New Zealand report card: All Blacks showing champion spirit
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Updated 24/10/2015 at 19:30 GMT
New Zealand reached their fourth Rugby World Cup final with a tense 20-18 win against South Africa - here's how they rated.
Beauden Barrett of New Zealand scores a try
Image credit: Reuters
MATCH GRADE: B
Certainly not their best performance and a shadow of their clinical showing against France. Conceded nine first-half penalties but showed champion qualities to edge a tight game.
STAR MEN
1. Dan Carter
In slotting two conversions, a penalty and a drop goal, Carter (172) overtook Grant Fox (170) as New Zealand's all-time leading points scorer in World Cup history.
2. Richie McCaw
Must have been some stern words about the indiscipline at half-time but rallied his troops in his customary style to see them home.
3. Sam Whitelock
Some key lineout steals at crucial times and did his team proud with his work rate.
NEW ZEALAND COACH STEVE HANSEN
It was always going to be close, they're a great side and they showed that again today. I was really proud of our guys, they kept their composure.
KEY STATS
New Zealand didn't miss a single tackle in the first half vs South Africa, completing all 33 they had to make.
BAD DAY
Julian Savea
Perhaps felt the pressure of Jonah Lomu's try-scoring record looming large but never really got into the game.
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