“All Blacks Dominate South Africa in a World Cup Statement Victory”

New Zealand Underline World Cup Credentials, Blitzen Reigning Champions South Africa

15 July 2023 • 1:10pm

Key moments chosen by us to get you up to speed at a glance:

Introduction

There is little surprise in New Zealand emerging as victors in Auckland, especially considering it has been 57 matches since the All Blacks have lost a game there. However, it is the dominant manner in which they defeated the reigning world-champion Springboks that has caught the attention of the global rugby community. With less than two months until the World Cup in France, this victory has firmly established New Zealand among the favorites.

Rugby Championship and World Cup Format

This year’s Rugby Championship has been abbreviated due to the upcoming Rugby World Cup. Each team in the championship plays each other only once. With this win, New Zealand has positioned themselves as the favorites to win the tournament. On the other hand, South Africa, who have a formidable squad on paper, missed an opportunity to make a statement ahead of defending their world crown. Though the teams will meet once more before the World Cup, the fixture will have little significance.

New Zealand’s World Cup Prospects

The conventional wisdom leading up to the World Cup has been that France, playing on home soil and considered favorites for the title, would secure a victorious start against the All Blacks. There was skepticism about New Zealand’s chances, centered around their dominance in previous years potentially waning. However, their victory over South Africa has triggered a shift in perception, with the Kiwis now being considered among the top contenders. The performance of Shannon Frizell, often overlooked in the star-studded back row of the All Blacks, showcased the team’s physicality and added to their credentials as formidable opponents.

Dominant First Half Performance

In the opening 17 minutes of the match, New Zealand were in complete control, scoring points at a point per minute. South Africa struggled to find their footing, with early mistakes and turnovers complicating their game. Resting 14 of their front-line players in a previous victory over Australia backfired for the Springboks, as they were unable to match the physicality and intensity brought by the All Blacks. Shannon Frizell’s standout performance exemplified New Zealand’s dominance and set the tone for the match.

Impressive Unbeaten Run

By half-time, New Zealand held a commanding 17-point lead. The Springboks were able to mount a rearguard action with tries from Malcolm Marx and Cheslin Kolbe, raising hopes of a comeback. However, New Zealand’s Richie Mo’unga kept the scoreboard ticking with penalties, while late tries from Will Jordan and Mo’unga himself sealed the victory for the All Blacks. South Africa’s Kwagga Smith managed a late try, but it only served to make the final scoreline somewhat more respectable.

Looking Ahead

The comprehensive defeat suffered by South Africa highlights the challenge facing any team hoping to stop New Zealand. The All Blacks’ impressive display suggests that it will take a truly remarkable team to prevent them from performing well in the forthcoming World Cup. As the tournament approaches, New Zealand’s status as one of the favorites has been reaffirmed, while South Africa must regroup and address the weaknesses exposed in this match.

Match Details

Starting Lineups:

• New Zealand: B Barrett; W Jordan, R Ioane, J Barrett, M Telea; R Mo’unga, A Smith; E de Groot, C Taylor, T Lomax, B Retallick, S Barrett, S Frizell, S Cane (capt), A Savea.
• South Africa: W le Roux; C Kolbe, L Am, D de Allende, M Mapimpi; D Willemse, F de Klerk; S Kitshoff, B Mbonambi, F Malherbe, E Etzebeth (capt), L de Jager, K Smith, F Mostert, J Wiese.

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Final Score: New Zealand 35 – South Africa 20

Match Summary: New Zealand dominated the match from the start, building a commanding lead in the first half and maintaining control for the rest of the game. South Africa mounted a brief comeback but ultimately fell short. The victory solidifies New Zealand’s position as one of the top contenders for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Player Quotes

Sam Cane, New Zealand captain: “We got what we expected. It’s always physical and an awesome Test match. First time some of us have played at Mount Smart. We really look forward to these matches. So much history. Reigning world champions and we knew it would be a good test to see where we’re at as a team.”

Lukhanyo Am, South Africa centre: “We have to give credit to the All Blacks. We had to control the chaos to stand a chance. Credit to them. We’re definitely evolving. We’re building well. There will be positives to take but also work-ons. [On Eben] He’s definitely influential. And us as a team and a family was to support him as much as we could.”

Tamaiti Williams, New Zealand’s debutant prop: “It was special bro, to put the black jersey on. Especially against the Springboks. The pinnacle. I was trying my best to keep the emotions in and have a straight face but I’m sure everyone knew I was nervous. I’m just grateful to put the jersey on. It was fast and physical bro, they are hard men. The speed of the ball… just trying to keep up. I idolized [the rest of the New Zealand front row] growing up; it’s been special to rub shoulders and learn off them every day.”

Match Report by , Current Affairs Commentator