World Cup 2023 – Friendly: South Africa inflict their biggest defeat on New Zealand (35-7)

The All Blacks did not see the light of day against South Africa, as they suffered their biggest defeat in their history on Friday at Twickenham (35-7). Under intense and very undisciplined pressure against an inspired Springbok, the New Zealanders fell to 14 after a first half that was outrageously dominated by their opponents. On the other hand, the South Africans were excellent in every aspect of the game, both forward and backward.

This day is considered a black stone for the blacks, who on Friday suffered the biggest defeat in their history by points difference. Overwhelmed by the intensity of the opposition, the New Zealanders didn’t show much today, although some movement through the passes after the tackles reminded them of what this team is capable of. The attackers were outclassed in touch and protest. If we add to this the many hand errors, and clearing the ball with the foot to escape from the pressure of the opponent, there will not be many balloons to exploit. Without the ball, it is difficult to produce play.

The greatest weakness of blacks today was undoubtedly discipline. They conceded a huge number of penalties, which allowed Libbok to find very interesting touches or clear the ball when the black team got a little too close to the goal. This indiscipline saw the New Zealanders develop a 13 early in the match, with Scott Barrett’s yellow at the 14th and Sam Kean’s at the 16th, then at 14 throughout the second half after a second yellow and thus a red for Barrett at the 39th.

Only Cameron Roegard’s solo outfield feat allowed the Lions to save their honor with a late try (71), while the Springboks relaxed. Last shadow on the board: Terrell Lomax injury exit. Two weeks before the opening match of the World Cup against France, this match may have implications for the New Zealand national team. An opportunity for the Blues, who will face them in the opening match of the championship.

The message is clear: we have to go and take the title of world champions from South Africa. Because it was really a league game that the Springboks played today with impressive intensity from the very first minutes. The set was particularly excellent at invading, with crowds advancing several meters and no fewer than five touches stolen from the opposing alignment. Touches were also one of the Boks’ most valuable attacking assets, resulting in four of their five attempts (Sia Kolisi in the 18th minute, Malcolm Marks in the 42nd minute, Bongi Mbonambi in the 59th minute and Kwaga Smith in the 67th minute).

Far from just relying on their attackers, the world champions’ full-backs also put in a good game, with quick passing wide, good runs, positioning themselves up front and plenty of valuable interceptions including that of Kurt Lee Arends. For his effort in the 34th minute. With five conversions and excellent touches, Lebbock was the strong man for South Africa today. The last section of the game in which the Springboks were stellar: a defense that rose quickly and aggressively throughout the game, greatly hampering the opposition’s lifts and attacks.