Overview

• South Africa overturned a 10-7 half-time deficit with five second-half tries to record their biggest win over New Zealand.
• Cheslin Kolbe scored twice, finishing an intercept before adding a second after the break as the Springbok scrum seized control.
• Rassie Erasmus’s mix of seasoned forwards and a refreshed backline delivered, with Damian Willemse, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman and Andre Esterhuizen crossing late.
• The result retained the Freedom Cup for the Springboks and capped a selection gamble that injected pace and precision into the backline.
• Pre-match concerns about New Zealand’s backline depth and injuries were exposed despite a debut try from Leroy Carter, leaving the hosts well beaten at Sky Stadium.