South Africa humiliated New Zealand and condemned the All Blacks to their heaviest ever defeat.
After New Zealand held on for victory to extend their unbeaten streak at Eden Park last weekend, the Springboks scored 43 points in a sensational six-try victory to revive their Rugby Championship title hopes in Wellington.
It was South Africa’s biggest ever score on New Zealand soil, while the 33-point margin of defeat was the biggest New Zealand had suffered in their entire history.
South Africa only led by three points at half time but were sensational in the second half, with tries from Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman and Andre Esterhuizen.
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All Blacks vs Springboks live
- South Africa dismantle New Zealand to restore Rugby Championship title hopes
- New Zealand suffer heaviest ever defeat against brilliant Springboks
- TRY! New Zealand 10-43 SOUTH AFRICA (Andre Esterhuizen, 79 minutes)
- TRY! New Zealand 10-36 SOUTH AFRICA (RG Snyman, 74 minutes)
- TRY! New Zealand 10-29 SOUTH AFRICA (Kwagga Smith, 70 minutes)
- TRY! New Zealand 10-24 SOUTH AFRICA (Damian Willemse, 62 minutes)
- TRY! New Zealand 10-14 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe, 44 minutes)
- TRY! New Zealand 7-7 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe, 25 minutes)
- TRY! NEW ZEALAND 7-0 South Africa (Leroy Carter, 18 minutes)
All Blacks suffer heaviest-ever defeat as Springboks dismantle New Zealand
10:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe All Blacks have suffered their heaviest-ever defeat as South Africa ran rampant in a 43-10 dismantling in the Rugby Championship.
The Springboks hit back in some style having been edged out at Eden Park a week ago, producing 36 unanswered second-half points to power out of sight in a statement showing from the world champions.
In the process, the records tumbled, with a 33-point margin of victory surpassing the previous worst result in New Zealand’s history - exceeding their own 35-7 win in a World Cup warm-up at Twickenham in 2023.
All Blacks suffer heaviest ever defeat as Springboks dismantle New Zealand
Black Ferns survive scare to progress past South Africa
15:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleWell that was rather more hard-fought than anyone expected - the Black Ferns are through to the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup with a 46-17 win over the Women’s Springboks in Exeter, but what a performance that was from South Africa, who leave this tournament with their heads held high.
It’ll be Canada or Australia next up for the defending champions.
Springboks Women holding their own
13:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat is happening in Exeter? South Africa’s women, World Cup quarter-finalists for the first time, are giving the six-time champion Black Ferns everything, level at 10-apiece at the half-time interval - remarkable!
The other New Zealand vs South Africa clash
13:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is, of course, a second New Zealand vs South Africa clash today - and the Women’s Springboks, huge underdogs in their World Cup quarter-final, have made a really strong start against the world champion Black Ferns. It’s 0-0 in Exeter but the South African side have come close to scoring on a couple of occasions, with their maul doing plenty of damage.
Scott Barrett urges New Zealand to channel 'discomfort' to bounce back
13:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand captain Scott Barrett called on the All Blacks players to use the "discomfort" of their record 43-10 defeat to South Africa as fuel to regroup ahead of their next Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Eden Park.
A week after beating the Springboks 24-17 at Eden Park, the home side crashed to their worst-ever Test loss on Saturday as the visitors piled on 36 unanswered points at Wellington Regional Stadium.
Lock Barrett, part of a forward pack that was well beaten on the night, said the sting of the defeat would not fade quickly over the two weeks before meeting the Wallabies.
"There’ll be some real discomfort this week," he told reporters.
"But I’m sure this team will use that to bounce forward. We’ve got the Bledisloe ahead and a chance to respond."
All Blacks hit new low
12:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere are the five biggest Test defeats suffered by the All Blacks in history:
SOUTH AFRICA 43-10 NEW ZEALAND (WELLINGTON, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025)
Margin: 33 points
Cheslin Kolbe scored a brace of tries as South Africa ran riot in the second half. The Springboks trailed 10-0 after an early try to debutant Leroy Carter but scored 36 unanswered points in an extraordinary onslaught.
