The All Blacks have drawn first blood in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, producing a clinical second-half performance to beat the Springboks 33-16 at Ellis Park and take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.
In front of a packed Johannesburg crowd, the Springboks entered the opening Test as favourites and looked well positioned at halftime, taking a narrow 13-12 advantage into the break.
But the second half belonged to New Zealand.
The All Blacks punished South Africa’s mistakes, remained clinical when opportunities arrived and eventually crossed for five tries to the Springboks’ one.
Will Jordan was once again at the centre of the action, scoring twice, while Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson also crossed for New Zealand.
For South Africa, Andre Esterhuizen scored their only try, while missed opportunities, handling errors and discipline ultimately proved costly.
The Boks were particularly strong at scrum time and enjoyed periods where they controlled both territory and the physical exchanges, but they simply couldn’t turn enough of that dominance into points.
Things unravelled further late in the match as Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach were both shown yellow cards.
For the All Blacks, it was a massive statement.
They arrived at Ellis Park as underdogs but walked away with a 17-point victory, ending South Africa’s 12-match winning run and giving themselves the perfect start to the first full series between these two great rivals in 30 years.
Next Stop: Cape Town
Attention now turns to DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, where the Springboks will be desperate to level the series.
Rassie Erasmus has responded by making several changes.
Handre Pollard and Cobus Reinach come into the starting side at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively, while Ethan Hooker replaces the injured Cheslin Kolbe on the wing. Damian Willemse moves to fullback and Kurt-Lee Arendse shifts across to the right wing.
The match will also be a special occasion for Pieter-Steph du Toit, who is set to captain the Springboks in his 100th Test, while Ox Nche is in line to make his 50th appearance.
Siya Kolisi could also return to the starting XV if he comes through training.
The changes suggest the Boks are looking for greater control and accuracy after a frustrating afternoon at Ellis Park.
New Zealand, however, will arrive in Cape Town full of confidence.
The challenge for the All Blacks will be matching the intensity of a Springbok side with its back against the wall. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has already acknowledged that his side expects a significantly improved South African performance.
And history suggests he should.
The Springboks rarely lose twice in a row, particularly at home, and Saturday’s encounter already has the feel of a must-win Test.
New Zealand have the advantage.
South Africa have the response to make.
Springboks vs All Blacks. Cape Town. Series on the line.
It doesn’t get much bigger than this.
My Goat Sports 