South Africa vs New Zealand: All Blacks emerge worthy winners as they outscore Springboks in first Test upset
New Zealand outscored hosts South Africa five tries to one and win the first Test 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday to go one-up in the four-match series.
The Boks led 13-12 at half-time, but New Zealand took over in the second half to close it out and end South Africa's unbeaten streak.
The All Blacks had been underdogs going into the first international of their eight-match tour but took full advantage of the home side's numerous handling errors and ill discipline for a statement victory that ended a 12-match winning streak for the Springboks and will rock the confidence of the world champions.
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Will Jordan extended his run as New Zealand's record try scorer with two tries that bookended scores from Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson.
Ruben Love kicked over four conversions.
South Africa's try came from Andre Esterhuizen with three penalties and a conversion from Cheslin Kolbe but they lost their discipline towards the end, after multiple turnovers, and finished with 13 players as Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach were sent to the sin bin in the final 10 minutes.
The series moves to sea level in Cape Town next Saturday and New Zealand are now the surprising front-runner in the first full series between the teams in 30 years.
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24 of August 2026
