Overview
- South Africa overturned a 10-7 halftime deficit by scoring 36 unanswered points, with tries from Cheslin Kolbe (2), Damian Willemse, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman and Andre Esterhuizen, as Manie Libbok added 13 points from the tee.
- The visitors sustained early backline setbacks — Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu departed after 18 minutes, Aphelele Fassi was forced off before halftime and Cobus Reinach underwent an HIA — yet controlled set piece and territory.
- AFP reported the emphatic win returned the Springboks to the No. 1 position in the world rankings.
- Earlier in Sydney, Argentina edged Australia 28-26 with Santiago Carreras kicking 23 points, leaving all four Rugby Championship teams at 2-2 and Australia narrowly ahead on bonus points.
- All Blacks figures conceded the gulf on the day, with Damian McKenzie saying the “better team won,” as attention turns to Sept. 27 fixtures: New Zealand vs Australia at Eden Park and South Africa vs Argentina in Durban.