Overview
- New Zealand beat South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday, Aug. 22, overturning a 13-12 half-time deficit to take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
- The All Blacks scored five tries — including a brace for Will Jordan — while Ruben Love converted four times to finish a clinical attacking display.
- South Africa repeatedly failed to convert territorial pressure into points, with handling errors, a knocked-on maul finish and multiple turnovers costing them scoring chances.
- Two late sin-bins for Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach left the Springboks with 13 men at the end, and injuries to Kurt‑Lee Arendse (HIA) and Cheslin Kolbe will shape selection choices for the next Test.
- The result moved New Zealand to the top of the World Rugby rankings, marks their biggest winning margin over South Africa at Ellis Park, and increases pressure on the Boks ahead of the second Test in Cape Town on Aug. 29.