Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

Dominant South Africa compound New Zealand's misery as All Blacks drop to all-time low

The Springboks added to the All Blacks' misery with a convincing 26-10 victory in Mbombela that pushed New Zealand down to an all-time low of fifth in the world.

The world champions lost scrum-half Faf de Klerk after just 43 seconds after the 30-year-old's head collided with Caleb Clarke's knee while making a tackle. However, Jacques Nienaber's side recovered from that early setback to put in a dominant performance as they dismantled the All Blacks - consigning the defending champions to a fifth defeat in six matches.

It took just eight minutes for the Boks to cross the whitewash, with Kurt-Lee Arendse racing over after a perfect offload from Lukhanyo Am.

Read more: Wayne Pivac's Gareth Williams replacement contenders and why no appointment at all could make the most sense

The home side perhaps should have gone into the break further ahead than the 10-3 half-time scoreline, with Handre Pollard and Jordie Barrett both getting on the scoreboard from the tee. Barrett's solitary penalty was as much as Ian Foster's side could muster in terms of troubling the scorers for much of the 80 minutes, with their attack looking distinctly ordinary.

More points from the boot of Pollard, including a snap drop goal, extended South Africa's lead in the second half. The final of those penalties ensured there was a margin of more than 15 points - consigning the All Blacks to fall below England in the rankings to a new low of fifth.

There was a late flashpoint in the final few minutes, with try-scorer Arendse shown a red card for taking out Beauden Barrett in the air. A brief check with the TMO found no mitigation, leading referee Angus Gardner to send off the Boks winger, who was injured in the collision and ultimately left the pitch on a stretcher.

A late consolation try from Shannon Frizzell after a break from Clarke had appeared to ensure the losing margin wouldn't be enough to see the All Blacks drop to an all-time low of fifth in the world rankings. However, a last-gasp try from replacement Willie le Roux restored the Springboks' deserved margin on the scoreboard and served to only pile more pressure on Foster.

Read more:

Today's rugby news as Australia captain pulls out of Rugby Championship opener for personal reasons

'Fantastic' Welsh fly-half newcomer already likened to an All Black is exciting many people

The hugely gifted Welsh rugby talents vying to be World Cup bolters exactly 400 days out from global tournament in France

Today's rugby news as eligibility row erupts and new role for Welsh rugby boss

The five best responses to the All Blacks haka including team's own war dance, Farrell's smile and that famous Wales stand-off

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.