New Zealand drew first blood with a 33-16 (halftime 12-13) victory over the Springboks in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The visitors were deserved winners, showing far sharper execution in scoring five tries to one to take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series in the 50th meeting between the teams on South African soil.
The Boks had extended periods of pressure in the All Blacks’ 22 in both halves but were unable to convert that into points against a New Zealand team that was holding on by the skin of its teeth at times.
By contrast, the All Blacks took every chance and finished against 13 men as replacements Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach were yellow carded in quick succession in the final minutes – for playing the half-back and a deliberate knock-on respectively.
It had started out dramatically before kick-off with a double flyover and a strictly observed haka as 30 years of waiting were ended. South Africa even scored the first points in the series, which were taken in the fourth minute when Cheslin Kolbe nailed a straightforward penalty goal – for playing the nine – that had been advanced 10-metres for knocking the ball away.
Even Damian de Allende’s 100th Test cap could not rescue South Africa from an All Blacks side that defended with ferocity and attacked with ruthless clarity.
Two late yellow cards for Cobus Reinach and Marco van Staden compounded the misery. New Zealand has drawn first blood.
Now the rivalry moves to DHL Stadium in Cape Town next Saturday, where the Boks must find a sharper edge or risk watching the All Blacks run away with the series.
Ellis Park belonged to the visitors. Cape Town awaits the reply.
Scorers:
South Africa 16: Cheslin Kolbe 4 penalties; André Esterhuizen try, 1 conversion.
New Zealand 33: Will Jordan 2 tries; Josh Moorby 1 try; Fabian Holland 1 try; Luke Jacobson 1 try; Ruben Love 4 conversions.
- New Zealand defeated South Africa 33-16 in the opening Test of their four-Test series in Johannesburg.
- The All Blacks scored five tries to South Africa's one and secured a 1-0 lead in the series.
- South Africa extended pressure but failed to convert opportunities, while New Zealand capitalized on theirs despite being under pressure.
- South African players Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach received yellow cards in the final minutes for playing the half-back and a deliberate knock-on, respectively.
- The next match will take place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town next Saturday.
New
By contrast, the All Blacks took every chance and finished against 13 men as replacements Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach were yellow carded in quick succession in the final minutes – for playing the half-back and a deliberate knock-on respectively.
It had started out dramatically before kick-off with a double flyover and a strictly observed haka as 30 years of waiting were ended.
Even Damian de
Two late yellow cards for Cobus Reinach and Marco van Staden compounded the misery. New
Now the rivalry moves to DHL Stadium in Cape Town next Saturday, where the Boks must find a sharper edge or risk watching the All Blacks run away with the series.
Ellis Park belonged to the visitors. Cape Town awaits the reply.
Scorers:
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