South Africa (3) 18
New Zealand (9) 12
Tries: Kolisi, Marx | Pens: Pollard, Mngomezulu | Pens: McKenzie (4)
In an intense and thrilling fourth round of the 2024 Rugby Championship, South Africa showcased their resilience and fighting spirit to secure a hard-fought 18-12 victory over New Zealand, moving a step closer to lifting the championship title. Trailing 9-3 at half-time, the Springboks mounted a second-half comeback, led by captain Siya Kolisi, to claim the Freedom Cup and leave the All Blacks with little margin for error in the remaining rounds.
First-Half Struggles: New Zealand Lead with McKenzie’s Boot
The match began with both sides struggling to find attacking rhythm, resulting in a disjointed first half dominated by penalty kicks. New Zealand fly-half Damian McKenzie was sharp with his boot, scoring three penalties to give the All Blacks a 9-3 lead going into half-time. South Africa’s only response came from a Handre Pollard penalty as their attack struggled to penetrate New Zealand’s defense.
Despite the All Blacks’ territorial advantage and steady kicking game, neither team could establish clear control, with handling errors and tactical discipline leading to a scrappy contest. South Africa, though trailing, remained in the hunt, buoyed by their defensive resilience.
Kolisi’s Leadership Inspires Springbok Comeback
South Africa came out with renewed energy after the break, and it didn’t take long for them to break New Zealand’s resistance. Within minutes of the restart, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi capitalized on sustained pressure near the All Blacks’ try line, diving over from close range for the game’s first try. Handre Pollard added the conversion, putting South Africa ahead 10-9, and the momentum had clearly shifted in the Springboks’ favor.
The shift in energy was palpable as South Africa began to assert themselves physically, disrupting New Zealand’s attacking flow and making crucial defensive stops. Kolisi’s try ignited the world champions, setting the stage for what would be a defining second half in their Rugby Championship campaign.
Critical Misses and a Turning Point
McKenzie’s fourth penalty briefly restored New Zealand’s lead at 12-10, but a crucial miss from almost directly in front of the posts, just minutes later, proved to be the turning point in the match. The All Blacks’ fly-half, usually reliable from distance, struck the post from about 35 meters, giving South Africa a reprieve. It was a miss that shifted the psychological balance of the game as New Zealand began to falter under the Springboks’ increasing pressure.
South Africa quickly capitalized on the missed opportunity. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, on as a substitute for Pollard, landed a long-range penalty to swing the score back in the Springboks’ favor at 13-12.
Lomax’s Yellow Card and Marx’s Try Seals the Win
The decisive moment came inside the last 10 minutes when New Zealand prop Tyrel Lomax was sin-binned for obstructing Cheslin Kolbe as the winger looked to break away. Down to 14 men, New Zealand’s defense crumbled under the relentless Springbok attack, and hooker Malcolm Marx delivered the killer blow. Just inside the corner flag, Marx powered over for South Africa’s second try, extending their lead to 18-12 and leaving the All Blacks with little time to respond.
With Lomax off the field and South Africa dominating possession, the Springboks managed the game well in the final minutes, closing out the match and ensuring New Zealand would leave without even a losing bonus point.
Captain Kolisi’s Reflections on a Special Win
Post-match, a jubilant Siya Kolisi spoke of the significance of the victory, which not only put them within touching distance of the Rugby Championship title but also secured the Freedom Cup, a symbol of intense rivalry between the two nations.
“We knew the All Blacks would bring it hard,” Kolisi said. “It’s all about picking up from big performances – in the past, we would win one and then lose one. It’s very special to pick up the Freedom Cup – it is a special year, 30 years after democracy, and I am very proud of the boys.”
Missed Opportunities for New Zealand
For New Zealand, it was another frustrating loss to their arch-rivals, having let slip a 10-point lead the week before. Captain Scott Barrett rued his team’s inability to convert opportunities into points, particularly McKenzie’s missed penalty. “We had opportunities, and against a quality side like the Springboks, if you do not take them, they will punish you,” Barrett reflected.
The All Blacks’ inability to maintain their first-half momentum and Lomax’s late yellow card left them with an uphill battle they could not overcome.
Looking Ahead: South Africa Close to Title Glory
With this victory, South Africa takes a commanding position in the Rugby Championship standings, with Argentina and Australia now needing a bonus-point win in their match to stay in contention. The Springboks will face Argentina in their remaining two fixtures, first away and then at home, with a clear path to securing another Rugby Championship crown.
For the All Blacks, the loss will spark concerns about their form heading into the final rounds, with their title hopes now hanging by a thread.
Line-ups:
South Africa: Le Roux; Moodie, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Pollard, Williams; Nche, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Nortje, Kolisi, Du Toit, Wiese.
Replacements: Marx, Steenekamp, Koch, Smith, Louw, Hendrikse, Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Am.
New Zealand: Jordan; Reece, Ioane, J. Barrett, Telea; McKenzie, Ratima; Williams, Taylor, Lomax, S. Barrett, Vaa’i, Sititi, Cane, Savea.
Replacements: Aumua, Tu’ungafasi, Newell, Darry, Jacobson, Perenara, Liernert-Brown, B. Barrett.
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
