All Blacks eighthman Kieran Read says the Boks feigned injury in a bid to slow the game down in Wellington on Saturday.

Read and captain Richie McCaw voiced their concerns to referee Jérôme Garcès during the Rugby Championship Test, and Read spoke on the topic after the match. He believed that the Springboks used stoppages as a ploy to nullify the All Blacks' high-tempo approach, as well as eat up valuable time on the clock.

'There were probably a lot of stops in the game, which took away from the physicality all the time,' said Read. 'We wanted to play a tempo game. I think the way they play, they want to play at their pace.

'I was probably letting my feelings known to the referee when they went down. Hopefully they [the officials] can sort it out next time.'

It's not the first time that the All Blacks have accused the Springboks of time-wasting tactics. Following a Test in 2006, then-All Blacks coach Graham Henry said that Springbok players simulated injuries, before accusing South African Super Rugby teams of using the same tactic in matches against New Zealand franchises.

Read was instrumental in the All Blacks' victory, playing a key role in the buildup to Richie McCaw's try. The No 8 was unhappy with New Zealand's work at the breakdown, though, an area where the Springboks experienced some joy.

'We came out and probably didn't really do what we said we were going to do,' said Read. 'It was about getting back to playing our game and backing ourselves and looking after that ball.'

Photo: Phil Walter/Gallo Images