Soldier Field / Chicago

 Fans gather for an International Test Match between the United States of America Eagles and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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New Zealand Rugby President Ian MacRae speaks in front of the Soldier Field Memorial before the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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 Conrad Smith of the All Blacks (C) lays a wreath in front of the Soldier Field Memorial before the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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New Zealand and USA rugby representatives pose after laying a wreath in front of the Soldier Field Memorial before the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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 A general view of Soldier Field as the United States of America Eagles take on the New Zealand All Blacks during an International Test Match on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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Members of the New Zealand All Blacks perform a traditional haka before taking on the United States of America Eagles during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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The All Blacks perform the haka before the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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All Blacks put 70 points on USA

Inevitably the event mattered more than the scoreline as New Zealand dispatched the USA with a 74-6 win in Chicago at Soldier Field.

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 Ryan Crotty of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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 Hayden Smith #5 (L) and Samu Manoa #4 tackle Jeremy Thrush #4 of the United States of America Eagles of the New Zealand All Blacks during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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Taking the sport to the United States is a necessity for the future of rugby and there's no doubt with national TV coverage, strides will have been made with regards towards the development of the game in a country that truly loves its sport. Denying that is foolish.

With the greatest respect to the USA though, the outcome of this one was already known before kickoff. In the end the All Blacks finished with 12 tries.

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Daniel Carter #22 of the New Zealand All Blacks passes as he is hit by Louis Stanfill #20 of the United States of America Eagles during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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 Daniel Carter #22 of the New Zealand All Blacks passes as he is hit by Louis Stanfill #20 of the United States of America Eagles during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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 Charlie Faumuina of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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Man of the Match: Showing touches of class throughout, Kieran Read was exceptional in the absence of Richie McCaw.

Moment of the Match: Rather than any of the action, the pre-match build-up was truly special as both teams were given a rousing reception.

Match Report / Planet Rugby

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Folau Niua #22 of the United States of America Eagles is grabbed by Jeremy Thrush #4 of the New Zealand All Blacks as Scott Lavalla #7 grabs Thrush during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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 Scott Lavalla #7 of the United States of America Eagles is tackled by Aaron Cruden #10 of the New Zealand All Blacks during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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All Blacks: How the US media reacted

The US media's reaction to the All Blacks' 74-6 win over the USA Eagles in Chicago this morning has been muted. In fact, it was hard to find much comment on the game at all. Here's what we managed to unearth a couple of hours after the final whistle.

All Blacks enlighten US Rugby

Rugby posts on Soldier Field was a strange sight. Whenever a sport is showcased in a foreign environment, grounding with the familiar is sought. The All Blacks were compared to the dominant US basketball team in the run up to Saturday's match in Chicago. Two months ago New Zealand met the USA in Bilbao in the Basketball World Cup. The Kiwis mustered 71 points; the All Blacks went three better than their basketball counterparts on Saturday as they hit 74 against the Eagles in front of a soldout 61,500 crowd.

ESPN Scrum.com

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 Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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All Blacks 74, USA 6

New Zealand's All Blacks made their USA rivals mostly blue on Saturday, turning what was billed as a rugby exhibition into a clinic on their way to a 74-6 win ... Playing with only a handful of regulars in the starting lineup, the defending World Cup champions went ahead three minutes in on a try up the left sideline by Nathan Harris.

The Golden Eagles countered with their best sustained ball possession of the entire match, repeatedly testing the center of the All-Blacks' defense before settling for a penalty goal from Adam Siddall to close to 5-3. That was the last moment the match was competitive.

Arizona Daily Star

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 Jeremy Thrush #4 of the New Zealand All Blacks advances the ball out of a scrum against the United States of America Eagles during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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All Blacks rout US rugby team at sold-out Soldier Field 

The New Zealand All Blacks showed why they're the world's most famous rugby team. In front of a capacity crowd at Soldier Field, the All Blacks beat the USA Eagles 74-6. Even without many of their best players, the All Blacks dominated the Eagles from the start of the match ... The All Blacks were playing in the United States for the first time in 34 years and they lived up to their reputation. They led 43-6 at halftime and possessed the ball for most of the game.

Brian Sandalow, Chicago Sun Times

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 Liam Messam of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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Rugby fans cheer on US team in game against New Zealand

As thousands cheered at Soldier Field, and a variety of revelers roamed downtown in their Halloween costumes Saturday, a small group of loyal rugby fans gathered at a River North bar to watch the U.S. play New Zealand's top ranked team ... "It's a great game. And I think it's a little more exciting than football," said Chris Curran, 52, of Lincoln Park ... "New Zealand is the No. 1 team. This is the Super Bowl champions going overseas," Chris Curran said. "It's very big."

Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times

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 Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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 Dan Carter of the All Blacks on the attack during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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Louis Stanfill #20 of the United States of America Eagles (L) collides with Keven Mealamu #16 of the New Zealand All Blacks during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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next test match:

Nov 8

England v New Zealand

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All Blacks in Chicago

Banners promoting the game between the New Zealand All Blacks and the USA Eagles are pictured on Michigan Ave on October 27, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 26, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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Brisbane

 Malakai Fekitoa of the All Blacks is tackled during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Last-minute All Blacks edge Wallabies

Malakai Fekitoa scored a try in the last minute as the All Blacks overturned a 10-point deficit to beat the Wallabies 29-28 in Brisbane on Saturday.

