South Africa v New Zealand LIVE: Result and reaction from Rugby Championship as Springboks win Freedom Cup
South Africa 18-12 New Zealand: Sifa Kolisi and Malcolm Marx scored to secure the win for the Springboks
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South Africa defeated New Zealand 18-12 in the Rugby Championship to increase their lead at the top of the table and make it four wins in a row against their old rivals.
Much like in the match in Johannesburg, New Zealand started as the smarter side, taking the points on offer and opening up a six point lead from the boot of Damian McKenzie. Handre Pollard cut that down to three with a penalty kick of his own but a third penalty for the All Blacks’ fly-half sent them into the break on top.
That only spurred the Springboks on though. They came out quickly from the restart, overpowering the New Zealand defence and sending captain Siya Kolisi over the line for the first try of the game. A penalty each made the score 13-12 and the game was set up for a tense finale.
However, a stupide shoulder barge from Tyrel Lomax saw him sin binned with 10 minutes to go and New Zealand, now down to 14 players, couldn’t keep Malcolm Marx at bay with the substitute scoring to secure the Freedom Cup for the hosts.
Relive the score updates and reaction from the Rugby Championship match below:
South Africa 3-9 New Zealand
48 mins: South Africa continue to push, Tyrel Lomax is flagged offside as the Springboks attempt to force their way into the try zone.
Eben Etzebeth lunges for the line and thinks he’s got the opening try of the game. The referee consults the TMO who says it’s not conclusion so No Try is the decision.
South Africa turn down the chance to kick for three and send it out for a lineout. They’re smelling blood here.
South Africa 3-9 New Zealand
46 mins: That’s the best attacking set from South Africa in the game so far! Six phases all mixed together with quick passes, late offloads and darting runs.
The Springboks win a penalty advantage and look to fling the ball out to the left before Will Jordan grabs hold of the interception. Handre Pollard turns down the chance to kick and boots the ball into touch for a lineout.
They’re confident now.
South Africa 3-9 New Zealand
43 mins: The All Blacks have hurried into the rucks and have forced a number of breakdown penalties which has only been to their benefit.
McKenzie decides to kick again, from a long way out (56 metres or so), and this one comes up short. No advance to New Zealand’s lead.
Second half! South Africa 3-9 New Zealand
South Africa get the ball moving once again in Cape Town with Handre Pollard pumping it straight down the middle. Jordie Barrett is hunted down and tackled by Canan Moodie which perhaps signals South Africa’s intent for the rest of this match.
HT South Africa 3-9 New Zealand
Scott Robertson has backline experience on his bench with TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett, no doubt they’ll play a huge role in this match as it comes down to the wire.
New Zealand will be hoping to avoid the same late onslaught they suffered last time out.
HT South Africa 3-9 New Zealand
Henry Slade ‘working doubly hard’ to return for England before autumn opener
Henry Slade hopes to recover from shoulder surgery in time for England’s autumn opener against New Zealand having played through the pain barrier since February.
Slade sustained a labral tear to his right shoulder during the Six Nations defeat at Murrayfield but saw out the season and even soldiered through the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand.
With the operation taking place five weeks ago, he has the chance of proving his fitness in time for the All Blacks’ visit to Twickenham on November 2 due to an accelerated rehabilitation programme.
Henry Slade ‘working doubly hard’ to return for England before autumn opener
Slade sustained a labral tear to his right shoulder during a Six Nations defeat by Scotland.
HT South Africa 3-9 New Zealand
Another tense game between the Springboks and the All Blacks. New Zealand lead at the break but they know only too well how things can change in the second half.
Half-time! South Africa 3-9 New Zealand (Penalty kick, McKenzie)
Ruan Nortje commits an offence right in front of the sticks as New Zealand decide to go direct this time. They’re awarded the penalty and McKenzie kicks it over the bar.
The teams head into the break with New Zealand holding a slender lead.
South Africa 3-6 New Zealand
38 mins: South Africa are ending this half as the stronger team. They’ve had more possession and that has translated into field position.
But, it seems as soon as they build up some momentum they commit a simple error which releases the pressure on New Zealand every time.
South Africa 3-6 New Zealand
35 mins: A couple of sharp runs see South Africa break the line but Jasper Wiese is brought down on the wing and fails to release the ball properly.
New Zealand get the turn over but are forced to kick it long under defensive pressure led by Siya Kolisi.
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