Comment from Caxton Joburg North’s sports editor Nicholas Zaal:
The Springboks were not up to the dynamic, fast-paced rugby the New Zealand backline brought to the teams’ first 2019 Rugby World Cup pool B clash on 21 September.
South Africa lost to the All Blacks 23–13.
The Springboks controlled territory for much of the first half but it was the All Blacks who made the most of their opportunities and put points on the board. They led 17–3 at the break.
A try by Pieter-Steph du Toit gave South Africans hope in the second half but it was not meant to be. The characteristic All Blacks defence holding true and not making mistakes for the Boks to turn into penalties or points.
The Springboks honoured the late Chester Williams, who died on 6 September, by wearing shirts with his image printed on them. Williams was the only black player in the team that won the 1995 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand.
Despite the result, these two top-ranked teams in the pool are expected to lead the group and progress to the knock-out stages of the world cup.
It would take something special for Italy, Canada or Namibia to progress instead.
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