The fifth round Rugby Championship clash between New Zealand and South Africa represented 100 years and 100 matches between the old enemies. The All Blacks walked off as the winner with a 19-17 victory after a brilliant 80 minutes of rugby.
A very even first 40 minutes as both sides battled to force the gameplan on the other. The All Blacks were clearly the best team with the ball in hand while the Springboks continued their kick and pray tactics. The All Blacks led 13-11 after 40 minutes of battle.
The first half could not prepare anyone for the brilliant second half. A brilliant arm wrestle continued for most of the second half until the last 10 minutes when both sides decided to win the game at any cost. A penalty with 2 minutes to go secured the win for the All Blacks.
02:10 The All Blacks showed their intent to speed up the game at all cost. Tempo and intensity on the attack allowed Will Jordan to stroll over at the end for the All Blacks first try (07-00).
05:27 A horrible mistake by George Bridge who dropped a midfield bomb from Faf de Klerk, allowed Sbu Nkosi to collect and score his first try against the All Blacks (07-05).
10:55 Handré Pollard convert a penalty to put South Africa in the lead for the first time in the test (07-08).
13:15 Handré Pollard added another three points with a converted penalty (07-11).
20:00 New Zealand started like a house on fire to score their first try within 3 minutes of the start of the game. However, a mistake by the All Blacks inside their 22m allowed the Springboks to reply with their own try. Thereafter, the momentum seemingly shifted towards the Springboks. With 20 minutes played in the first half, the match was still evenly balanced.
30:38 Jordie Barrett converted his first penalty for the All Blacks (10-11).
34:48 Sbu Nkosi (Sprinboks) shown a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown
35:29 Jordie Barrett converted his second penalty to give the lead back to the All Blacks (13-11).
40:00 Several penalties during the last 10 minutes of the first half awarded against the Springboks cost them momentum on the attack, while the All Blacks used this advantage to remain in the Springboks' half and convert much-needed penalties. The Springboks defence failed again with 17 missed tackles allowing the All Blacks to almost attack at will.
57:21 Handré Pollard converted his 3rd penalty for the Springboks (13-14).
60:00 A brilliant arm wrestle with both teams not asking nor giving an edge. The bounce of the ball will decide this test unless the All Blacks can score one or two quick tries, taking advantage of the continued lack of discipline by the Springboks.
60:35 Jordie Barrett converted his 3rd penalty for the All Blacks (16-14).
66:58 Handré Pollard converted the Springboks' 4th penalty (16-17).
77:39 Jordie Barrett converted his 4th penalty to secure the win for the All Blacks (19-17).
Scorers:
All Blacks: Try: Will Jordan. Convertsion: Jordie Barrett. Penalties: Jordie Barret (4).
Springboks: Try: Sbu Nkosi. Penalties: Handré Pollard (4).
All Blacks: 15. Jordie Barrett, 14. Will Jordan, 13. Rieko Ioane, 12. David Havili, 11. George Bridge, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. TJ Perenara, 8. Ardie Savea (c), 7. Ethan Blackadder, 6. Akira Ioane), 5. Scott Barrett, 4. Brodie Retallick, 3. Nepo Laulala, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Joe Moody. Replacements: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18. Ofa Tuungafasi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Hoskins Sotutu, 21. Brad Weber, 22. Damian McKenzie, 23. Quinn Tupaea.
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. Frans Malherbe, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 1. Trevor Nyakane. Replacements: 16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Steven Kitshoff, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. Franco Mostert, 20. Marco van Staden, 21. Herschel Jantjies, 22. Elton Jantjies, 23. Frans Steyn.