SOUTH AFRICA 35-7 NEW ZEALAND (LONDON, AUGUST 25, 2023)
Margin: 28 points
South Africa put in a masterclass of forward power to thrash New Zealand. They scored five tries through captain Siya Kolisi, wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, hookers Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi and flanker Kwagga Smith.
AUSTRALIA 47-26 NEW ZEALAND (PERTH, AUGUST 10, 2019)
Margin: 21 points
New Zealand forward Scott Barrett was sent off for a reckless tackle just before halftime, and Australia's Reece Hodge scored a brace of tries in the Wallabies' biggest win over the All Blacks.
SOUTH AFRICA 17-0 NEW ZEALAND (DURBAN, JUNE 30, 1928)
Margin: 17 points
An inexperienced All Blacks side, with all but two players making their full test debuts, suffered a 17-point loss in their first test of the 1928 tour of South Africa. The loss in Durban stood as New Zealand's worst defeat for decades.
ENGLAND 38-21 NEW ZEALAND (LONDON, DECEMBER 1, 2012)
Martin: 17 points
England ended the world champions' 20-game unbeaten run as Owen Farrell's heroics put the hosts 15-0 ahead. New Zealand fought back through Julian Savea and Kieran Read, but tries by Brad Barritt, Chris Ashton and Manu Tuilagi ensured England's victory.
Siya Kolisi lifts the Freedom Cup
10:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is a split series, of course, with New Zealand victorious last week, but that is enough for holders South Africa to hold on to the Freedom Cup - which Siya Kolisi lifts alongside the rest of the Springboks squad after a statement performance.
And here's Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi
10:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle“I’d like to thank all the South Africans who came to support us, from all over the world,” Kolisi says. “You didn’t give up on us last week, you came through this weekend. I want to give credit to my boys, we didn’t give up, and to the coach as well - everyone was talking about a young team, but how do you get young guys experience? you give them opportunities.
“We played fearlessly. We believed in ourselves, which was the most important thing out there. All we wanted was a win, and we are happy that we got that. We are able to fight for the Rugby Championship - that is all that matters to us. The people in Wellington and Auckland have been amazing.”
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett reacts to New Zealand's record defeat
10:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle“That’s a tough one to swallow. The Springboks certainly showed up and made a real improvement from last week, and we certainmly didn’t adjust. Well done to Siya and his team.
“Our scrum was under pressure,.We had limited opportunities and the ‘Boks really took theirs.
“The fans over the past two weeks have been amazing. We are gutted we couldn’t quite the job done tonight. It’s not all bad, we’ll celebrate Leroy [Carter’s] debut. We’ll have a bit of space, there are a lot of areas where we can get better, but it starts individually. Each member of this group is hungry to get better.”
All Blacks suffer record defeat!
10:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle33 points is the biggest ever defeat in All Blacks history - a humiliating, troubling night for Scott Robertson and his side.
Springboks star Damian Willemse reacts to a record win in Wellington
09:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle“Rassie has been taking a lot of shots and backing us as a team. We knew it was going to come. Credit to the boys - they stepped up and played a great game of rugby.
“We had a very positive mindest. We knew exactly what went wrong at Eden Park. Tonight, we were much more clinical. Credit to the coaching staff to sticking up and helping us.
“There was opportunity for both sides. We just took our opportunities and put scoreboard pressure on them. We put everything into this.”
FULL TIME: New Zealand 10-43 South Africa
09:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
TRY! New Zealand 10-43 SOUTH AFRICA (Andre Esterhuizen, 79 minutes)
09:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleBloodied face, weary legs but the smile on Andre Esterhuizen’s face spans back to South Africa! This has been a quite remarkable half of rugby from the world champions, the Springboks totally tearing New Zealand to shreds on home soil. It’s another beaut of a score, Damian Willemse and Grant Williams again at the heart of things having thrived in new roles at full-back and on the wing after that earlier injury bother. Wow. Wow!
NO TRY! New Zealand 10-36 South Africa, 76 minutes
09:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat sums up New Zealand’s night - Will Jordan, the arch finisher, has failed to convert what seemed a certain score. Full credit to Grant Williams, covering in quite outstanding fashion to snare Jordan at the ankles, but the wing can still reach for the line...only to fumble as he goes to ground. A real rarity.
