South Africa host New Zealand in the Rugby Championship this evening with the reigning world champions looking to move closer to the title.
The Springboks, fresh from last year’s World Cup victory, will be hoping to add this trophy to their cabinet despite not winning the tournament since 2019. Rassie Erasmus’ side sit top of the table after two impressive wins against Australia and a win over the All Blacks in Johannesbury will saw a man have one hand in evil.
For their part, New Zealand came to South Africa on the back of a losing streak – in their opening game against Argentina – before beating Los Pumas in their next match to keep their hopes of winning the competition alive.
That sets the stage nicely for this evening’s clash. The All Blacks need a win against the Springboks to close the five-point gap at the top of the table, with defeat likely to leave them with hopes of second place at best.
Follow all the action from Ellis Park Stadium with the live blog below as South Africa take in New Zealand:
South Africa 11-19 New Zealand
TRY IT! Nothing for the All Blacks.
The Springboks tried to put it through the hands but Jordie Barrett stepped into the space and grabbed the interception. He still had to do under pressure from South Africa’s back three, but he sprinted out of reach and crossed almost under the post.
The conversion was easy and we moved to 11-19.
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 5:05 p.m
South Africa 11-12 New Zealand
We’re back again, with the second round starting in Johannesburg!
Kick-off was caught and the All Blacks were clear.
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 5:03 p.m
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 5:00 p.m
HALF TIME! South Africa 11-12 New Zealand
A very good game so far, and it is ready, behind the final score in the final of the 2023 World Cup.
Fassi’s early yellow affected the opening stages but South Africa recovered well to score their own try, and then they were unlucky to fumble and eventually became victims of the lightning fast All Blacks counter.
However, the All Blacks were unlucky themselves, because South Africa tried not to stand!
This has been the case so far, and you would hope it will continue to do so.
Below is an attempt from Clarke.
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 4:56 p.m
HALF TIME! South Africa 11-12 New Zealand
Fassi’s kick was chased down by Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Barrett was forced out of the game just two seconds before the 40th minute was up!
The Springboks won the lineout, with Reinach happy to play through forward, but it ends with a beat and half-time at 11-12 for the visitors!
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 4:47 p.m
South Africa 11-12 New Zealand
A smart move and offload from Feinberg-Mngomezulu almost creates a chance out of nothing, but it ends with the All Blacks throw and kick that lands in the hands of Fassi.
The Springboks broke the gain line before sending it back to the 10 for a drop-goal – but wide.
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 4:46 p.m
South Africa 11-12 New Zealand
South Africa thought they had a certain effort, but the pass went forward and they had to settle for a kicking opportunity near the New Zealand 22.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted easily for 11-12.
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 4:42 p.m
South Africa 8-12 New Zealand
Barrett up-and-collected by Fassi, but an unforced error gives the All Blacks the ball!
Wiese fumbles the ball and suddenly the All Blacks are on the attack, with the great dummies of Damian McKenzie set to go through the hands, before Will Jordan makes use of the overlap to send Caleb Clarke over the line for five.
The conversion was missed, but the All Blacks took the lead again.
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 4:40 p.m
South Africa 8-7 New Zealand
Barrett went for the effort into touch again and it was a brilliant effort, matched only by Kolbe’s acrobatic attempt to stay on. But it didn’t pay off, and South Africa won the lineout, with Reinach clearing.
South Africa won another penalty, almost on their own 10-metre line, after the All Blacks were penalized for not letting go.
It’s going to be a big kick – and he’s sunk in! Great effort, plum on the target and with the feet to shoot at a long distance.
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 4:36 p.m
South Africa 5-7 New Zealand
Barrett overcooks the attempt at 50:22, and it goes straight to touch. New Zealand remained strong in defense though, with the Springboks knocking on after Feinberg-Mngomezulu put too much in the pass.
Eben Etzebeth came for Nortje.
Chris WilsonAugust 31, 2024 4:32 p.m