Rugby World Cup 2015 New Zealand reached Final after slogging past South Africa

Rugby World Cup 2015 reached Final after slogging past South Africa

Reigning champions New Zealand are into their 4th World Cup final after slogging past South Africa in another Twickenham epic.

The All Blacks were 5 points behind at half-time with a man in the sin-bin as 4 penalties from Handre Pollard cancelled out Jerome Kaino's early try.

A Dan Carter drop-goal and a Beauden Barrett try put the champions ahead.

South Africa replied with 2 penalties but a Carter effort in between protected success despite ferocious Bok defense.

It was hardly ever pretty but once again in this World Cup there was a fascinating finale, the All Blacks holding that two-point lead for the last 12 minutes as their opponents finally tired.

Match Summary

South Africa (12) 18

Pens: Pollard 5, Lambie

New Zealand (7) 20

Tries: Kaino, Barrett Cons: Carter 2 Pen: Carter Drop-goal: Carter