The Springboks took the fight to New Zealand More photos from Dunedin

New Zealand won their fifth Tri-Nations crown in eight years by edging out a much-improved South Africa in Dunedin.

But the All Blacks were made to work far harder than expected for their second successive title as the Springboks salvaged some pride after recent reverses.

Wing Joe Rokocoko continued his remarkable scoring record with his 11th try in only his sixth Test with barely five minutes on the clock.

But that remained New Zealand's only try, as the home side were indebted to a flawless kicking display from fly-half Carlos Spencer, who slotted five out of five.

Carlos kicked really well. We always believed in him NZ captain Reuben Thorne

South Africa were galvanised by a stunning solo score from prop Richard Bands and Louis Koen added two penalties.

But the stand-off missed with three kicks at goal and three attempted drop goals to cost his side any chance of their first win at Carisbrook.

The All Blacks, needing victory to clinch the title after previous 50-point wins over the Springboks and Australia, got off to a perfect start.

Influential centre Aaron Mauger sent a finely-judged kick through the South African defence and Rokocoko was there first for a simple touchdown.

Rokocoko continued his scoring run

Spencer converted impressively from the touchline and the stage appeared set for another New Zealand onslaught.

But the Springboks refused to be cowed and responded with a remarkable try of their own in the 14th minute.

Giant tight-head prop Bands, charging onto a pass 40 metres out, suddenly found himself in acres of space.

Sizing up a pass inside with the New Zealand cover defence approaching, the barrel-shaped forward instead fended off Spencer and barged through Mauger for a stunning solo score.

Koen missed the conversion, and Spencer made it 10-5 with a penalty minutes later.

But Koen kept the visitors within two points by rewarding 13 phases of South African possession with a penalty in front of the posts as the first quarter drew to a close.

Match facts New Zealand 19 (13) Try: Rokocoko Con: Spencer Pens: Spencer 4 South Africa 11 (11) Try: Bands Pens: Koen 2

Springboks lock Geo Cronje recalled memories of last week's controversial Test against Australia when he took out Spencer with a high, late tackle.

But referee Peter Marshall ruled there was no malicious intent and the South African defence continued to negate the All Blacks' attacking threat.

Spencer and Koen both added further penalties to leave New Zealand holding just a 13-11 advantage at the interval.

The Springboks might even have been leading but for Koen missing an attempted drop goal and pushing another penalty wide.

The All Blacks laid siege to the South African line on the resumption but were still unable to cross the try line, having to settle for another Spencer penalty after 48 minutes.

I am not happy we lost but we were in the Test all the time SA captain Corne Krige

The Springboks continued to use the boot of Koen to try to gain momentum, but the fly-half was unsuccessful with a third drop goal attempt.

New Zealand brought on Chris Jack for Brad Thorn after 55 minutes and the lock made an immediate impression by getting to Spencer's high kick first.

Spencer's fourth penalty just before the hour gave the home side the comfort of an eight-point cushion, but they failed to add to their tally in the final quarter.

With 10 minutes left, Mauger's break should have yielded a try only for a knock-on to waste the chance, while Spencer's break in the dying moments also went unrewarded.

New Zealand: M Muliaina, D Howlett, T Umaga, A Mauger, J Rokocoko, C Spencer, J Marshall; J Collins, M Holah, R Thorne (capt), A Williams, B Thorn, K Meeuws, M Hammett, D Hewett.
Replacements: K Mealamu, G Somerville, C Jack, R So'oialo, B Kelleher, D Carter, L MacDonald.

South Africa: T Delport, S Terblanche, J Muller, G Bobo, A Willemse, L Koen, J van der Westhuizen; J Smith, J van Niekerk, C Krige (capt), V Matfield, G Cronje, R Bands, D Coetzee, L Sephaka.
Replacements: L van Biljon, C Bezuidenhout, S Boome, P Wannenburg, N de Kock, D W Barry, A Pretorius.