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 Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks runs the ball during The Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Sam Carter of the Wallabies is tackled during The Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 A general view of the lineout is seen during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Written off before kick-off following a tumultuous fortnight off the field, the Wallabies answered their critics in defiant fashion and looked on course to end a three-year losing streak against their rivals from across the 'ditch.'

But rugby is a game of 80 minutes. And once again the All Blacks showed they are the masters of the fast finish.

Ewen McKenzie's side produced arguably their best performance of 2014 and willing be kicking themselves for not closing out from a winning position as they failed to match the Kiwis' intensity in the last quarter.

The result means New Zealand win the 2014 Bledisloe series at 2-0.

Match Report from Planet Rugby

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 Israel Folau of the Wallabies runs with the ball during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Matt Roberts/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Brodie Retallick of the All Blacks is tackled during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Matt Roberts/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Malakai Fekitoa of the All Blacks makes a break during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Man of the match: Richie McCaw gave away a few penalties but was a tackle machine, as was Brodie Retallick. A mention for Michael Hooper for pulling his side together and contributing massively as a ball carrier but we'll go for Bernard Foley, not only for his 15 points, but his tireless work in getting back in defence.

Moment of the match: There can only be one candidate. Malakai Fekitoa's try at the death broke Aussie hearts.

Match Report from Planet Rugby

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 All Blacks captain Richie McCaw presents a bottle of champagne to Adam Ashley-Cooper of the Wallabies after playing his 100th test for the Wallabies during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Michael Hooper of the Wallabies is tackled during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Matt Roberts/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Christian Leali'ifano of the Wallabies is tackled during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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BrodieRetallick of the All Blacks is tackled during The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Matt Roberts/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Dane Coles of the All Blacks makes a break during The Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia.

(October 17, 2014 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Friday Break

S.Africa 27 - N.Zealand 25 / Ellis Park

 Victor Matfield of South Africa wins the lineout ball during the Rugby Championship match between the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks at Ellis Park Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

(October 3, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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South Africa ended New Zealand's 22-game unbeaten streak on Saturday with an incredible 27-25 victory in Johannesburg.

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 Malakai Fekitoa of the All Blacks breaks clear to score a try during the Rugby Championship match between the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks at Ellis Park Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

(October 3, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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 Israel Dagg of the All Blacks breaks with the ball during the Rugby Championship match between the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks at Ellis Park Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

(October 3, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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The result also sees the Springboks break a three-year losing streak against the world champions and Rugby Championship winners, claiming their first win against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in ten years.

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 Malakai Fekitoa of the All Blacks is tackled by Eben Etzebeth (L) and Jan Serfontein during the Rugby Championship match between the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks at Ellis Park Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

(October 3, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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 Jannie du Plessis of South Africa gets tackled during The Castle Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park on October 04, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

(September 6, 2008 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

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 Handre Pollard of South Africa dives over for his try during The Castle Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park on October 04, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

(October 3, 2014 - Source: Duif du Toit/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the match: A mention for Duane Vermeulen, who defied injury to make an outstanding contribution. But we'll go for 20-year-old Handré Pollard, who not only scored two tries but belied his tender years with a mature performance.

Moment of the match: Plenty of great moments but Hougaard's try marked a new age in Springbok rugby. Box kicks? No, tries from 90 metres!

Match Report / Planet Rugby

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 Adriaan Strauss of South Africa gets tackled during The Castle Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park on October 04, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

(March 8, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

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Julian Savea of the All Blacks is tackled by Conrad Hendricks during the Rugby Championship match between the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks at Ellis Park Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

(October 3, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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Springboks fall short in Wellington / Freedom Cup

 Brodie Retallick of the All Blacks is tackled by Eben Etzebeth of the Springboks during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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New Zealand overturned a half-time deficit to claim a 14-10 victory over South Africa in a thrilling Rugby Championship Test at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

Only two tries were scored - one apiece - but the clash between the two best sides in the world lived up to its billing as the All Blacks were forced to hang on in a nail-biting finish to an outstanding contest.

New Zealand dominated the territory (over 70 percent) and possession statistics in the first half but it was the Springboks who led 7-6 at the interval thanks to a try from wing Cornal Hendricks.

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 Richie McCaw of the All Blacks scores a try during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Adriaan Strauss of the Springboks runs at Richie McCaw of the All Blacks during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Jean de Villiers of the Springboks leaves the field after earning his 100th test cap during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Ma'a Nonu of the All Blacks makes a break during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Hannah Peters/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Richie McCaw of the All Blacks scores a try during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Man of the match: Firstly a mention for Handré Pollard, who had a blinder, and underlined his status as South Africa's best 10. Likewise, a mention for Victor Matfield who tackled his heart out a ruled the line-outs. But we'll go for Richie McCaw, who scored the winning try and topped the Kiwi tackle count.

Moment of the match: It went down to the wire, but the New Zealand's defence in the final minute was brilliant.

Match Report / Planet Rugby

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 Kieran Read of the All Blacks is tackled during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Kieran Read of the All Blacks is tackled during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Jean de Villiers of the Springboks is congratulated on his 100th test by Richie McCaw of the All Blacks during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Richie McCaw of the All Blacks scores a try during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Richie McCaw of the All Blacks hols up the Freedom Cup after winning The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Hannah Peters/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Kieran Read of the All Blacks is tackled during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Steven Luatua of the All Blacks charges forward during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(September 12, 2014 - Source: Hannah Peters/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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