The Springboks secured an epic 31-29 win over the All Blacks to regain the #1 spot on the World Rugby rankings after yet another brilliant test between these two rugby nations.
A good start by the Springboks, however their inaccuracy on the defence, and attack kept them under pressure for the first 40 minutes. The All Blacks struggled with the pressure the Springboks applied, however, mistakes made by the Springboks made it easy for the All Blacks to score soft tries. The All Blacks deservedly in the lead by 20-11.
The second half saw the lead changed several times with the Springboks securing the win with a penalty 2 minutes after the time was up on the stadium clock.
05:14 Pressure from the Springboks' defence caused the All Blacks backline to knock a ball on in the 22m. Lukhanyo pick the loose ball up and Damian de Allende went over in the corner (00-05).
08:32 Jordie Barrett converted the All Blacks' 1st penalty.
11:25 Handré Pollard converted the Springboks' 1st penalty (03-08).
12:11 Sevu Reece scored the All Blacks 1st try after Willie le Roux dropped a box kick by the All Blacks in the Springboks' 22m (08-08).
20:00 The first 20m went by in a flash as both sides played exciting rugby willing to spread the ball wide. The momentum slightly with the Springboks at that stage as they put the All Blacks under severe pressure.
23:33 Handré Pollard converted another penalty for the Springboks (08-11).
27:35 Ardie Savea scored the All Blacks 2nd try after several Springboks were simply brushed aside by the hard running All Blacks (15-11).
32:23 Brad Webber scored the All Blacks after Eben Etzebeth could not control a lineout ball on the throw-in of the Springboks (20-11).
40:14 Handré Pollard converted the 3rd penalty for the Springboks.
40:00 Although the Springboks are the dominant team they make too many mistakes to stop the All Blacks' precise and high tempo attack. A game still very much balanced on a knife's edge, however, the All Blacks can break away at any moment.
44:46 Handré Pollard converted the Springboks 4th penalty (20-17).
51:58 Makazole Mapimpi scored in the corner after some great handling by the Springboks backs (20-22).
57:22 Elton Jantjies convert the Springboks 5th penalty.
60:00 The momentum is with the Springboks. Their forwards and backs combine in a wave threatening to engulf the All Blacks.
66:27 Jordie Barrett converted his 2nd penalty of the match for the All Blacks (23-25).
75:03 Jordie Barrett put the All Blacks in the lead with his 2nd penalty in the 2nd half (26-25).
76:11 Elton Jantjies converted a drop-kick (26-28).
78:07 Jordie Barrett converted his 4th penalty (29-28).
81:30 Elton Jantjies seal the win for the Springboks with his 2nd converted penalty (29-31)
Scorers:
Springboks: Tries: Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi. Penalties: Handré Pollard (4), Elton Jantjies (2). Dropgoal: Elton Jantjies.
All Blacks: Tries: Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea, Brad Webber. Conversion: Jordie Barrett. Penalty: Jordie Barrett (4).
All Blacks: 15. Jordie Barrett, 14. Sevu Reece, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 12. David Havili, 11. Rieko Ioane, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. Brad Weber, 8. Luke Jacobson, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 6. Akira Ioane, 5. Scott Barrett, 4. Brodie Retallick, 3. Nepo Laulala, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Joe Moody. Replacements: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. George Bower, 18. Ofa Tuungafasi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Ethan Blackadder, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Richie Mo’unga, 23. Damian McKenzie.
Springboks: 15. Willie le Roux), 14. Sbu Nkosi, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Handré Pollard, 9. Faf de Klerk, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Kwagga Smith, 6. Siya Kolisi (c), 5. Lood de Jager, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 1. Ox Nché. Replacements: 16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Steven Kitshoff, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. Franco Mostert, 20. Jasper Wiese, 21. Herschel Jantjies, 22. Elton Jantjies, 23. Frans Steyn.