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New Zealand saw a 30-match unbeaten home run come to an end last weekend when they went down 30-28 to World Cup champions South Africa.

The victory was the Springboks' first in Dunedin in seven attempts and came courtesy of a superb individual try from scrum-half Rickie Januarie four minutes from time.

The All Blacks had chances to snatch victory in the closing minutes but star fly-half Dan Carter (pictured far right) was unsuccessful with two drop goal attempts.

Carter has an impressive 768 international points to his name but in 49 Tests has landed just two drop goals.

Here is what the leading rugby writers in New Zealand had to say about the defeat that allowed the Springboks to return to the top of the IRB World Rankings:

"Those who lampooned the All Blacks for not attempting a dropped goal in their World Cup collapse against France might have to think again.

"The 28-30 Tri-Nations loss to the Springboks was notable for four attempted dropped goals by first five-eighth Daniel Carter but just one success - proof that the scoring method isn't the automatic three points that some make it out to be.

"Twice Carter could have won the game in the dying minutes but his first attempt was wide and the second more desperate snap from 40m charged down as five defenders zoomed at him.

"It represented a change in mindset from the World Cup quarter-final loss in Cardiff last October, where New Zealand kept the ball in hand rather than attempt three points.

"At Cardiff Henry put a call out to consider a dropped goal but captain Richie McCaw chose to seek a penalty through holding possession.

"The same call went out from the coach last night and this time his team followed instructions but a two-point defeat was again the result."

(Daniel Gilhooly - The Dominion Post)

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"The Springboks have breathed new life into the Tri-Nations and confirmed our great rivalry is as strong as ever. Their first ever win at Carisbrook was a triumph of perseverance, commitment and the never-say-die attitude we've come to expect from our Bok opponents.

"There will be the inevitable carping about the All Blacks' performance, but I hope we do not over-do it and disrespect the outstanding grit shown by the visitors.

"Let's also not forget the Boks won with their skipper Victor Matfield in the sin-bin for 10 minutes. It was a performance of sterling character which will make the Tri-Nations intriguing from here. The title is wide open and up for grabs now."

(Grant Fox - Sunday Star Times)

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"The drain of talent finally caught up with the All Blacks as they had to surrender their 30-game unbeaten run at home.

"Their inexperience undid them, that, and a much-improved Springbok side that played with an accuracy and tactical acumen to match their physicality.

"The defeat will hurt but it was not a night without hope for the All Blacks. The silver lining was that they stuck in and competed for 40 minutes when they looked to be in real trouble coming into half-time.

"But the loss of so many players in the last 18 months was going to have an effect at some stage."

(Gregor Paul - New Zealand Herald)

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"The full ramifications of the overseas player exodus came back to haunt New Zealand rugby last night.

"But referee Matt Goddard probably had the biggest impact on the match. The Aussie was in a whistle-happy mood and at times looked out of his depth in the white-hot atmosphere of his first Tri Nations Test. His yellow-carding of Victor Matfield for an innocuous high shot near the end of the match could have proved pivotal. Fortunately for the Boks it didn't.

"So Boks coach Peter de Villiers' team now have their nose in front and may in fact close the deal next week if they can defeat the Wallabies on their way back to the republic. That would mean the Boks have to be beaten at home. And given the lack of depth Graham Henry now has at its disposal that would appear a tall order."

(Greg Ford - Sunday Star Times)

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport