Howlett carries the ball forward. (Getty Images)

By Alex Lowe, PA Sport, Melbourne

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New Zealand fly-half Carlos Spencer produced a typically exuberant performance to inspire his side to an 29-9 win over error-ridden South Africa in Melbourne to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

The Auckland fly-half created two of his team's three tries with a brilliant break in the first half to set up Leon MacDonald and an outrageous between-the-legs pass for Joe Rokocoko's touchdown in the second to propel his team into the last four.

He also tried and missed with two drop goals in the first half when moving the ball wide would have been highly likely to bring a try, but ultimately he was the lynch-pin in an All Black side a step above their famous rivals.

It was New Zealand's 34th win over the Springboks and their record seventh in succession.

But it was not as convincing as it might have been after New Zealand completely dominated every aspect of the game in the first half but failed to capitalise in terms of points.

By the end of the first 40 minutes the All Blacks had held 65% of the possession and 63% of territory but errors in finishing off moves cost them points.

And they nearly conceded a try when Jaco van der Westhuyzen went close to scoring in the right-hand corner before the impressive Jerry Collins came up with the saving tackle late in the half.

Spencer demonstrated his class when he received the ball from a scrappy situation in the 16th minute, spotted a half gap and accelerated through.

His step and speed left the South African defence grasping and he then jinked and dummied before putting MacDonald in under the posts for the first try.

It should have been one of many as the South African defence provided gaps as substantial as those in a disappointing crowd at the Telstra Dome.

All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne opted to take three points from a penalty right in front in the 12th minute, although the Springboks struck back straight away when Hougaard kicked a penalty.

Spencer created the converted try three minutes later, but the welter of possession and territory brought no more real reward for the All Blacks, with Hougaard and MacDonald swapping penalties before the break.

South Africa improved in the second half and created two good chances early on, but poor finishing cost them both times and the gap remained at seven points.

MacDonald hit a drop goal and Hougaard a penalty as the Boks found greater parity all over the field.

But the All Blacks responded and lifted their game, with reserve prop Kees Meeuws and Marshall going close, and the Springbok performance drooped badly in the closing stages.

Mealamu provided the breathing space New Zealand desperately wanted as he brushed off a poor tackle from Danie Rossouw and dived over for his country's second try.

Spencer then demonstrated his instinctive brilliance in the 71st minute as he flicked the ball between his legs for Rokocoko to dive over on the blindside and make it 29-9.

South Africa did their best to try and get back in the game, but where the famous Springbok spirit was willing their skill level could not match it.

New Zealand head to Sydney and a World Cup semi-final in good heart having repaired the defensive problems exposed by Wales and outclassed an improved South African team.

Teams

New Zealand: Muliaina, Howlett, MacDonald, Mauger, Rokocoko, Spencer, Marshall, Hewett, Mealamu, Somerville, Jack, Williams, Thorne, McCaw, Collins.

Replacements: Carter for Mauger (78), Ralph for Rokocoko (78), Meeuws for Hewett (50), Hammett for Mealamu (75), Thorn for Jack (75), Holah for McCaw (75).

Not Used: Devine.

Tries: MacDonald, Mealamu, Rokocoko.

Cons: MacDonald.

Pens: MacDonald 3.

Drop Goals: Mauger.

South Africa: van der Westhuyzen, Willemse, Muller, Barry, Delport, Hougaard, van der Westhuizen, Bezuidenhout, Smit, Rautenbach, Botha, Matfield, Krige, Rossouw, Smith.

Replacements: Fourie for Delport (41), Koen for Hougaard (75), de Kock for van der Westhuizen (77), Coetzee for Smit (75), Bands for Rautenbach (61), Boome for Matfield (78), Burger for Rossouw (62).

Pens: Hougaard 3.

Att: 50,000

Ref: Tony Spreadbury (England).