Inspired All Blacks beat South Africa 32-12

AUCKLAND, July 10 (Reuters)

New Zealand continued their long unbeaten run at Eden Park with a controlled and aggressive performance against South Africa to record a 32-12 victory in their opening Tri-Nations clash on Saturday.

The All Blacks, who have not lost at the stadium in Auckland since 1994, scored tries through centres Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, number eight Kieran Read and prop Tony Woodcock, while flyhalf Daniel Carter added three conversions and two penalties. South Africa flyhalf Morne Steyn slotted four penalties for the world champions, who have not won at the ground since 1937.

Springboks lock Bakkies Botha was lucky to remain on the field after head-butting All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan in the second minute, but he was yellow carded 11 minutes later for repeatedly infringing on his own goal line.

Carter slotted the penalty to tie the score at 3-3 after Steyn had scored an early penalty.

The All Blacks took advantage of their extra man with Mils Muliaina launching a blistering counter-attack to feed Richie McCaw, who set up Smith for the opening try, which Carter converted.

Carter gave his side a 10-point lead with his second penalty shortly after Botha had returned to the fray, before Ma'a Nonu bludgeoned over from in close following a sustained buildup by the All Blacks, who took a 20-3 lead into the break.

Steyn added two quick penalties early in the second half as the Springboks looked to turn the momentum before the All Blacks settled back into the game.

The home side, however, held out and extended their lead when Read took a short pass from replacement scrumhalf Piri Weepu and burst over following another sustained buildup.

Steyn reduced the gap with his fourth penalty before the All Blacks earned a bonus point for their fourth try when Woodcock barrelled over in the final minute. (Editing by Peter Rutherford; To query or comment on this story email [email protected])