Springboks secure victory in Johannesburg
The Springboks defeated the All Blacks 29-24 in the third test held in Soweto, establishing a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. The match, played at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, saw the home side assert dominance, particularly through their scrum, which proved to be a significant factor throughout the contest.
The All Blacks initially absorbed pressure from the Springboks and managed to create their own opportunities. An early professional foul by Springboks first-five Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu resulted in a yellow card. The All Blacks capitalized on the numerical advantage, with captain Ardie Savea scoring the first try after good work from hooker Asafo Aumua. The conversion by Love gave New Zealand a 7-0 lead.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu rejoined the game, and shortly after, Springboks wing Kurt-Lee Arendse scored in the right-hand corner, though the conversion was missed, making the score 7-5 to the All Blacks. Savea then scored his second try after a break by wing Leroy Carter, extending the All Blacks’ lead to 12-5. However, Savea left the field shortly after with what appeared to be a shoulder injury, a significant setback for the visiting team. He was replaced by Wallace Sititi, with Luke Jacobson taking over as captain.
Key moments and Springboks’ scrum dominance
The All Blacks also faced disciplinary issues when Love received a yellow card for being offside. From the resulting five-metre scrum, referee Nika Amashukeli awarded a penalty try to the Springboks after infringements from the All Blacks, levelling the score at 12-12 just before halftime. The Springboks’ scrum dominance continued into the second half, making it difficult for the All Blacks to build momentum.
Despite the Springboks’ scrum advantage, the All Blacks managed to score next. Leroy Carter regathered a kick from Will Jordan before passing back to Jordan, who scored the All Blacks’ third try, putting them ahead 17-12. However, this lead was short-lived as Springboks midfielder Jesse Kriel scored after Carter missed a tackle, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu adding the conversion to put South Africa back in front 19-17.
The Springboks continued to win consistent penalties at scrum time. Another scrum penalty led to an attacking lineout, and hooker Malcolm Marx scored from a rolling maul in the 65th minute, extending their lead to 26-17. A further penalty for an illegal clean out by All Blacks lock Fabian Holland allowed South Africa to kick three points, pushing their lead to 29-17 with about 10 minutes remaining.
All Blacks’ late surge and series outlook
The crowd at FNB Stadium was in full voice, celebrating the Springboks’ performance. Despite the mounting pressure, the All Blacks continued to fight. After the fulltime siren, replacement front rower Samisoni Taukei’aho scored a consolation try, but it was not enough to overcome the Springboks’ lead, with the final score standing at 29-24.
Key performers for the Springboks included Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw, who were central to their dominant scrum. Pieter-Steph du Toit also made a significant impact with crucial tackles and a turnover. For the All Blacks, Ardie Savea scored two tries before his injury, and Will Jordan contributed with a try.
The All Blacks’ match-day squad included players such as George Bower, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, and Damian McKenzie. Replacements included Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Josh Moorby. With the series now at 2-1, the All Blacks’ best hope is to draw the series in the final game, which is scheduled to take place in Baltimore, USA, next weekend.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
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