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South Africa host New Zealand in the Rugby Championship this afternoon with the reigning world champions looking to edge closer to winning the title.
The Springboks, fresh off their World Cup victory last year, hope to add this trophy to their cabinet despite not triumphing in the tournament since 2019. Rassie Erasmus’ team sit top of the table following two impressive wins over Australia and a victory over the All Blacks in Johannesbury would see them have one hand on the trophy.
For their part, New Zealand arrive in South Africa having already suffered defeat – in their opener against Argentina – before hammering Los Pumas in the follow-up game to keep their hopes of winning the competition alive.
That sets the stage nicely for this afternoon’s clash. The All Blacks need a win against the Springboks to close the five-point gap at the top of the table, with a defeat likely leaving them with hopes of second place finish at best.
Follow all the action from Ellis Park Stadium with our live blog below as South Africa take on New Zealand:
HALF-TIME! South Africa 11-12 New Zealand
Fassi’s kick is chased by Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Barrett is forced to kick out of play just two seconds before the 40 minutes was up!
The Springboks win the lineout, with Reinach happy to play through the forwards, but it ends with a knock on and it’s half-time at 11-12 to the visitors!
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:47
South Africa 11-12 New Zealand
A clever carry and offload from Feinberg-Mngomezulu almost creates the opportunity out of nothing, but it ends with an All Blacks throw and a kick that lands in the hands of Fassi.
The Springboks break the gain line before sending it back to the 10 for the drop-goal – but it’s wide.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:46
South Africa 11-12 New Zealand
South Africa think they have a certain try, but the pass was forward and they have to settle for the kick opportunity near the New Zealand 22.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu converts it easily for 11-12.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:42
South Africa 8-12 New Zealand
Barrett’s up-and-under is collected by Fassi, but an unforced error gives the All Blacks the ball!
Wiese fumbles the ball and suddenly the All Blacks are on the attack, with great dummies from Damian McKenzie setting it up to go through the hands, before Will Jordan makes use of the overlap to send Caleb Clarke over the line for five.
The conversion is missed, but the All Blacks lead once more.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:40
South Africa 8-7 New Zealand
Barrett goes for the effort into touch again and it’s a brilliant effort, matched only by Kolbe’s acrobatic attempt to keep it in. It doesn’t pay off though, and South Africa win the lineout, with Reinach clearing.
South Africa win another penalty, almost on their own 10-metre line, after the All Blacks are penalised for not releasing.
This would be a huge kick – and he’s sunk it! An excellent effort, plum on target and with the legs to take it well over the distance.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:36
South Africa 5-7 New Zealand
Barrett overcooks the attempted 50:22, and it’s straight into touch. New Zealand hold firm in defence though, with the Springboks knocking it on after Feinberg-Mngomezulu put too much on the pass.
Eben Etzebeth comes on for Nortje.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:32
South Africa 5-7 New Zealand
It does look like New Zealand have a case to be annoyed with that try being awarded. Not sure why it wasn’t checked.
Fassi has returned from his sin-bin stint, but the All Blacks are on the attack again before the ball is dragged out of play.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:28
TRY! South Africa 5-7 New Zealand
TRY! It begins similarly to the New Zealand try, with a maul forming from the lineout. The maul falters towards the touchline, but Bongi Mbonambi picks out from the back and powers towards the line.
He’s got plenty to do with three black shirts challenging him, but he shrugs off the tackles to ground the ball for five points!
In truth, it looked like he may have lost control of the ball before going over, but the try is given – in the confusion, Feinberg-Mngomezulu doesn’t take his conversion kick in time.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:24
South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
New Zealand collapse the scrum and the Springboks take advatbage, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicking into the corner and then collecting from the lineout. Strong carrying from the fly-half takes the ‘Boks into the All Blacks’ five-metre line, before Savea is penalised for not releasing.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:21
South Africa 0-7 New Zealand
From kick-off, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu looks to have kicked it straight out, so it’s a scrum on halfway. From the scrum, Perenara kicks a lovely 50:22.
The All Blacks had an advantage as they powered towards the South Africa five-metre line, but they lose it after Lomax comes in at the side.
South Africa take advantage of that slip up with some brilliant play. First, Cheslin Kolbe is sent through on the blind side, before Feinberg-Mngomezulu stabs through a brilliant kick that is kicked on by Arendse, but the winger can’t get to it on the second attempt and the All Blacks survive a scare.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:19