- New Zealand's first-test victory against South Africa on Saturday hands them a massive advantage in the four-match series, with their hard-fought 33-16 victory at Ellis Park a statement win, said coach Dave Rennie.
- The All Blacks outscored South Africa five tries to one and saw off a powerful physical challenge, emerging the slicker of the two teams as they upset the odds.
- Rennie noted the turning point in the 55th minute when South Africa failed to score from three scrums near the All Blacks' posts.
- New Zealand regained the lead when Fabian Holland charged down a clearance to score a try.
- The two sides will meet in the second test in Cape Town on Saturday.
- Coach Dave Rennie described the victory as massive and acknowledged that while they have a leg up, it does not guarantee anything against a strong Springboks side.
- New Zealand has now achieved four successive wins under Rennie, following three victories in the Nations Championship last month.
New Zealand's emphatic 33-16 victory over South Africa at Ellis Park has given them a crucial lead in the four-match series. Coach Dave Rennie hailed the win as a statement, emphasizing the team's resilience against a formidable Springbok side.167
Rennie noted, “Oh, look, it's massive,” referring to the significance of the win in a series dubbed ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’. Despite being under pressure, the All Blacks managed to outscore the Springboks five tries to one, demonstrating their clinical finishing and tactical superiority.2
The turning point came in the 55th minute when South Africa opted for scrums instead of taking kickable penalties, failing to score. “That was a bit of a soft one,” Rennie remarked, highlighting the importance of that moment. New Zealand capitalized on the opportunity, with Fabian Holland scoring a try that shifted the momentum.34
Despite South Africa holding 51% possession and 61% territory, they struggled to convert their dominance into points, losing 23 turnovers compared to New Zealand's 13. “We defended and defended and then we were clinical when we got our opportunities,” Rennie stated, acknowledging the team's defensive efforts.
The All Blacks will face the Springboks again in Cape Town for the second test, with Rennie aware of the challenge ahead: “A massive effort, a great result for us, but we're wary of the response that we'll get next week.”5
“Rennie highlighted the 55th-minute turning point when South Africa failed to score from three scrums, allowing Fabian Holland to charge down a clearance and score. The All Blacks outscored the Springboks five tries to one, with the second test set for Cape Town on Saturday.”
