With time ticking away and the All Blacks holding a commanding 10-point lead, South African hopes were beginning to fade, but in stepped a HTS Middelburg legend to inspire the Springboks to an amazing comeback win.
Kwagga Smith’s impact was immediately evident, helping shift momentum in favour of the hosts, with the industrious utility forward even getting on the scoresheet in the 69th minute.
This helped rally the local rugby legend’s teammates to a breathtaking final 10 minutes, with the Springboks finally settling into the game as it drew to a tense close.
Grant Williams may have scored the winning try, but Kwagga’s effort was immense, providing a calming presence in what was a nervy affair between the game’s two greatest rivals.
In what marked our nation’s 30th Anniversary of Democracy, Ellis Park played host to a thrilling encounter, with South Africa’s last-grasp victory surely feeling like a dagger to Kiwi hearts.
The All Blacks were stunned as the Bokke snatched a 31-27 win.
The result may leave New Zealand feeling hard done by, as they were in control for most of the match, but one thing Scott Robertson’s men didn’t account for was Middelburg hero Kwagga Smith.
