By Roger Childs

The All Blacks outscored their opponents four tries to three, and on the whole, appeared to have the edge on attack and defence, before letting the Boks off the hook in the final quarter. –One News, 1 September 2024

Late charge gives the Springboks the win

The All Blacks were arguably the better side for two thirds of the game and after 65 minutes led by 10 points having scored four tries to one. But rugby is an 80 minute game and two late tries to the hosts got them home 31-27. Poor discipline was an issue for the New Zealanders and the Springboks late tries were scored while Ofa Tu’ungafasi was in the sin-bin. 

The 60,000+ crowd witnessed an exciting match and were understandably delighted with the result.  Late in the second half the All Blacks seemed to be cruising to victory, but the Springboks lifted their game in the final 15 minutes and their reserves coming off the bench provided the fresh legs they needed. Two of them – flanker Kwagga Smith and half back Grant Williams – scored their late tries. Their replacements were more effective than the All Black reserves.

A competitive first half  

The New Zealanders started strongly and dominated the first ten minutes. A yellow card to Kurt-Lee Arendse left the hosts one short on defence and the pressure from the All Blacks eventually paid off with hooker Codie Taylor scoring in the 7^th minute from a lineout drive. 

Ten minutes later a lineout drive at the other end saw hooker Bongi Mbonambi awarded a try even though he lost control on the ball in Will Jordan’s tackle and was short of the line when he pressed the ball. This was one of a number of decisions by Irish referee Andrew Brace which went against the visitors. 

After 32 minutes Caleb Clarke on the left wing scored the first of his two tries after a surge up-field by Codie Taylor led to a flowing back movement which created an extra man wide out. 

The teams went into the sheds at half time with the visitors deservedly ahead 12-11. The forward battle was an even struggle, however, the All Blacks had the edge in the lineouts. The return of Scott Barrett and Sam Cane provided some steel in the pack, especially in the rucks and mauls. 

However, with experienced hooker Malcolm Marx and lineout jumper former captain Eben Etzebeth coming on off the bench in the second half, the home team forward effort went up a notch.

A half of two halves

After the break the All Blacks picked up two tries in twelve minutes. An intercept by Jordie Barrett within a minute saw the second five run 50 metres to score under the posts. Then in the 52^nd minute an excellent backline movement saw Beauden Barrett provide a perfect final pass for Caleb Clarke to score his second try on the left flank. 

Overall the visitors were more impressive on attack in the backs, and Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan and the Barretts made some telling breaks. It was pleasing to see less ball kicked away than in the tests against Argentina, but late in the game there were times when passing rather than kicking would have been the best option.

In the end, the All Backs let the Springboks off the hook and blew a ten point lead in the last 12 minutes. Playing at altitude in Johannesburg the visitors definitely tired late in the game.

Capetown beckons 

At sea level next Saturday the All Blacks will be seeking redemption. They definitely showed at Ellis Park that they are capable of beating the World Champions. However, they must keep their focus for the full eighty minutes.