The Springboks again showed massive character as they fought back from a 9-3 half-time deficit to beat the All Blacks 18-12 in their Rugby Championship match at a sold out DHL Stadium on Saturday, which also ensured they remain No 1 in the rankings.
Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx scored second half tries as the Boks kept the All Blacks try-less in a match that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The Springboks also won back the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009 as they beat New Zealand for a fourth consecutive time.
The first half belonged to the kickers as Damian McKenzie landed three and Handre Pollard one penalty goal, but the Boks’ pressure paid off after the break as they “won” the second half 15-3.
With this victory, the Springboks also consolidated their position at the summit of the world rankings, which they would have otherwise conceded in defeat.
WHERE THE SPRINGBOKS STAND IN THE RANKINGS
After the Springboks trailed at half-time, the second half started with as much drama as the first. Damian McKenzie almost added three more at the start of the second half, but his 50m effort just fell short and the Boks could clear.
A good attack by the Springboks forced New Zealand to try and slow the ball down, the Boks opted for a lineout drive and Malcolm Marx, who just replaced Bongi Mbonambi, got close, but still no cigar for the hosts. From the resulting maul however, Eben Etzebeth forced himself over the line, but the TMO ruled out the try.
Another penalty, another Bok maul, another stop by the All Blacks, but something had to give. It did with a determined drive by Siya Kolisi, scoring his 12th Test try from close range. Pollard converted and suddenly the Boks were leading by 10-9 after 49 minutes.
Rassie Erasmus was also making other changes, with Lukhanyo Am replacing Canan Moodie on the wing. Vincent Koch and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu replaced Frans Malherbe and Pollard and the latter’s first act was to kick a penalty goal and in the process move past the 50 points mark in Test rugby. That moved the Boks into a 13-9 lead with the fourth quarter left to play.
Trust New Zealand to come back though, albeit after a Bok error on the ground, again allowing a ball carrier to be isolated. McKenzie kicked his fourth penalty goal and the Bok lead was cut to one point.
Le Roux was yellow carded 62 minutes in after his interception effort was deemed illegal, but McKenzie’s kick hit the upright. The All Blacks reacted quickest to the bounce, reclaimed possession and attacked, but the Boks defence held and they managed to work their way up field.
The All Blacks got pinged and Feinberg-Mngomezulu stepped up to extend the lead. The crowd remained silent through as he missed from 50m out, leaving the Boks one point in front with 10 minutes to play.
McKenzie had a chance to cut into the Bok lead, but pulled his effort to the left as well seven minutes from time.
Like last week, silly indiscretions hurt the All Blacks. Prop Tyrel Lomax illegally stopped Kolbe from chasing a Jayden Hendrikse kick and was yellow carded. The Boks opted for the lineout and Malcolm Marx crashed over, pushing the lead to 18-12 with the All Blacks playing the game out with a prop short.
The last few minutes were sheer madness as the Boks kept pounding away, but credit to New Zealand, they defended stoutly to prevent a third try and a Springboks bonus point. Kolbe, who executed the perfect lineout throw, even attempted (and missed) a drop goal attempt from close range to prove that he is human after all.
That is why it was okay to cry to see Kolisi lift the Freedom Cup aloft in the Cape Town night sky, cheered on by many who got exactly what they came for.
Scorers:
Springboks 18 (3) – Tries: Siya Kolisi, Malcolm Marx. Conversion: Handre Pollard. Penalty goals: Pollard, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
New Zealand 12 (9) – Penalty goals: Damian McKenzie (4).
