Despite being outplayed for much of the match, New Zealand did what comes naturally to them, and found a way to win.
Ben Smith, Dane Coles and Richie McCaw crossed for New Zealand in their 27-20 victory at Emirates Airline Park (previously Ellis Park), as they fought from behind to beat a South African side on the top of their game.
All Blacks lucky to remain in touch in the first half
The first-half was error strewn for Steve Hansen's men, and they were fortunate to be level at 10-10 as the sides headed for the changing rooms at the culmination of the first 40 minutes.
After an early penalty from debutant Lima Sopoaga put the visitors 3-0 up, Willie Le Roux scorched a hole in the All Blacks defence to dot down under the sticks after a turnover in the opposition's 22.
Handre Pollard extended the lead to 10-3 with a penalty, and the home side were in control of the match, thanks mainly to the workrate of lock forwards Eben Etzebeth and Lodewyk de Jager who were smashing everything that moved.
All the Springboks hard work was ruined though on the cusp of half-time. On the back of a scintilating break by Sopoaga, the fly-half beat two before putting Ben Smith over for a try, which was converted as time expired to draw the sides level at 10-10.
Springbok centres look the part
Coming out from the break, the Springboks stayed on top of their visitors, regularly visiting the All Blacks 22 but to no avail thanks to the staunch defence of their opponents.
The territorial battle finally paid off for South Africa when Jesse Kriel ran the perfect line to cut through the All Black midfield and score his second try in his second Test match after his debut in Brisbane last week.
Kriel's partnership with Damian de Allende in the South African centre spots is looking like the real deal. With less than 10 caps between them, they outperformed the most experienced in world rugby of Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu, paving the way for a 17-10 Springbok lead.
All Blacks turn the screw
With the crowd at full voice, it looked more and more likely that New Zealand were going to be handed their second straight defeat on South African soil. This though, was not the case as the All Blacks fought back as only they know how.
Hooker Dane Coles crashed over after hitting a Kriel-like line to draw the sides level once again, and then just moments later Sam Whitelock was sent to the bin for an indiscretion close to his line as New Zealand were reduced to 14.
On the back of the yellow card, it seemed as though South Africa would use the advantage to gain enough pressure to force either a penalty try or five points of their own working, yet three from Pollard's boot was all they came away with.
Mystique of the set piece wins the day
The home side again went close and had a number of scrums close to the All Black line, which were soon converted to uncontested scrums after a misunderstanding following Trevor Nyakane's arrival onto the field.
After a turnover, the Kiwis moved the ball down the field before winning a penalty close to the Springbok line. Instead of kicking for the posts, they took the attacking option of a lineout, which saw Richie McCaw call a lineout to himself before crossing for what turned out to be the winning try.
Sopoaga scored another penalty on the final whistle to help New Zealand to a famous 27-20 victory.