All Blacks vs. South Africa: Springboks Dominate in Wellington
The Springboks defeated the All Blacks in a dominant performance at Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand. The match, part of the Rugby Championship, saw South Africa secure a bonus point victory, leaving the All Blacks struggling to respond.
Match Updates and Highlights
The Springboks pulled away in the second half, securing a commanding lead. Damian Willemse scored a try, converted by Manie Libbok, extending South Africa's advantage. Earlier, Cheslin Kolbe scored a crucial try, giving the Springboks the lead. Kwagga Smith later added a try, sealing the victory for South Africa.
"South Africa is on their way to a bonus point and the Freedom Cup is likely going to stay in South Africa after a Kwagga Smith try."
The game featured intense moments, including a penalty kick by Manie Libbok, further increasing the Springboks' lead. Siya Kolisi also contributed with a key play, setting up Kolbe's go-ahead try. A notable defensive play saw Jordie Barrett deny Kolbe a certain try in the first half.
Halftime Summary
At halftime, the All Blacks led 10-7, with Damian McKenzie scoring a try to break the tie. However, South Africa quickly responded, with Cheslin Kolbe evening the score and Manie Libbok converting. The first half was characterized by strong defensive stands and impactful plays from both sides.
| Stat | New Zealand | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| Territory | 25% | 75% |
| Passes | 104 | 90 |
| Carries | 52 | 51 |
| Tackles Made | 50 | 49 |
| Tackles Missed | 18 | 13 |
Pre-Match Analysis and Key Stats
Heading into the match, the All Blacks had won their last Rugby Championship encounter against the Springboks, ending a four-game losing streak. New Zealand was aiming to defeat South Africa twice in a single tournament for the first time since 2017. Will Jordan remained a key attacking threat, while the All Blacks had been relying heavily on their maul.
Conversely, South Africa had lost two of their previous three Tests and were looking to avoid consecutive defeats for the first time since 2022. Despite leading the tournament in offloads and 22-meter entries, their efficiency inside the red zone needed improvement. They were seeking to challenge New Zealand's defensive line with strong carries from players like Ox Nche and Kwagga Smith.
Team Lineups and Key Players
Leroy Carter made his debut for the All Blacks, starting on the left wing. Damian McKenzie filled the fullback position. The Springboks had made several adjustments to their team. The All Blacks lineup featured experienced players like Scott Barrett (Captain), Ardie Savea (Vice-Captain), and Beauden Barrett.
| All Blacks |
|---|
| 1. Ethan de Groot |
| 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho |
| 3. Tyrel Lomax |
| 4. Scott Barrett (Captain) |
| 5. Tupou Vaa’i |
| 6. Simon Parker |
| 7. Ardie Savea (Vice-Captain) |
| 8. Wallace Sititi |
| 9. Noah Hotham |
| 10. Beauden Barrett |
| 11. Leroy Carter |
| 12. Jordie Barrett (Vice-Captain) |
| 13. Billy Proctor |
| 14. Will Jordan |
| 15. Damian McKenzie |
Concluding Remarks
The Springboks' victory highlights their resurgence in the Rugby Championship and puts pressure on the All Blacks to regroup. South Africa's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain a strong defensive presence proved decisive in securing the win at Sky Stadium.