TRY! New Zealand 10-36 SOUTH AFRICA (RG Snyman, 74 minutes)
09:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s a dismantling! RG Snyman strides to the line untouched as the Springboks pile up the points.
Wow. How do you miss a man the size of Snyman? There are blocks of flats that are smaller in stature than the lock but that does not stop the All Blacks defence from completely missing him as he arrives at the line, three of his giant strides seemingly all that he needs to cover the requisite 15 metres to score.
New Zealand 10-29 South Africa, 72 minutes
09:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe are into record territory now - New Zealand’s biggest defeat at home is by a margin of 15 points.
TRY! New Zealand 10-29 SOUTH AFRICA (Kwagga Smith, 70 minutes)
09:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleEthan Hooker started it, Kwagga Smith finishes it! A magnificent try to put the nail in New Zealand’s coffin.
Manie Libbok has controlled this game so, so well since coming on and this is another magical moment, spotting Pieter-Steph du Toit in space on the right touchline with the All Blacks defence listing. Ruben Love hurries across and tackles Du Toit in the air illegally, but the flanker keeps his wits about him and his eyes up to offload to Smith, arriving on a wildebeest’s charge. Gather and grounding are clean - game, set and match.
New Zealand 10-24 South Africa, 68 minutes
09:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleEverything is falling the Springboks’ way. Ethan Hooker is afforded the freedom of Wellington as he picks up a loose ball and carves into space.
New Zealand 10-24 South Africa, 66 minutes
09:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe All Blacks just can’t string good moments together, though. Pieter-Steph du Toit springs up as if on a supercharged cherry picker to pilfer a lineout, before Andre Esterhuizen provides a spot of chiropractic assistance free of charge. The physical centre has made a huge difference since his injury-enforced introduction.
New Zealand 10-24 South Africa, 65 minutes
09:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleMore like it from New Zealand. A long punt trundles out the back of the Springboks in-goal but Tamaiti Williams makes his presence known at the resultant scrum, earning a penalty.
New Zealand 10-24 South Africa, 64 minutes
09:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe All Blacks do have time to ressurect this contest but 14 points feels like a lot on a night where the Springboks defence has grown and grown. What impact will the injury toll of a brutal affair have on the final quarter, though? It’s not just the players feeling the impacts, either - referee Nika Amashukeli is clattered off the ball! Thankfully, he appears all right.
TRY! New Zealand 10-24 SOUTH AFRICA (Damian Willemse, 62 minutes)
09:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleA mighty moment! The Springboks extend their advantage as Damian Willemse powers through!
And doesn’t the centre-cum-full-back love it! Willemse roars in celebration, the Stormer having, well, a stormer all evening and capping it with a forceful finish here. It was perhaps a surprise that South Africa had gone to their backs so early in the goalline assault but Willemse ensures they score, taking a slightly wayward pass on the back foot yet still surging through three tacklers. Superb!
New Zealand 10-17 South Africa, 60 minutes
09:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleNearly a sensational Springboks score! Grant Williams proves himself no makeshift wing, showing off his sprinting speed and footwork to tightrope the touchline before connecting with Damian Willemse. A canny kick for Canan Moodie appears destined to hop into the hands of the centre - but just evades him.
New Zealand will throw a lineout five metres out - and Ruan Nortje pinches it!...
New Zealand 10-17 South Africa, 59 minutes
09:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleSloppy from the All Blacks! They probe the left-hand corner but get their maul set-up wrong, Wallace Sititi blocking in front of the lifted player before Scott Barrett has come to floor. Penalty to South Africa.
New Zealand 10-17 South Africa, 58 minutes
09:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleCheslin Kolbe will not be re-joining proceedings; Grant Williams will remain on the wing, and Cobus Reinach will presumably have to go the duration at scrum half.
The All Blacks click into gear again, the Barrett brothers - well, Beauden and Jordie primarily - beginning to pull the puppet strings. They draw a ruck penalty.
There is just a little too much pushing, shoving and appealing for referee Nika Amashukeli’s liking, though. Siya Kolisi and Scott Barrett are called into the headmaster’s office for a chat.
