Tri-Nations: South Africa 31 New Zealand 19

New Zealand, already being battered by a bleak winter, became another few degrees colder overnight as the All Blacks stumbled their way to a second successive Tri-Nations defeat to South Africa, by 31-19.

And as the winds of discontent blow stronger among disenchanted Kiwis, none will sleep more fretful than head coach Graham Henry - recently re-appointed until after the 2011 World Cup but starting to face increasing calls for his dismissal.

While Henry may, with some justification, point to a slightly lopsided view in interpretations by referee Nigel Owens in this Test match in Durban, his main concern - and a massive one at that - will be the All Blacks' utter lack of precision, penetration and, most of all, confidence.

For 60 seconds early in the game they looked like the team of old, slick handling by virtually the whole side leading to a try by lock Isaac Ross for a 10-3 lead, but then normal service, at least by lowly New Zealand standards this season, resumed, the turnover stats heavily, and uncharacteristically, favouring the home side.

That said, to point to the All Blacks' bumbling display as the cause for their defeat would be churlish and unjust to the Springboks, whose application and commitment was backed up by accuracy and conviction.

Supplied with marvellous clean ball by his hardworking forwards, fly-half Morne Steyn - whose last-gasp kick also broke the British and Irish Lions' hearts in the second Test recently - marshalled the show with authority, scoring all of the Springboks' 31 points with a try, conversion and eight penalties.

The irony of this was not lost on the Boks supporters, as Steyn -- having replaced the injured Ruan Pienaar from last week's 28-19 victory over New Zealand - was the one player they feared might give the All Blacks a chance of reversing their fortunes.

Equally impressive was John Smit, whose 60th as captain is a world record, overtaking that of England's Will Carling and Australia's George Gregan.

Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers also celebrated personal milestones, winning their 50th caps for the Boks, but there was not the slightest hint of personal milestones upsetting the team's focus or momentum.

The All Blacks now head back home, where a decidedly chilly reception awaits them as the Tri-Nation titles slips away fast.