Invincibility is their hallmark. But a wounded All Blacks are deadlier than ever before. When they flew to the South African administrative capital of Pretoria after wrapping up the Investec Rugby Championship for a record sixth time, the famed New Zealand rugby side had a score to settle, known for being their fiercest rivals for many decades.

The September 15 upset by the Springboks in Wellington didn't have any impact on the title triumph of the all-conquering ABs in Buenos Aires in their next game, but the stunning upset of their unstoppable applecart left a slew of issues to be settled at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The aftershocks of their only defeat of the season were initially felt as the uncharacteristically cautious visitors and their dogged hosts played a try-less, low-scoring 6-6 first half on the high veldt. "Amandla" was the war cry of the partisan Boks fans inside the stadium, who were sensing their side's second successive triumph over the best in the business..

The second half saw Siya Kolisi's boys soon converting their supremacy in possessions into tries and conversions and was all set for a celebratory braai with an almost unassailable 30-18 lead with 10 minutes to go for the final hooter.

But Kieran Read's side had a different thought and the big boys of world rugby with bulging biceps and terrific triceps went for the final push in order to salvage some pride while staring at a hopeless second successive loss against their long-time nemesis.

The final 10 minutes brought the best out of the indomitable team that was battered, bruised and blistered.

When a steel-nerved emphatically Richie Mo'unga converted Ardie Savea's try in the final moment of the game, an epic was scripted in the city, turned into a purple haze by the psychedelic effects of its full-bloomed Jacaranda trees. As the saying goes, fortune favours the brave, the All Blacks capped of their otherwise incredible season with a seemingly impossible revenge miracle over their lion-hearted African arch-rivals in their own backyard.

"Unbelievable character" was the post-match response from a visibly relieved head coach Steve Hansen as his side clinched a morale-boosting 32-30 victory against a resurgent and rejuvenated side, against whom they will play a 2019 World Cup group league game in September next year in Japan.