That’s Kolisi’s last involvement. Kwagga Smith is on for him - Kolisi was outstanding tonight.
New Zealand 10-17 South Africa, 56 minutes
09:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe haven’t seen quite as much of Ardie Savea as usual tonight, but the All Blacks vice-captain has still come up with a big moment or two - here, it is a sharp jackal to turnover Ethan Hooker after the young Springboks wing had made metres down the right. A good tackle from Billy Proctor, too.
New Zealand’s Brodie McAllister has stepped in for Samisoni Taukei’aho at hooker, and makes a mess of a ruck. Cobus Reinach knocks on.
New Zealand 10-17 South Africa, 54 minutes
09:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleThose two front row replacements have had the desired effect for South Africa. Fletcher Newell and Tamaiti Williams have been sent on by New Zealand to try to combat Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw, but the former is penalised after hitting the deck instantly at the latest scrum engagement.
New Zealand 10-17 South Africa, 52 minutes
09:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleTupou Vaa’i pinches a lineout for New Zealand, a much-needed bit of momentum delivered. He is later levelled by Pieter-Steph du Toit, the big blindside absolutely dismantling the lumbering lock - some hit.
Off goes Will Jordan! Scything into space in familiar fashion, the full-back-cum-wing tries to draw and pass to Leroy Carter but tosses it low - and Carter knocks on! A missed chance, though the Springboks had covered well. Could Jordan have taken contact and reloaded? Perhaps.
New Zealand 10-17 South Africa, 51 minutes
09:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleA free kick at the scrum affords Manie Libbok a chance to assemble the chasers and again trouble the air traffic controllers in Wellington. His kick is not quite right, though - too deep and marked by New Zealand.
New Zealand 10-17 South Africa, 50 minutes
09:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe All Blacks are just looking a little lost, conversely. There is limited pressure on a pair of would-be catchers but Finlay Christie and Scott Barrett get themselves in a muddle, the pair combining to fumble a high kick.
Is Christie limping, too? The scrum half came on inside the first 10 minutes for Noah Hotham, remember. One to monitor.
New Zealand 10-17 South Africa, 49 minutes
09:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa have won just about every 50/50 since the players re-emerged. This has been an excellent start to the half.
PENALTY! New Zealand 10-17 SOUTH AFRICA (Manie Libbok, 48 minutes)
09:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleManie Libbok just about keeps his penalty inside the uprights. That’s three really good bits of work off the tee from him since coming on, though - his seven points contribute to a seven-point lead.
New Zealand 10-14 South Africa, 47 minutes
09:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleCheslin Kolbe receives some extended treatment after taking that firm Vaa’i shoulder. He’s back on his feet, though walking slightly gingerly - and Grant Williams looks to be coming on! Disaster for South Africa, the scrum half possessing serious speed and having cross-trained on the wing during his career but clearly not in Kolbe’s class.
That will be a head injury assessment for Kolbe, so he may return.
New Zealand 10-14 South Africa, 46 minutes
09:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleI had, naively, assumed that the game might settle down after half time; if anything, it’s sped up! There appear to be about five Cheslin Kolbes in the Wellington area, the wing seemingly omnipresent since he re-emerged.
A tackle off the ball from the All Blacks brings a penalty. Was Tupou Vaa’i’s tackle on Kolbe legitimate, too? There isn’t much of a wrap, but the officials are happy.
Scott Barrett is the man pinged for a misdeed. He and Siya Kolisi are called over and instructed to chat to their sides, with referee Nika Amashukeli keen for a few scuffles not to become more.
TRY! New Zealand 10-14 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe, 44 minutes)
09:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleA second score for Cheslin Kolbe! The Springboks strike early after the resumption, the damage done at the set-piece and then finished off in style.
Leroy Carter rushes across in a desperate attempt to deny the wing but a matador’s dodge sends the All Black away, leaving Kolbe to touch down in comfort. A fine conversion from Manie Libok extends the lead by two points.
New Zealand 10-7 South Africa, 43 minutes
09:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat impact! The new props combine to marmalise the New Zealand scrum and off the Springboks go, Siya Kolisi like a runaway locomotive as he bursts into the All Blacks 22.
