South Africa v New Zealand LIVE: Result and reaction Rugby Championship as Springboks mount late comeback
South Africa 31-27 New Zealand: Two late tries from the Springboks ensured they defeated the All Blacks in Johannesburg
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South Africa edged past New Zealand in a dramatic encounter in the third round of the Rugby Championship to cement their place at the top of the tournament table.
In a tight first half, tries from Codie Taylor, Caleb Clarke and Bongi Mbonambi were the highlights as both sides looked to gain an advantage after a yellow card to Aphelele Fassi.
The scores were locked at 11-12 to the visitors at half-time, and the second half started in perfect fashion for the All Blacks as Jordie Barrett intercepted a loose pass and raced home for five points.
From there it looked like the All Blacks were set to dominate, especially after Caleb Clarke crossed again, but New Zealand couldn’t capitalise when it mattered.
And soon after they paid the price, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi getting a late yellow card to spark an impressive Springboks turnaround.
Kwagga Smith crossed the line soon after to give South Africa life, and from there it was one-way traffic as Grant Williams completed the comeback in the 74th minute.
It could have been a vital win for the All Blacks as they looked to close the gap on the Springboks at the top of the tournament table, but instead South Africa end the day with a lead that looks difficult to relinquish – eight points over their nearest challengers, New Zealand.
Relive the action from Ellis Park Stadium as South Africa defeat New Zealand:
South Africa 11-12 New Zealand
35 mins
South Africa think they have a certain try, but the pass was forward and they have to settle for the kick opportunity near the New Zealand 22.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu converts it easily for 11-12.
South Africa 8-12 New Zealand
32 mins
TRY!
Barrett’s up-and-under is collected by Fassi, but an unforced error gives the All Blacks the ball!
Wiese fumbles the ball and suddenly the All Blacks are on the attack, with great dummies from Damian McKenzie setting it up to go through the hands, before Will Jordan makes use of the overlap to send Caleb Clarke over the line for five.
The conversion is missed, but the All Blacks lead once more.
South Africa 8-7 New Zealand
28 mins
Barrett goes for the effort into touch again and it’s a brilliant effort, matched only by Kolbe’s acrobatic attempt to keep it in. It doesn’t pay off though, and South Africa win the lineout, with Reinach clearing.
South Africa win another penalty, almost on their own 10-metre line, after the All Blacks are penalised for not releasing.
This would be a huge kick – and he’s sunk it! An excellent effort, plum on target and with the legs to take it well over the distance.
South Africa 5-7 New Zealand
25 mins
Barrett overcooks the attempted 50:22, and it’s straight into touch. New Zealand hold firm in defence though, with the Springboks knocking it on after Feinberg-Mngomezulu put too much on the pass.
Eben Etzebeth comes on for Nortje.
South Africa 5-7 New Zealand
22 mins
It does look like New Zealand have a case to be annoyed with that try being awarded. Not sure why it wasn’t checked.
Fassi has returned from his sin-bin stint, but the All Blacks are on the attack again before the ball is dragged out of play.
TRY! South Africa 5-7 New Zealand
17 mins
TRY! It begins similarly to the New Zealand try, with a maul forming from the lineout. The maul falters towards the touchline, but Bongi Mbonambi picks out from the back and powers towards the line.
He’s got plenty to do with three black shirts challenging him, but he shrugs off the tackles to ground the ball for five points!
In truth, it looked like he may have lost control of the ball before going over, but the try is given – in the confusion, Feinberg-Mngomezulu doesn’t take his conversion kick in time.
South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
14 mins
New Zealand collapse the scrum and the Springboks take advatbage, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicking into the corner and then collecting from the lineout. Strong carrying from the fly-half takes the ‘Boks into the All Blacks’ five-metre line, before Savea is penalised for not releasing.
South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
12 mins
From kick-off, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu looks to have kicked it straight out, so it’s a scrum on halfway. From the scrum, Perenara kicks a lovely 50:22.
The All Blacks had an advantage as they powered towards the South Africa five-metre line, but they lose it after Lomax comes in at the side.
South Africa take advantage of that slip up with some brilliant play. First, Cheslin Kolbe is sent through on the blind side, before Feinberg-Mngomezulu stabs through a brilliant kick that is kicked on by Arendse, but the winger can’t get to it on the second attempt and the All Blacks survive a scare.
TRY! South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
7 mins
TRY! Simple enough for the All Blacks, as they win the lineout and form the maul, which is quickly carried over the line for a try for Taylor.
The conversion sails between the posts for the full number of points.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
5 mins
Great defence from the Springboks, as they finally get Savea off the pitch on the wing after several phases of solid tackling and rucking.
They win the lineout in their own five-metre line, but they’re penalised for offside and the All Blacks will have a scrum.
Perenara is happy to use the forwards for a few phases, before shipping it to Beauden Barrett. The next phase goes through the hands, ending with Blackadder not making use of the overload. No matter though, as New Zealand have the penalty as Fassi is shown a yellow card for obstructing the pass, having tackled from the side.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments