Never in their proud history had the All Blacks lost by such a large margin.

The Springboks' performance served as a warning to rivals ahead of their Rugby World Cup title defence in France.

They scored five tries through captain Siya Kolisi, winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, hookers Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi, and flanker Kwagga Smith.

The All Blacks played the entire second half with 14 players after lock Scott Barrett received a second yellow card, equating to a red, as they had no answer to the Springboks' intensity and set-piece domination.

Replacement back Cam Roigard got a consolation try for the All Blacks but coach Ian Foster will be concerned at how his first-choice selection was second best in every facet of the match.

They play their Rugby World Cup opener against France in Paris on September 9 AEST.

"We are really disappointed with how we performed, but a lot of credit must go to how the Springboks played," All Blacks captain Sam Cane said.

"They were dominant in all facets and our discipline really hurt us.

"Their ability to dominate the scrum, maul and lineout made it hard for us to get anything going.

"It stings, but we are going to have to learn a lot from this game. I would rather have it now than in a few weeks' time.

"The only good that can come out of it is if we have a good, honest review. Next week will be a really important one in terms of preparation."

The All Blacks have twice lost to the Wallabies by 21-point margins and while the result against the Springboks will not quite set off alarm bells in their camp, it was an uncharacteristically limp performance.

The tone was set early on as the All Blacks conceded the first eight penalties in the match and were pinned in their half.

The Springboks had the upper hand in the scrum and line-out, and were held up twice over the All Blacks' line before they scored their first try.

Kolisi barged his way over from close range, while Arendse's quick feet saw him intercept on the edge of the All Blacks' 22 and sprint in to score under the posts for a 14-0 half-time lead.

The Springboks' three second-half tries all came from line-outs as they powered their way through the wilting All Blacks defence that battled with their numerical disadvantage.

"We were not going to come to Twickenham in front of 82,000 people and hold anything back," Kolisi said.

"We knew it had to start up front with the forwards, but we also know the hard work starts now. We have to defend the World Cup in France."