina - Unlucky to get pinged for opening penalty and generally a strong game for the experienced full-back although his passing at times wasn't of his usual high standard. 6

Reserves:
16. Keven Mealamu - Injected in the 44th minute but had to be replaced by Hore with only three minutes left after injuring his shoulder. Didn't change the course of the game. 5
17. John Afoa - Replaced Franks in the 66th minute.
18. Jason Eaton - Didn't get on the paddock.
19. Kieran Read - On with 20 minutes to go to replace Kaino. Made an immediate impact in the scrum.
20. Piri Weepu - Replaced Cowan in the 44th minute. Once again failed to make the impact expected from the bench. 5
21. Luke McAlister - Replaced Stephen Donald with 20 minutes left. Great penalty with his first kick but didn't get too many chances after that. 6
22. Cory Jane - Was left on the bench.