The All Blacks exacted revenge for last year's humiliation by the Springboks when they ignited this year's Tri-Nations series with a 32-12 victory over the defending champions.
In a high-tempo clash between the world's top two rugby sides, the All Blacks claimed a bonus point as they scored four unanswered tries.
A year after relinquishing their Tri-Nations crown when they were trounced in all three Tests against South Africa, the All Blacks bounced back with determination as they extended their unbeaten run at Eden Park to 21 Tests.
They out-ran the Springboks in the backs and out-muscled them up front, including the rare sight of the South African pack being back-pedalled at scrum time and driven back 25-metres at a lineout late in the match.
The Springboks, who have not beaten the All Blacks in Auckland for 53 years, struggled to match the pace of the All Blacks and were forced to rely on four penalties from the boot of Morne Steyn for their points.
The All Blacks looked to run the ball at every opportunity, which included Richie McCaw leading a counter-attack from his own goal line, and stretched the Springboks' defence until it snapped.
At half-time they led 20-3, forcing the Springboks to revert to their more traditional kick-for-position play after the break to earn territory from which Steyn landed penalties but were never able to cross the All Blacks' line.
Springboks lock Bakkies Botha made himself enemy number one for the All Blacks when he was seen to deliver a flying head butt to Jimmy Cowan from behind in the opening play of the game. Although it was caught on television and the big screen at the ground, it went undetected by the match officials. However, the tough Springbok lock only lasted until the 12th minute before he was yellow carded for an intentional foul.
