South Africa defeated New Zealand 2004 to win the Tri-Nations rugby series . Jean de Villiers and namesake Tri-Nations kicked at least two points for the Springboks . Francois Steyn and Jean de Villiers ran over a try apiece for South Africa . Indeed it was Carter who made a crucial error as South Africa raced into a 29-12 lead when his attempted pass to Isaia Toeava was collected by Jean de Villiers , who sprinted away to score unopposed and Morne Steyn was able to convert . The win gave South Africa their first Tri-Nations series victory since 2004 .
South Africa defeated New Zealand 2004 to win the Tri-Nations rugby series . Jean de Villiers and namesake Tri-Nations kicked at least two points for the Springboks . Francois Steyn and Jean de Villiers ran over a try apiece for South Africa . The win gave South Africa their first Tri-Nations series victory since 2004 .