South African rugby fans were treated to a performance for the ages on Saturday as the Springboks dismantled the All Blacks 43-10 at Sky Stadium in Wellington, delivering their biggest-ever win over New Zealand and setting the stage for a dominant Rugby Championship campaign.
The result wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. With six tries scored and 36 unanswered points in the second half, the Springboks showcased a blend of attacking flair, tactical mastery, and sheer physicality that left the All Blacks reeling. This 33-point winning margin surpassed the previous high of 35-7 at Twickenham in 2023 and marked the second-highest total ever scored against New Zealand by South Africa.
A New Era Emerges
While South Africa’s established stars — Cheslin Kolbe, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Kwagga Smith — were immense, it was the emerging talent that caught the eye. Damian Willemse, Canan Moodie, RG Snyman, André Esterhuizen, and Aphelele Fassi delivered monumental performances, revealing the future spine of the national team.
Willemse, starting at inside centre before moving to fullback following Fassi’s ankle injury, orchestrated the team with vision and precision, managing the game whether running, passing, or kicking. Kolbe’s 80-metre intercept try in the first half was a game-changer, denying the All Blacks a 14-point lead and swinging momentum firmly in South Africa’s favour.
Other newcomers and returning players like Ethan Hooker, Manie Libbok, Wilco Louw, Jasper Wiese, Canan Moodie, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, André Esterhuizen, and Grant Williams added steel and creativity, proving the depth of Rassie Erasmus’ squad. Even with early setbacks — injuries to Lood de Jager, Fassi, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu — the Boks remained positive, executing their attacking plan with width and precision.
A Second-Half Surge
After trailing 10-7 at the break, the Springboks exploded in the second half, scoring six tries and leaving several more opportunities untapped. Key moments included:
- Ruan Nortjé poaching an All Black lineout deep in enemy territory, initiating a sequence that led to Willemse’s superb try.
- Libbok’s third conversion bringing his haul to 13 points.
- Strategic cross-field kicks and offloads culminating in tries for Du Toit, Smith, and Snyman.
- Esterhuizen rounding off the scoring with a composed finish after a brilliant Willemse surge.
Turnover possession was critical, with the Boks forcing 16 turnovers by halftime — a remarkable feat against the All Blacks, away from home. The team’s ability to stay calm despite early handling errors showed both maturity and belief in Erasmus’ attacking philosophy.
Championship Implications
This win strengthens South Africa’s position in the Rugby Championship, giving them a real shot at retaining the title. With the Freedom Cup retained and upcoming matches against Argentina, the Boks are firmly back in control, sending a message to the rugby world: the era of Springbok dominance is far from over.
Scorers:
- New Zealand – Try: Leroy Carter; Conversion: Damian McKenzie; Penalty: McKenzie
- South Africa – Tries: Cheslin Kolbe (2), Damian Willemse, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, André Esterhuizen; Conversions: Manie Libbok (5); Penalty: Libbok
From start to finish, the Springboks combined youthful exuberance with veteran composure, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years. Wellington was witness to not just a victory, but a declaration: the Springboks are back, bold, and unyielding.