Bobby Boucher
For the first time in 75 years, the Springboks have achieved an unprecedented fourth successive win against their long-standing rivals, the All Blacks. This victory further cements the South Africans’ standing as world champions, a position they have defended with determination and resilience.
From the crushing defeat at Twickenham and last year’s Rugby World Cup final, to two successive triumphs over Scott Robertson’s All Blacks on South African soil in the past fortnight, the Springboks have proven their dominance. The latest victories have secured the Rugby Championship and the Freedom Cup, a trophy that has eluded the Springboks for the past 15 years. Today marks the first time any player in the current Springboks team has had the honour of holding the Freedom Cup.
In a tense and hard-fought test match in Cape Town, marked by four yellow cards, the All Blacks had several chances to dethrone the Springboks but faltered under pressure, ultimately succumbing to their third loss in four games.
Damian McKenzie missed two critical penalty attempts, including one from directly in front of the posts in the 72nd minute, leaving the All Blacks scoreless in the final quarter for the fourth consecutive test. This came despite significant changes to their bench this week in an attempt to reverse their fortunes.
At half-time, the All Blacks held a 9-3 lead after dominating the first half, but the Springboks, as they did at Ellis Park the previous week, mounted a second-half comeback. They scored 10 unanswered points to take control of the match.
Substitute hooker Malcolm Marx delivered the game-winning try with just seven minutes left, as the Springboks outscored the All Blacks two tries to none. Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, playing through the pain of a broken nose, added to his growing legend by scoring the team’s other try.
The All Blacks’ inability to close out this match can be attributed to two key factors. Firstly, they failed to capitalize on a yellow card issued to Springboks fullback Willie le Roux, who was penalised for an attempted intercept. Despite the numerical advantage, the All Blacks made costly errors, with Scott Barrett dropping the ball deep in the Springboks’ half and a miscommunication during a lineout transfer between Ardie Savea and his teammates.
As the Springboks applied more pressure, the All Blacks’ discipline faltered again. Similar to last week’s late-game situation, Tyrel Lomax was handed a yellow card in the 73rd minute for obstructing Cheslin Kolbe after a gruelling 73-minute shift as the starting tighthead prop.
While the All Blacks displayed bravery in several areas, their lack of precision and composure in crucial moments proved costly. Their record under coach Scott Robertson now stands at four wins and three losses this season.
Among the All Blacks, Tupou Vaa’i once again stood out, delivering an impressive performance for the second consecutive week. His contributions at the lineout, breakdown, and in open play were invaluable. Codie Taylor was equally strong, and both Wallace Sititi and Jordie Barrett made significant impacts throughout the match.
Changes to the All Blacks’ lineup, particularly the introduction of Cortez Ratima and Sititi, brought the desired pace and physicality to their game, but shifting Will Jordan to fullback failed to ignite the attacking spark the team had hoped for. Additionally, the All Blacks back three struggled under the Springboks’ relentless aerial assault, with Mark Tele’a, Jordan, and Sevu Reece all committing errors that allowed the Springboks to execute their game plan with precision.
While the All Blacks embraced an approach centred on speed and patience, using width and quick recycling to stress the Springboks’ defence, they lacked the finishing accuracy needed to convert their efforts into points.
On the other hand, the Springboks reverted to their more conservative tactics. With experienced playmaker Handre Pollard back in the starting lineup, the Boks regularly employed high kicks and aimed to slow the game to a more controlled, set-piece-oriented pace.
Springboks loose forward Jasper Wiese received the match’s first yellow card for tackling Cortez Ratima without the ball following a burst from Codie Taylor. Sevu Reece quickly evened the playing field with his own yellow card for a reckless aerial challenge.
Defensively, the All Blacks were organised and aggressive. Sam Cane, as always, was relentless in the collisions, and Scott Barrett’s presence at the breakdown was instrumental in winning two penalties. Meanwhile, Wallace Sititi impressed in his first test start at blindside flanker, consistently making an impact with ball in hand.
Despite missing 26 tackles in the first half—37 over the course of the match—the Springboks managed to keep the All Blacks from crossing their try line. This defensive resilience proved critical as the All Blacks’ attacking efforts failed to produce the points they needed to secure the win.
As they return home battered and bruised, the All Blacks are left to reflect on their fourth-quarter struggles. Two opportunities to defeat the Springboks have slipped through their grasp, leaving the Bledisloe Cup as their only remaining chance at silverware this season. The pressure on coach Scott Robertson to deliver a response continues to mount.
“All Blacks 12: Damian McKenzie pen 4”
“Springboks 18: Siya Kolisi, Malcolm Marx tries, Handre Pollard pen, con, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu pen”
“HT: 3-9”
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