NEW Zealand has won a see-sawing battle with South Africa to claim third place at the 2014 AFL International Cup.

The Hawks were down by 16 points early in the final term but stormed home to take the lead in the final minute of the match.

New Zealand captain Andrew Howison was the hero, running around three opponents and snapping a long behind to put his side in front.

It was a heartbreaking loss for the South Africans, who despite never taking complete control, looked the team most likely for the majority of the match.

New Zealand: 2.3 3.3 3.3 6.8 (44)

South Africa: 2.1 4.2 4.5 6.7 (43)

Goals

New Zealand: McKenzie 2, Mundel 2, Fisher, Clarke

South Africa: Moagi 2, Sobetwa 2, Zwane, Phakedi

Best

New Zealand: Boyce, Court, Howison, Harris, Gregson, Miller

South Africa: Zwane, Sobetwa, Sikiti, Moagi, Mongiam, Dlamini