New Zealand 10-7 South Africa, 42 minutes
09:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleHello - two early alterations in the front row from Rassie Erasmus, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw replacing Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit at both prop spots. Interesting.
Second half...
09:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe good news for South Africa is that Cobus Reinach is back amongst things after coming through his head injury assessment. Grant Williams departs - he’ll presumably be back on later.
The second half is underway.
All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland reflects on the first half
09:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle“We had some courage and are playing the style we want to play,” Holland says to the host broadcaster at half time. “We’ve got to keep a balance, and if South Africa adjust and have some more width defensively, we go through the middle a little bit more. On defence, we’ve got to keep our width, keep coming forward and take their time and space away.”
Springboks assistant Felix Jones, meanwhile, suggests he’s been happy with the balance his side have found between kicking and playing more expansively.
Argentina hold off Australia fightback as thrilling Rugby Championship continues
09:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe first helping of Rugby Championship action delivered in spades, too - it really is a shame that this may be the last proper edition of the annual southern hemisphere battle for the foreseeable future.
Argentina hold off Australia fightback as thrilling Rugby Championship continues
HT: New Zealand 10-7 South Africa
08:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleCrikey. This really is some Rugby Championship. That was another epic half of rugby between two heavyweights swinging haymakers, the level exceptional in both attack and defence. Leroy Carter’s debut try was a thing of masterful phase play; Cheslin Kolbe’s reply an individual bit of brilliance as the Springboks star plucked a vital intercept. Damian McKenzie’s penalty is the difference - but with South Africa already having lost Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Aphelele Fassi to injury, it will be some effort to win from here.
A word, too, for this outstanding cover tackle from Jordie Barrett on Kolbe when a try seemed certain - what a moment that could prove...
HALF TIME: New Zealand 10-7 South Africa
08:54 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand 10-7 South Africa, 40 minutes
08:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleInto the final few moments of this hectic half. The All Blacks fail to find touch, allowing the Springboks on the attack, and Jasper Wiese blazes a trail of destruction, leaving the enormous Samisoni Taukei’aho on his backside.
Another loose bit of handling ends the adventure. New Zealand’s defence is scrambling well. They’ll feed a scrum with the clock dead, and will surely send everyone down the tunnel.
Cobus Reinach has passed his HIA - good, and needed, news for South Africa. He should be back on after the interval.
New Zealand 10-7 South Africa, 38 minutes
08:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo nearly! Esterhuizen’s impact is immediately clear, sucking in three All Blacks defenders with the threat of his carry before flipping a pass out the back. Damian Willemse accelerates around the bend like a 200m runner but can’t quite connect with Cheslin Kolbe, an errant pass knocked on.
New Zealand 10-7 South Africa, 38 minutes
08:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood god. I hope a few South African fans have brought their boots - the Springboks are in serious strife here, Aphelele Fassi the latest back to be removed. Andre Esterhuizen is on, requiring a relocation for Damian Willemse to full-back with the hulking former Harlequin into the centres.
A bitter blow for Fassi, who requires a cart to help him off. He had such a great 2024, as I found out when I met him late last year, but that looks like it could be a long lay-off with the full-back unable to bear weight on his right leg.
New Zealand 10-7 South Africa, 36 minutes
08:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleSharp thinking from Beauden Barrett! South Africa are penalised at a ruck and Barrett punts quickly, recognising that both Ethan Hooker and Aphelele Fassi are down in need of treatment and thus not covering the backfield. The All Blacks will throw a lineout five metres out.
Samisoni Taukei’aho misses his man! Oh dear. South Africa were in bits and pieces but Taukei’ahjo’s throw tumbles down at the tail, allowing Manie Libbok to collect.
New Zealand 10-7 South Africa, 34 minutes
08:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleManie Libbok isn’t necessarily regarded as a kicking 10 but he has added a pragmatic edge to this Springboks performance, South Africa starting to get some joy through their contestables as the high hoists go up. A crossfield version is misjudged, though, Cheslin Kolbe only able to watch it come down a metre or so beyond the right touchline.
