New Zealand returns to success in South Africa

The outcome of the match was uncertain until the end at Ellis Park, as the two rugby rival nations fought it out until the end. At times unfit, undisciplined and physically dominant, New Zealand came close to losing for the fourth time in a row, the sixth time in seven matches.

Whatever the method, the win was all the more significant for the New Zealanders and Wolfoster, who was bullied in his country and presented as one of the “worst All Blacks coaches in history” by the New Zealand Herald Sports.

It must be said that before the kick-off was given by referee Luke Pearce, the 57-year-old man who came to the helm of the All Blacks in 2019 after they were eliminated in the World Cup semi-finals by the English. , has already lost nine international matches out of 26 played.

Because of the physical impact of the South Africans last week (26-10), this time the Kiwis had more respondents. As a symbol, it was Sam Keane, the much-criticised captain, who eventually scored the first try of the match (28). Finally, the New Zealanders were able to infuse speed into their game, rediscovering the space of action and the flashy game that made their legend. Finally, the Boks are overpowered.

The pride of a wounded nation

Then the Blacks struggled in the second half: a complete revamp of South Africa’s front line before half-time restored the physical advantage to the Rainbow Nation. The yellow card, which was directed to Beauden Barrett, who was accused of holding Jaden Hendrix in the 67th minute, seemed to be a turning point, as Hendry Pollard gave the advantage to the Bucks (23-21).

But in pride, the New Zealanders put an end to the suspense by scoring a try from Haveli at arm’s length, after a fine rebound from Rico Ione on the left flank, then Scott Barrett as the Springboks finally folded a body.

“In distress the character is really challenged, and our group has a lot of that,” Kane said after the game. “There was no question of our will or our participation.”

The players of Ian Foster, who would likely have been sent off in the event of defeat, pull themselves together before they host Argentina in two weeks’ time (August 27). And the South American team, after its impressive victory over Australia (48-17), is at the top of the standings at the end of the second day.