[REVISION HISTORY]

All Blacks win series opener against Springboks

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2026-08-23 07:12 UTC → 2026-08-24 05:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

~~Following~~ The All Blacks began their ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour of South Africa with a dominant 50-19 warm-up victory over the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus ~~Versfeld, the All Blacks have successfully opened their Test series against~~ Versfeld. New Zealand established a 24-0 halftime lead through tries from Josh Moorby, Leroy Carter, and captain Codie Taylor. While the ~~Springboks. This match marks~~ Bulls responded with three second-half tries, head coach Dave Rennie noted there was still room for improvement in execution and discipline before the ~~beginning of a historic four-test series described as ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’. In~~ Test series. New Zealand successfully carried that momentum into the series opener at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, defeating the ~~All Blacks defeated South Africa~~ Springboks 33-16. Although ~~the Springboks~~ South Africa held a 13-12 lead at halftime, ~~New Zealand~~ the All Blacks dominated the second ~~half, scoring~~ half with five ~~tries to South Africa’s one.~~ tries. Will Jordan scored twice, ~~with additional contributions~~ supported by tries from ~~Jordie Barrett,~~ Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland, and Luke Jacobson. ~~Ruben Love contributed four conversions.~~ A decisive moment occurred when Holland charged down a kick by Grant Williams, sparking a New Zealand scoring run. The victory ended South Africa’s 12-match winning streak and propelled New Zealand to the number one spot in the World Rugby rankings. The Springboks struggled with ~~discipline and efficiency,~~ discipline, finishing the match with only 13 players after yellow cards were issued to Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach. South Africa’s lone try was scored by substitute Andre Esterhuizen, with Cheslin Kolbe adding penalties and a conversion. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie praised his team’s ‘clinical execution’, while Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus ~~noted~~ remarked that his side failed to convert numerous ~~opportunities. Erasmus remarked that while the defeat was significant,~~ opportunities, noting the team has overcome similar ‘catastrophic’ situations before. To win the series, South Africa must win the remaining three matches. ~~The series now moves to Cape Town for the second Test.~~

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