New Zealand edge past South Africa in Rugby Championship

A late try from captain Richie McCaw has helped New Zealand to a 27-20 victory away to South Africa in the Rugby Championship.

The world champions have now won their opening two games of the tournament following last weekend's 39-18 triumph over Argentina.

Lima Sopoaga kicked the All Blacks into the lead on three minutes, but the hosts responded soon after as Willie Le Roux's try was converted by Handre Pollard.

Both teams continued to battle hard during a frantic first half of action, though it was South Africa who landed the next blow with 21 minutes on the clock when Pollard scored his first penalty of the match.

However, New Zealand got themselves level right on the stroke of half time as Sopoaga added the extras to Conrad Smith's score.

The momentum swung back to South Africa at the start of the second half, and they regained the lead with 46 minutes gone. Jesse Kriel was able to touch down for his second try in two games before Pollard converted.

The All Blacks showed typical determination in fighting back, though, as Dane Coles showed a quick burst of pace to go over, allowing Sopoaga to kick between the posts to make the score 17-17.

South Africa sneaked in front again on 57 minutes when Pollard scored his second penalty, but New Zealand snatched the victory with just five minutes left to play as Sopoaga added the extras to McCaw's score before Sopoaga made sure of the victory with a penalty.