The All Blacks exacted revenge for last year's humiliation by the Springboks when they ignited this year's Tri-Nations series with a 32-12 victory over the defending champions on Saturday.

In a high-tempo clash between the world's top two rugby sides, the All Blacks also claimed a crucial bonus point as they scored four unanswered tries.

A year after relinquishing their Tri-Nations crown when they were trounced in all three Tests against South Africa, the All Blacks bounced back with determination as they extended their unbeaten run at Eden Park to 21 Tests.

They out-ran the Springboks in the backs and out-muscled them up front, including the rare sight of the South African pack being back-pedalled at scrum time and driven back 25-metres at a lineout late in the match.

"The key thing behind this performance was three-zip last year," said forwards coach Steve Hansen.

"A lot of people have been waiting a long time to play this Test match and we came out on top of it.

"Now we've got to do it again next week, that's the exciting thing."

Head coach Graham Henry had special praise for his forwards and the overall defensive effort which kept their line intact.

"The edge was created by the results last year so I think the boys should be very proud of what they achieved," he said.

"The defence was superb. The forwards dominated the Springbok eight and that's what set the standard."

The Springboks, who have not beaten the All Blacks in Auckland for 53 years, struggled to match the pace of the All Blacks and were forced to rely on four penalties from the boot of Morne Steyn for their points.

The All Blacks looked to run the ball at every opportunity, which included Richie McCaw leading a counter-attack from his own goal line, and stretched the Springboks' defence until it snapped.

At halftime they led 20-3, forcing the Springboks to revert to their more traditional kick-for-position play after the break to earn territory from which Steyn landed penalties but were never able to cross the All Blacks' line.

South Africa captain John Smit said there were no excuses from his side who were outplayed throughout the match.

"The All Blacks were really good tonight. They played with pace all over the field and in every facet of play they were better than us," Smit said.

Springboks lock Bakkies Botha made himself enemy number one for the All Blacks when he was seen to deliver a flying headbutt to Jimmy Cowan from behind in the opening play of the game.

Although it was caught on television and the big screen at the ground, it went undetected by the match officials.

However, the tough Springbok lock only lasted until the 12th minute before he was yellow carded for an intentional foul.

South Africa were ahead 3-0 from a Steyn penalty when Botha left the field and when he returned the All Blacks were up 10-3 from a Dan Carter penalty and a converted try to Conrad Smith, who finished off a Mils Muliaina break.

Carter stretched the lead to 13-3 when the All Blacks won a scrum penalty in the first set piece after Botha came back on, before Ma'a Nonu started and finished the second first-half try.

Nonu was able to regather his own chip kick, fed Joe Rokocoko who took play up to the Springboks' line and Nonu was on hand to finish off the move.

After two more Steyn penalties saw the Springboks close the gap to 20-9, the All Blacks scored their third try when Kieran Read, running from depth to take rucked ball, broke through four tackles to score.

Steyn landed his fourth penalty before All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock scored the bonus-point try on fulltime.

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