Springboks are back, the series now level after they reverted to their hallmark mix of power, directness, ferocity and sheer aggression to edge New Zealand and repel a determined All Blacks resurgence. Coach Rassie Erasmus sparked the drama by swapping his entire front row only an hour before kickoff, a move that produced a performance reminiscent of the Springboks’ trademark style after a week when they looked unrecognisable.
South Africa were far from flawless but remained relentless. The result was not a knockout blow – the All Blacks finished strongly – but a decisive counter‑punch following last week’s humbling. The third Test is slated for Johannesburg, though a move to Manila has been mooted.
Erasmus’s preparations were extensive. He named his squad on Monday, recalled fly‑half Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu a day before kickoff, and then executed a front‑row reshuffle, starting with Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie and Thomas du Toit while benching Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw. Nché and Marx entered at 36 minutes, secured two penalties and set up Siya Kolisi for a vital try, giving the visitors a ten‑point lead at the break. Marx continued to influence the game, and Cheslin Kolbe, drafted on Friday, contributed 18 points with his kicking.
Whether the front‑row change was permissible so close to kickoff depends on the fine print of the tour agreement between the unions; the fact that it required a medical justification for the World Cup shows Erasmus walking a tightrope.
The intensity was savage. The All Blacks expected a soft touch but could not prevent South Africa’s opening try inside two minutes. After Jordie Barrett’s clearance fell short, the Springboks’ line‑out maul surged forward and Jessie Kriel dived over, issuing a clear statement of intent.
The All Blacks answered with slick, rapier‑like play. Following a series of deft passes, Will Jordan found space on the right and fed Cam Roigard, who set up a try. The key difference in South Africa’s game was their direct approach; Kolbe’s penalty put them ahead again before a maul led to Damian de Allende’s close‑range score. New Zealand replied with Ardie Savea’s powerful burst and Damian McKenzie’s angled run to the corner, underscoring their lethal capability.
As at Ellis Park, the Springboks surged forward.
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