New Zealand 10-7 South Africa, 33 minutes
08:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleMore injury woe for South Africa. Cobus Reinach is being removed for a head injury assessment, Grant Williams potentially the third half-back of the match off the bench with Finlay Christie and Manie Libbok already brought on. Reinach will hope to pass the HIA and return.
New Zealand 10-7 South Africa, 30 minutes
08:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleSacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has failed his head injury assessment; Manie Libbok will be with us for the duration.
Libbok starts to get the Springboks moving again, Ethan Hooker showcasing his strength with a burly carry to bump off Damian McKenzie, Cobus Reinach threatens around the fringes and then flicks off the floor to Ox Nche, but Malcolm Marx’s collection of the resultant offload from the prop is disrupted by a well-timed tackle from Wallace Sititi.
Phew. A chance to draw breath.
PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 10-7 South Africa (Damian McKenzie, 29 minutes)
08:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleStraight and true from Damian McKenzie to nudge New Zealand back in front.
New Zealand 7-7 South Africa, 27 minutes
08:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ve only had two tries so far but the level in this first half-hour has been outstanding. This is the best the All Blacks’ attack has looked for a while, but it is having to be against a Springboks defence trying to throw haymakers. A Damian McKenzie grubber is fumbled into touch by Manie Libbok, desperate to avoid a 50:22 having misjudged the bounce - it’ll be New Zealand’s throw anyway after his mishandle.
The Springboks fail to roll away from a ruck. What’s Scott Barrett’s decision? Unlike Siya Kolisi earlier, he’ll take the points.
TRY! New Zealand 7-7 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe, 25 minutes)
08:35 , Harry Latham-CoylePlucked out of the Wellington night! An intercept score from Cheslin Kolbe just when they needed it!
Oh, wow! That’s a two-try swing, Kolbe completely kippering himself defensively if he doesn’t get hands to Billy Proctor’s pass with a two-man overlap beyond intended recipient Simon Parker. But Kolbe’s hands are as sharp as his thought, snaring the pass and accelerating away from those chasing in vain. South Africa level with Manie Libbok’s conversion.
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 24 minutes
08:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe All Blacks test the Springboks blitz - unsuccessfully! Beauden Barrett takes a thumping and Leroy Carter is clattered, too. Cheslin Kolbe’s hit on Carter is deemed high, though, affording New Zealand a penalty that they punt into the South Africa half.
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 22 minutes
08:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleNot for the first time tonight, Cobus Reinach fumbles at the base of a ruck - ooh, was that a sly All Blacks hand on the ball? That’s a classic Richie McCaw move from one of the Barrett brothers, that goes unspotted by the officials.
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 20 minutes
08:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleMore rough injury news for South Africa - Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has departed for a head injury assessment after being bowled over by Simon Parker in the run-up to that try, with Manie Libbok on for the next little while at least.
All Blacks scrum half Noah Hotham has failed his own HIA, by the way, though may have been done with an ankle issue anyway; regardless, Finlay Christie is with us for the remainder.
TRY! NEW ZEALAND 7-0 South Africa (Leroy Carter, 18 minutes)
08:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd it’s the debutant Leroy Carter who finishes it off! That is All Blacks rugby at its finest!
Hang that in an art gallery - forwards, backs, and seemingly half of the Wellington public are involved in a sweeping movement that spans the depth and breadth of the nation, all accurate, all done at serious speed. Lock Tupou Vaa’i is the man to eventually deliver the try-scoring pass, setting up Carter for a clear run into the left corner. Magnificent!
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 17 minutes
08:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleOh, this is sensational! The All Blacks work the ball left and right with remarkable skill and speed, a cross kick from Jordie Barrett perfectly placed into the arms of Simon Parker, whose backdoor flick to Ardie Savea is delectable, too. Surely a try is on the way...
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 15 minutes
08:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleNow then! Some delicious handling from the All Blacks sees them stress the edges of the South African defence on both sides, Leroy Carter flashing with another flick of the feet. Aphelele Fassi shoots out of the line and knocks down a pass - was there a legitimate attempt to claim that pass? Referee Nika Amashukeli is content, and so is TMO Eric Gauzins - just a scrum for New Zealand, from which they will try to build.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 14 minutes
08:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd more good news for the All Blacks - scrum ascendancy is found by Ethan de Groot, with South Africa tighthead Thomas du Toit penalised.
