Rugby Championship: The All Blacks demonstrate against the Springboks

New Zealand, which was easy against Argentina, had a little more difficulty in getting rid of the world champion South Africa (35-20), but nevertheless gave a clear impression of mastering its subject, on Saturday in Auckland during the second day of the Rugby Championship. .

At midday (11:45 am), the other match in the competition between Australia and Argentina, last weekend’s losers, will be played in Sydney.

The French XV, which will play “its” World Cup opener in less than two months, has been warned against these same New Zealanders: the Lions are back!

This wild encounter was played at a very high pace, with very little downtime, lots of kicking on the New Zealand side and great aggression from the South African forwards.

The Blacks hit hard from the start, pressing the Springboks relentlessly, scoring two tries in quick succession, through their half Aaron Smith from number five, and then through their third lineman Shannon Frizell (17-0, 15).

But we must not bury the Bucs team too quickly, as the New Zealand team camped after the 20th minute, and they constantly bombarded the opponent’s defense, under the leadership of their half of the team, Faf de Klerk, but to no avail.

Back from the locker room (20-3 at half-time), the Springboks were certainly revived, and managed to create lasting doubts in their opponents, only to be crushed by hooker Malcolm Marks, who had just entered the field (20-10). .

Before Cheslin Kolbe doubled the lead, with a brilliant double jump pass from his back Willy Le Roux (23-15, 62).

But the Black team did not let itself disintegrate, and it was Beauden Barrett who sent winger Will Jordan to the test thanks to a precise pass (30-15, 69).

Before fly-half Monga finally got South Africa’s hopes going in the 77th minute, despite an attempt to honor Kwaja Smith shortly before the siren sounded.

The All Blacks are therefore heading towards a new title in the competition, which they still have to validate on the final day, July 29, against the Australians in Melbourne.