Rugby: Wow for South Africa, but the four nations go to the All Blacks

At the end of an extraordinarily exciting match, with an impressive swing in the score, South Africa defeated New Zealand in time (31-29) in the final round of the Four Nations Rugby Championship. In the first leg a week ago and always in Australia’s Queensland ‘bubble’ – which hosted the last matches of the four champions – the All Blacks had the upper hand in the final seconds, again thanks to a free kick. This time the Springboks celebrated, but the trophy goes to the All Blacks, who are ahead of Australia in the final standings. In last place is Argentina, which was defeated by the Wallabies this morning: in a month Pumas will meet Italy.

Incredible rainbow to overtake

In the last 7 minutes of the game, it all happened: the All Blacks passed, then the Springboks, and another and another. What a programme. A challenge that will remain in the history books. At the start, South Africa immediately took the lead thanks to a De Allende goal that Reese soon replied. Then again Savea for New Zealand, who thanks to the burglary mark on the number 9, Webber decisively extended. At the end of the first half, the South Africans managed to partially tackle two free kicks from Pollard, and closed the match with only 6 points (14-20). In the second half, the Springboks gradually reduced their opponents, and Mbembe’s deserved attempt came between two free kicks from Pollard and Elton Gantjes: Round 14-0 put South Africa back in the lead for sure (25-20).

Decide to kick Jantjies with a time limit

The New Zealanders have changed the half-scrum: in Perinara, who loaded his car but Kitchoff stole the oval on a dangerous streak. Foster, coach of Totti Neri, permanently changed the match managers by including Mo’unga in place of Beauden Barrett, while his brother Jordie shortened the distance from the field. Six minutes before the end of the match, English referee Carly – who had overlooked potential striker Moody in Webber’s bid – received a questionable kick in favor of the New Zealanders after an interference from Stein on Mackenzie. New All Blacks overrun, then dropped by Elton Jantjes and 3 more points by Barrett. It looked like it was over, but over time the world champions were able to win a final and decisive free kick altered by Jantjies.

Kellaway trio, kangaroos beat Pumas

In the other challenge, the Wallabies clearly beat Pumas (32-17): Australia took advantage in the first half of the yellow card to Lavanini, scored with Fainga’a and Kellaway (plus points at the usual feet. Cooper), but Argentina – the kick Free for Boveli – I stayed in the game. However, the advantage became significant in the opening second half: Kerifi’s goal, then again twice on winger Killaway. The Australians made elliptical travel, again direction – including strokes of genius – by a Cooper’s quad was key. However, Pumas reported a sudden amnesia in defence, which they remediated in part with a proud finale of the race, and Treviso Championship prop Gallo, a good double composer on the strength.