New Zealand stunned South Africa with an emphatic win at Ellis Park to go 1-0 up in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The All Blacks made a statement as they turned over the world champions at the venue for the pair’s famous Rugby World Cup final clash in 1995. Dave Rennie’s tourists looked to be faltering in the second half with their scrum struggling, only to flip momentum entirely and surge away from their hosts to a 33-16 victory.
It means the Springboks will have to win all three remaining Tests if they are to secure overall victory in this landmark new tour. Rassie Erasmus’s side, rusty against Argentina a fortnight ago, again looked short of sharpness, while injuries to wing Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse are cause for concern with the second meeting between the heavyweights just seven days away.
Follow all of the latest from the first Test in Johannesburg with our live blog below:
New Zealand stun South Africa to make statement start to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
The All Blacks had been underdogs going into the first international of their eight-match tour, but took full advantage of the home side’s numerous handling errors and ill-discipline for a statement victory that ended a 12-match winning streak for the Springboks and will rock the confidence of the world champions.
Two more Test tries for Will Jordan…
and the All Blacks wing beams: “It meant everything. Ellis Park, what an arena. It was a serious shift and the boys dug deep. They got a taste of what it is like and I’m proud of our group, it’s an awesome start to the series.
“Test footy is about absorbing pressure and turning yours into points. We withstood an Springbok onslaught, so we’re stoked.
“I just love being out here. I’m so proud of our team for this effort.”
Ardie Savea reacts to the All Blacks’ first Test win
“We always knew the Springboks were coming and they have quality players. They can be hard to stop but I’m really proud of the effort. It was a boxing match and it came down to crucial moments. We got there in the end.
“It’s always special coming to South Africa. To see the crowd and the fans, it’s amazing to be here. Respect.
“We’ll take this win but we know it’s not over. We dug deep and we’ll enjoy tonight, and come back on Monday and regroup.”
FT: South Africa 16-33 New Zealand
The Springboks did lose Kurt-Lee Arendse early, of course, and Cheslin Kolbe a little later – two injuries that caused major disruption. But having seen Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord forced off with a clash of heads before half time, Dave Rennie will be delighted about how his replacement forward pack came on and made a massive difference. Was Simon Parker’s inclusion after Anton Segner’s injury a stroke of luck? His heft definitely felt valuable.
FT: South Africa 16-33 New Zealand
There are plenty in New Zealand’s ranks that we could pick out, but Jordie Barrett again proved his importance in midfield. Plenty of tackles and a couple of vital defensive interventions, as well as a grubber that set up the position from which the All Blacks put the game beyond doubt with the Springboks reduced to 13 men. Some player.
FT: South Africa 16-33 New Zealand.
Wowzer. Talk about a statement start to the series. Ellis Park conquered, and how!
South Africa 16-33 New Zealand, 79 minutes
Asafo Aumua entirely needlessly, and rather recklessly, throws a back-door offload about five yards forward and into touch. Not the hooker’s best. Not that it matters.
South Africa 16-33 New Zealand, 78 minutes
Another redzone misfire! Disbelief on the faces of plenty inside Ellis Park, including Rassie Erasmus, as the Springboks are penalised for holding on. 10 entries, one try. You can’t win Test matches that way.
South Africa 16-33 New Zealand, 77 minutes
This feels a big three minutes or so for South Africa. The game is gone, but there is pride to be salvaged, and a point to be made with three Tests in this series still to come.
A penalty will help them. Kicked into the right corner.
