The Springboks secured a thrilling last-minute victory against the All Blacks with a score of 31-27 in a tense Rugby Championship Test held in Johannesburg. The match, which attracted a passionate crowd of 62,000 spectators, marked the teams’ first encounter since the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Codie Taylor opened the scoring for the All Blacks, followed by two tries from winger Caleb Clarke, who was named man of the match. At halftime, New Zealand held a narrow lead of 12-11 and later extended it to 27-17 as they entered the final quarter.
However, the tide turned when Springbok prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi received a yellow card, allowing the South Africans to seize the moment. Kwagga Smith and Grant Williams each crossed the try line in quick succession, propelling the Springboks ahead as they managed to maintain their lead until the final whistle.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, playing his first match for the Springboks, contributed significantly by kicking 16 points, including two conversions and four penalties.
This match marked a third consecutive win in the competition for the Springboks, who previously triumphed over Australia in Brisbane and Perth. The All Blacks will now have to regroup as they prepare to face South Africa once again in Cape Town, a crucial match for the visitors.