In doing so, New Zealand remained unbeaten for the entire tournament, where midway it through they crushed the Springboks in record fashion with a 57-0 win.
Even though, New Zealand look far from comfortable last week in the win against Argentina, they did enough in the first half to get over the line. This time, only a lead of 8-3 at the break gave hope to South Africa.
With tries from Cronje, Du Preez and Marx, South Africa were on course to derail the All Blacks surge to the title, but with the lead swinging back and forth and South Africa in charge at one point at 17-15, Crotty, Ioane and finally McKenzie swung it the All Blacks way by going over the try line.
A late sending off of De Allende for a late tackle on Sopoaga all but sealed a wonderful campaign for New Zealand, who held on, despite one final push from the Springboks.
Final standings:
1 – New Zealand
2 – Australia
3 – South Africa
4 – Argentina
