In a game that will be etched in rugby history, the Springboks dismantled the All Blacks 43-10 at Sky Stadium, Wellington, reclaiming the Freedom Cup and affirming their dominance as they avenged last week’s defeat at Eden Park with a record victory. This staggering defeat marks New Zealand’s heaviest-ever loss in test match rugby and has wide-reaching implications for the Rugby Championship standings.
The All Blacks struck first with a debut try from Leroy Carter, whose 18th-minute effort sparked hopes of an upset. However, the tide turned dramatically as the Springboks unleashed a relentless second-half onslaught to outscore their rivals 33-0, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive dominance.
Cheslin Kolbe was the hero of the night, showcasing dazzling speed and agility to score two tries. He interrupted Billy Proctor’s pass to sprint 60 metres for his first, levelling the game at 7-7, before turning the screw with a solo effort immediately into the second half. Kolbe’s performance topped off a remarkable display from the Springboks, who controlled both the aerial battle and set-piece play, limiting the All Blacks’ scoring opportunities after their initial success.
With a 10-7 lead at halftime, New Zealand seemed to be in pole position. But the All Blacks’ error-ridden display started to unravel after the break. A critical moment came when replacement hooker Brodie McAlister’s lineout throw went awry five metres from the All Blacks’ try line, which the Springboks exploited swiftly. Damian Willemse added another try in the 61st minute, extending the lead to an insurmountable 14 points.
The All Blacks’ disappointment deepened as Kwagga Smith scored a bonus-point try in the 69th minute, followed by RG Snyman and André Esterhuizen adding two more in rapid succession, drawing a definitive curtain on their rivals’ hopes. Just when the home crowd found slivers of optimism with Will Jordan’s near-try, he grounded the ball short, summing up a frustrating night for New Zealand.
As the clock wound down, home supporters largely departed in dismay, with the magnitude of the defeat leaving a bitter aftertaste. The Springboks, on the other hand, celebrated a historic victory that simultaneously rejuvenated their campaign, moving them to second place in the Rugby Championship standings alongside the Wallabies who lead on 11 points following their narrow loss to Argentina earlier in the day.
This result opens the tournament wide, with all teams now on an equal footing, each holding two wins and two losses. The All Blacks find themselves in a precarious position, having dropped to third on 10 points, and they now face a decisive test as they prepare to return to Auckland for the first Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies on September 27. With their record of 51 consecutive test wins at Eden Park intact, pressure mounts to return to winning ways against a tenacious Australian side.