On Saturday, August 31st, South Africa staged a remarkable comeback to defeat New Zealand 31-27 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in a highly contested Rugby Championship match. The Springboks trailed for most of the game but rallied in the final quarter, scoring two late tries to secure the win. This victory keeps South Africa on track for their first Rugby Championship title since 2019.
The match began with New Zealand in strong form, taking the lead with a try by Codie Taylor, converted by Damian McKenzie, following a yellow card for South Africa’s Aphelele Fassi. South Africa responded with a try by Bongi Mbonambi, although the conversion was missed. A long-range penalty from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu briefly gave the Springboks a lead, but New Zealand regained control with a try by Caleb Clarke and another by Jordie Barrett, who intercepted a pass early in the second half.
Trailing by ten points with just over ten minutes left, South Africa capitalized on a yellow card issued to New Zealand’s Ofa Tu’ungafasi. The Springboks scored twice in quick succession, with Kwagga Smith and Grant Williams both crossing the try line, turning a 27-17 deficit into a 31-27 lead. Captain Siya Kolisi praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We never panic. We’ve been in far worse positions before.”
Despite the All Blacks scoring four tries to South Africa’s three, indiscipline proved costly. Referee Andrew Brace issued a warning to New Zealand for repeated infractions, which culminated in Tu’ungafasi’s yellow card that shifted the game’s momentum in favor of the hosts. The win marks South Africa’s third consecutive victory over New Zealand, a feat not achieved in 15 years.
The result keeps South Africa unbeaten in the tournament after three rounds, while New Zealand’s hopes for a fifth consecutive Rugby Championship title hang in the balance with a 1-2 record. The two teams will face off again next Saturday in Cape Town, where South Africa will aim to extend their winning streak to four matches, a run not seen since 1949.
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett expressed frustration over their discipline issues, saying, “Our indiscipline fed them. It’s frustrating to have that lead and let them in like that.” The upcoming rematch promises another intense battle as both teams aim to assert their dominance in the southern hemisphere rugby landscape.
