Springboks demolish All Blacks with second-half masterclass

Round four of the Rugby Championship wrapped up with the All Blacks hosting the Springboks in Wellington, in a game that also saw the Freedom Cup on the line.

While the first half was tight on the scoreboard, the Boks pounced in the second, inflicting a record defeat on the All Blacks.

It was a rapid start from the visitors, who won back possession from the kick-off and looked to attack. Play remained deep in New Zealand territory for the opening five minutes before the hosts could work their way out.

New Zealand were eager to play with the ball in hand, even if it meant moving the ball behind their own goal-line. It made for some tense moments early. Halfback Noah Hotham was replaced after just nine minutes, along with Lood de Jager.

The Boks had their first try-scoring opportunity of the match when Cheslin Kolbe won a race to a chip kick, but Jordie Barrett ripped the ball from his grasp once over the line.

Moments later, South Africa were back on the All Blacks’ line and with just a couple of strong carries, aided by quick recycles, they looked to have scored. However, a knock-on was spied in the lead-up, and the points were scrubbed.

15 minutes had passed and New Zealand had barely played any rugby in South Africa’s half, but that all changed with their next scrum penalty.

Again attacking from deep in their own half, Billy Proctor beat a tackle in midfield and, with that front-foot ball, debutant Leroy Carter followed suit with some electric footwork of his own. Another scrum penalty soon after, and the All Blacks were sending the ball wide with every opportunity they could. The attack ended with Carter scoring his first Test try in the corner.

The Springboks’ accuracy continued to let them down, but just as the All Blacks made their way back into South Africa’s half, Cheslin Kolbe snagged an intercept and ran 60 metres to score.

The visitors’ defence tightened the screws as the half wore on, and play remained between the halfway line and New Zealand’s 22. South Africa’s attack was electric, but their handling saw opportunities go begging.

After a half in which they had just 29 per cent territory, New Zealand owned a 10-7 lead at the break.

Siya Kolisi got the second half underway with a big break in centre field, and Reinach returned to deliver a pearler of a bridge pass to the wing for Kolbe to score his second.

Both teams replaced their props one minute into the second period. Reinach’s return from an HIA became extra crucial when Kolbe left the field with an injury. The play saw the All Blacks penalised, and the Springboks pushed their lead to seven.

The game was scrappy, and there was plenty of pushing and shoving after the whistle and away from the ball.

Territory

14%

44%

6%

36%

42%

Territory

58%

Damian Willemse continued his strong performance in the 60th minute with a determined try, dragging Kiwi defenders over the line with him. The No. 12 had possession close to the New Zealand line thanks to a lineout steal from his pack moments earlier.

In a 24-point deficit with 20 minutes remaining, the hosts again struggled to move play outside their half. When they finally got a clearance away, Ethan Hooker carved the defence on the counter-attack.

Another cross-field kick found the waiting arms of Pieter-Steph du Toit, who popped the ball up for Kwagga Smith, who scored.

The South Africa lead was then 19, and with their next penalty within distance of the posts, they instead went to the corner. While New Zealand stole the lineout, the Boks were back on the tryline shortly after, with RG Snyman sliding through a gap to score under the posts.

The Boks weren’t done there, either. Another break down the left edge saw Willemse and Grant Williams combine to get Andre Esterhuizen over the line. Final score: 43-10, South Africa.