Springboks Triumph In Thrilling Comeback Against All Blacks At Ellis Park
Springboks Triumph In Thrilling Comeback Against All Blacks At Ellis Park
South Africa's Springboks secured a comeback victory against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Round 3 of the 2024 Rugby Championship. Here is a recap.
Ellis Park was the epicenter of electric tension, as the Springboks and All Blacks kicked off their first test of 2024.
The packed Johannesburg stadium bore witness to a classic encounter, where the hosts had to weather an early storm, before a final-quarter surge secured them a memorable 31-27 victory.
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The match began with ferocious intensity, with the All Blacks seizing the initiative early.
Just 30 seconds in, a South African infringement at the breakdown gifted New Zealand a lineout inside the 22. After multiple phases, the Springboks' defense held firm, forcing Ardie Savea into touch. However, another penalty and a yellow card for Aphelele Fassi allowed New Zealand to capitalize. They drove over from a lineout, with Damian McKenzie and added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
The Springboks responded, establishing their presence in the All Blacks' half.
A smart grubber kick by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu nearly put Kurt-Lee Arendse over the line, but New Zealand’s Will Jordan recovered in time. South Africa persisted, and Bongi Mbonambi muscled over from a lineout, though the conversion was missed, leaving the score 7-5.
The All Blacks struck back quickly. A beautiful play from Tyrel Lomax sent Caleb Clarke charging down the left wing to score. McKenzie missed the conversion, and a penalty by Feinberg-Mngomezulu closed the gap to 12-11 at halftime.
The second half opened explosively, as Jordie Barrett intercepted a pass and raced the length of the field, narrowly avoiding South Africa’s chasers to score under the posts. McKenzie’s conversion extended the lead to 19-11.
South Africa answered, with the Springboks grinding their way into the All Blacks' half before earning another penalty, which Feinberg-Mngomezulu slotted.
New Zealand pressed forward, with Clarke scoring again to widen the gap to 24-17. However, South Africa found its rhythm, and the relentless physicality began to wear on the visitors.
With 10 minutes remaining, Kwagga Smith barreled over the line, bringing the score to 27-24.
In the dying minutes, Grant Williams burst through the All Blacks' defense to score, flipping the game on its head. His conversion sealed a 31-27 victory for the Springboks, capping off an epic comeback.
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