There have been moments over the past couple of weeks that have made us question South Africa’s status as the standard bearers in world rugby. After this helter-skelter third Test victory that ensures they cannot lose the series, we have an emphatic answer. The Springboks’ power is unrivalled.
The All Blacks’ panache has taken them mightily close but South Africa remain on their perch. A consolation score for New Zealand at the death rescued some pride but flattered the All Blacks – and afterwards it was confirmed that their captain Ardie Savea will miss the final Test. A second-half masterclass from the Boks, the relentless kind that leaves even opponents as worthy as these suffocated, gasping for air, confirms what was taken as read before this series started – South Africa remain the hot favourites for next year’s World Cup.
There is a fourth Test next week in Baltimore but the reality is it is a money-spinning appendage to the three matches in South Africa. The Springboks lost the first but have roared back on home soil. They take a 2-1 lead in the series and are unofficial winners of the best-of-three contest in South Africa.
The All Blacks have failed in their quest to emulate the class of 1996. No individual performance was more significant than their collective ability to put on the squeeze but Ox Nché’s 56 minutes at the coalface were exceptional and it is no coincidence that Siya Kolisi, who now has more Test wins than any other Springboks captain, sat out the one Test South Africa have lost this series. The All Blacks showed their class for much of this contest, which hinged on Jesse Kriel’s decisive second-half score just after Will Jordan had struck for New Zealand.
From that moment on, South Africa smelled blood and capitalised with the ruthless streak that has crowned them consecutive World Cup winners. The All Blacks are evidently their closest challengers and matched the Boks’ four tries with four of their own. They possess a remarkable running game but eventually South African power has caught up with them.
They will rue losing Savea to a shoulder injury late in the first half – “He won’t travel now,” said head coach Dave Rennie of the captain’s chances of making the Baltimore Test – and some key mistakes after the interval. Perhaps Ruben Love’s two missed kicks at goal too. Savea’s early withdrawal was certainly a setback but it is no excuse, not least because Cheslin Kolbe lasted all of 10 minutes before going off in another Test match of remarkable intensity.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
