Andre Pretorius slotted an injury-time penalty for South Africa to upset New Zealand 21-20 in the Tri-Nations on Saturday and end a five-match losing streak.

The defeat ended the All Blacks' 15-match winning roll since their last loss, also to South Africa on Aug. 6 last year in Cape Town. The All Blacks had already retained the Tri-Nations title two weeks ago.

``It's been a while since I was able to smile after a game,'' said Springboks captain John Smit. ``This was a test we needed to win, there's been a fair amount of desperation.''

Both teams scored two tries apiece, the All Blacks' second with fly half Dan Carter's conversion giving them a 20-18 lead after 70 minutes at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

But three minutes into injury time, New Zealand No. 8 Rodney So'oialo conceded a penalty at a ruck, and fly half Pretorius, starting his first test since last November, nailed his third penalty.

``We knew we had to keep putting on the pressure, and for 80 minutes is the only way to beat a great side like the All Blacks,'' Smit said.

South Africa had lost to France in June and twice each to Australia and New Zealand, including a humiliating 45-26 defeat to the All Blacks in Pretoria a week ago. But six lineup changes by embattled coach Jake White, timely substitutions and turnovers helped the Springboks end their third-worst losing run.

So'oialo, playing his 26th All Blacks test, was involved in their most glaring errors.

His attempted high pass, while fronted by four Springboks, was picked off by South Africa winger Bryan Habana for an intercept try midway through the first half only moments after New Zealand had crossed first through Carter.

Then in first-half injury time, hooker Andrew Hore had a try disallowed because So'oialo obstructed South Africa centre Jean de Villiers.

Soon after, Carter kicked his second penalty to tie the score at 13 at the break, but South Africa would have been happiest after conceding the majority of possession, territory and penalties.

After South Africa led 6-3 on penalties, the All Blacks bagged the first try. Off an Ali Williams lineout take, Joe Rokocoko came off his wing to attack left, then Carter put lock Chris Jack up through the middle and finished off a wonderful team move near the posts.

South Africa regained a three-point lead on Habana's converted try, then a sustained period of All Black attack was resisted by the Springboks. First, the All Blacks set aside a penalty for an attacking lineout which they lost, then Williams was held back after repeated charges at the line. Carter's late, tying penalty was not quite the reward they sought.

Pretorius started the second half with two missed drop goal attempts, then White introduced winger Breyton Paulse and scrum half Ruan Pienaar, who bolstered the attack and scrambling defence.

Lock Victor Matfield stole another All Blacks lineout throw-in, after Pierre Spies straightened the attack, fast handling allowed fellow flanker Pedrie Wannenburg to crash over near the start of the last quarter.

Pretorius couldn't convert, then the All Blacks, who made 10 changes to the side which won in Pretoria, brought in four sets of fresh legs and were rewarded by centre Mils Muliaina putting in a grubber kick for Rokococko to score his 32nd test try.

Carter converted for a 20-18 lead, Pretorius missed another long-range drop but the most important kick in injury time.

``The Springboks caused us to make lots of mistakes at critical times,'' said All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.