South Africa vs New Zealand LIVE rugby: Result and final score as All Blacks hold off Springboks in thriller
South Africa 23-35 New Zealand: With their backs against the wall after recent results, the All Blacks held off a thrilling comeback from the Springboks in Johannesburg to claim a vital win
Centre David Havili and lock Scott Barrett scored late tries as New Zealand eased the pressure on coach Ian Foster with a superb 35-23 victory over South Africa in their Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Captain Sam Cane and hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho also scored tries as the All Blacks silenced the 61,519 crowd to claim what will be viewed as a famous win having lost five of their previous six tests.
The Springboks were not as clinical as they had been in the 26-10 victory over the visitors the previous week as they scored tries through sublime centre Lukhanyo Am and winger Makazole Mapimpi, but faced opponents who were vastly improved.
Whether the victory is enough to save Foster’s job will become clear in the coming days, as New Zealand prepare to host Argentina in their next Rugby Championship clash on Aug. 27, while the Boks travel to play Australia on the same day.
Relive the action from a thrilling Rugby Championship clash, below:
TRY! South Africa 0-8 New Zealand (CANE 28’)
27 mins: Another thrilling break from New Zealand! This time it’s through Caleb Clarke - driving through the middle! He’s stoppped by Willie Le Roux but New Zealand work it wide back out to Jordan.
New Zealand then get the penalty advantage - they come back left, and there’s Sam Cane to cross for the opening try in the corner!
South Africa 0-3 New Zealand (Mo’unga pen)
25 mins: And we have our first points! New Zealand actually got a penalty following that move and Richie Mo’unga kicks between the posts.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
23 mins: New Zealand with a stunning break! They test their luck inside their 22 but create the overlap out wide! Rieko Ioane flies away and exchanges passes with Will Jordan on the flank. Jordan is brought down but that’s a huge gain from the All Blacks - Ardie Savea set that move in motion by picking up from the scrum.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
22 mins: South Africa with the penalty just inside the New Zealand half... but they decide to go for the corner.
But Joseph Dweba’s throw is not straight and there’s a knock-on in there as well. New Zealand get the scrum.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
20 mins: A quarter of the way in and although the match has been played at a breathless pace, we remain scoreless. The All Blacks looked to build from the back but David Havili throws a one-handed pass out of play after initially doing good work with the side-step.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
17 mins: After an exchange of kicks between Le Roux and Barrett, South Africa burst clear through the lively and rested Willemse, who then chips towards the corner. New Zealand get back to clear up.
South Africa will be without Jesse Kriel for the rest of the match as he has failed an HIA.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
15 mins: South Africa are back up to 15 as Willemse returns. New Zealand have cleared to deep inside the South Africa half but the Boks are looking to play out through Mapimpi.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
13 mins: Ox Nche carries towards the line but sees the ball ripped out by Sam Whitelock. However, Pearce awards a knock-on and New Zealand get the scrum 10 metres out.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
11 mins: Barrett concedes a penalty in midfield after coming in from the side. Pollard kicks down into the corner as South Africa continue to put the pressure on.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand
8 mins: Wow! Pieter Steph du Toit snatches an interception in midfield and bursts for the line! Jordie Barrett gets back with a try-saving tackle, as Du Toit waits and then finds Lukhanyo Am with the offload from the ground! The centre takes up the charge but is held up on the goal-line, and New Zealand clear!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments