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

(AFP via Getty Images)

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 vs New Zealand LIVE

• South Africa defeat New Zealand in The Rugby Championship
• Springboks come from behind to triumph 31-27 in Johannesburg
• 74’ TRY! Williams crosses after the maul to complete the comeback! [RSA 31-27 NZL]
• 69’ TRY! Smith goes over after the maul with Tu’ungafasi sin binned [RSA 24-27 NZL]
• 52’ TRY! Clarke crosses again after All Blacks make use of overlap [RSA 17-27 NZL]
• 42’ TRY! Barrett intercepts a pass from Kriel and crosses over under no challenge [RSA 11-19 NZL]
• 33’ TRY! All Blacks capitalise on a mistake and Clarke makes use of the overlap to cross [RSA 8-12 NZL]
• 17’ TRY! Mbonambi picks from the maul and beats three tackles to score [RSA 5-7 NZL]
• 7’ TRY! Taylor crosses over after an All Blacks formed maul [RSA 0-7 NZL]

[31 August 2024 11:35 · Mike Jones]

Good afternoon!

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Rugby Championship action as South Africa take on New Zealand in a blockbuster clash that will have big ramifications on the table.

The Springboks currently sit top of the tree, after two wins from two against Australia, and are looking strong to win a trohpy that has evaded them since 2019.

The All Blacks lost their opening fixture in a tight contest versus Argentina but bounced back to defeat Los Pumas 42-10 in the second match of the competition.

New Zealand must come out of today’s match victorious if they have any hopes of winning the tournament. South Africa have a five point lead which must be overturned in the next two games to set up, what will be a fantastic finish to this Rugby Championship.

We’ll have all the updates throughout the afternoon so stick around as we build up to kick off at 4pm BST.