Too few stand up for the All Blacks

Getty Images ©

The All Blacks have surrendered the Tri-nations title to the Springboks with a poor showing and a 29-32 loss in Hamilton.

Indiscipline and some amazing distance kicking from Frans Steyn allowed the 'Boks to build up a handy lead at the break and although the All Blacks pushed in the last 20 minutes it was too little too late.

The loss means South Africa win the Tri-nations for the first time since 2004 and take the Freedom Cup for the first time since 1990 courtesy of the 3-0 series whitewash.

As you expect from the senior players, Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina and Daniel Carter all stood up for the home team, but too many mistakes and poor decisions cost the All Blacks.

After going into tonight's game with a chance of winning the title they now face the Wallabies in Wellington next week with the real prospect of finishing last.

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

1. Tony Woodcock - Probably wasn't as dominant against John Smit as All Blacks fans would have hoped. 6

2. Andrew Hore - First three throws went too long and that's just not good enough against the best team in the world. Strong at the breakdown and on his feet. 5

3. Owen Franks - Has had an impressive start to his international career but will want to forget this one. 5

4. Brad Thorn - A tough old bugger and is handy is a wise ear for the young fella beside him to consult. 6

5. Isaac Ross - Tough on the rookie lineout caller when his hooker wasn't throwing the ball well enough. Made good space for himself and could have had a try if Carter's pass had been better. 6

6. Jerome Kaino - Strong as always, but not particularly visible. 6

7. Richie McCaw (captain) - Outstanding at the breakdown and strong with the ball in hand. Great try at the end but too little too late. 7

8. Kieran Read - Snaffled the ball at Springboks' lineout. Shoulder charge on Bryan Habana led to another penalty but redeemed himself with his workrate. Strong around the paddock. 7

9. Jimmy Cowan - Passing wasn't crisp enough. Good defending at the start of the second half to deny the Springboks but not his best test. 6

10. Daniel Carter - Landed his kicks and was always looking for gaps around the breakdown. Threw intercept for Jean de Villiers try and blew a try with a shocker of a pass to Isaac Ross. Created try for McCaw with brilliant kick. 7

11. Sitiveni Sivivatu - Didn't get the ball in hand too much in the first half. Coughed up the ball at the start of the second half which almost led to another try. His passing isn't good enough at times but he's so dangerous on the rush. Good try. 6

12. Stephen Donald - Faced a rushing Springbok defence. First up-and-under wasn't far enough and led to another penalty. Handling was pretty good but last effort was another shocking kick. Replaced by Isaia Toeava in the 51st minute. 5

13. Ma'a Nonu - Finally showed what he was capable of in the second half and unlucky to cough up the ball close to the line. Great when running, but needs to hold onto the ball better. 6

14. Josevata Rokocoko - Penalised for a tackle in the air and then lost a challenge in the lead up to the Springboks' try. Redeemed himself under the high-ball and got more involved in the game as it went on. 6

15. Mils Muliaina - Strong under the high ball and always dangerous in the midfield. One of the better performers on his home ground. 7

Replacements:

16. Aled de Malmanche - Stayed on the bench.
17. John Afoa - On in the 51st minute for Franks. 5
18. Adam Thomson - On for Kaino with 10 minutes left. 5
19. Rodney So'oialo - Stayed on the bench.
20. Brendon Leonard - Stayed on the bench.
21. Isaia Toeava - On in the 51st minute for Donald. Made a big difference and did brilliantly for the All Blacks' first try. 6
22. Cory Jane - On with eight minutes left for Sivivatu. Looked dangerous and desperate for a run. 6