NO TRY! New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 13 minutes
08:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleNO TRY! A knock-on from Reinach at the base of a ruck after Ox Nche’s punchy carry! The ball had just been jarred free into the scrum half’s hands by a firm shoulder from Tyrel Lomax in the tackle - try chalked off, the All Blacks survive again!
TRY! New Zealand 0-7 SOUTH AFRICA (RG Snyman, 12 minutes)
08:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere it is! A quick tap from a free kick at the lineout and then it is all about the power!
There aren’t many bigger men in world rugby than RG Snyman, and there is no stopping the colossal lock from there. Through a couple of black shirts he powers to get South Africa going - but was there a knock on from Cobus Reinach beforehand?.....
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 10 minutes
08:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleTry? NO! How has Cheslin Kolbe not scored? South Africa draw penalty advantage from the scrum and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu produces the threaded through pass of a football No 10, sensationally weighted for Cheslin Kolbe to run on to and seemingly score. But Jordie Barrett makes a remarkable tackle, jarring the ball loose as he and Kolbe tumble over the tryline locked in a tight embrace - outstanding!
Strangely, the penalty advantage is not over. The Springboks again kick to the corner, a sign of their attacking intent.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 10 minutes
08:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleCrikey - this is a helter-skelter start. Feinberg-Mngomezulu runs back that Carter clearance and shows off his supreme footwork, but Ardie Savea - who else? - bails his side out with a superb jackal turnover. Beauden Barrett’s thumped kick is deflected by Siya Kolisi, which the All Blacks nearly latch on to - a knock-on brings calm to proceedings.
But there’s bad injury news for both teams - Noah Hotham is in real pain and looks to be heading off, while Lood de Jager is already limping to the sidelines, replaced by RG Snyman.
Finlay Christie is indeed on for Hotham at scrum half. A real shame for the starting 9.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 8 minutes
08:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleSiya Kolisi makes a dent or two with a hammer of a carry, allowing South Africa to clear towards halfway. Jordie Barrett just about clings on to the boxed clearance having dropped into the backfield, but an inaccurate cleanout from Tyrel Lomax, in at the side of a ruck, concedes a penalty.
But Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu slices his punt and misses touch by miles! New Zealand attempt to play from inside their own in-goal and an eventual hurried clearance from Leroy Carter keeps the pressure on.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 6 minutes
08:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleBright attacking interplay from the All Blacks, Ardie Savea and Damian McKenzie connecting on the right and then Scott Barrett rumbling on. Leroy Carter gets a first touch on the left, making five metres or so after cutting in with a flamenco step, before McKenzie settles things down with a kick to just short of the Springboks’ 22.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 5 minutes
08:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe suspicion is that South Africa will attack in a different way today with neither Damian de Allende nor Jesse Kriel in the side, a slighly more lateral look to the backline evident in that strike play where they tried to get to the edge.
The first scrum is solid enough for New Zealand, who play away from the base after Wallace Sititi plucks from his shoekaces.
Noah Hotham soon goes to the air, and Will Jordan is up above Aphelele Fassi to claim.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 4 minutes
08:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleA Springboks knock-on of Hotham’s box kick means that the scrum half gets a chance to clear again, the nine hooking the ball out of play about 30 metres from the New Zealand line. Marx finds Ruan Nortje this time.
Away the Springboks play to the right and a looping Cheslin Kolbe, but an excellent defensive read from Will Jordan sees him hold his feet and corral the wing, forcing a knock on. Good work from Jordan.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 3 minutes
08:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleOverthrown! The Springboks lineout wobbled last week and that’s a huge early miss here, Malcolm Marx not on the same page as his jumper. The All Blacks survive and clear through Noah Hotham’s right boot.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 2 minutes
08:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoy instantly for the Springboks, Damian McKenzie unable to handle a floated restart that falls down just short of New Zealand’s 22. Ox Nche picks up the pieces and the Springboks are immediately on the attack.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu looks for a crosskick to new starter Ethan Hooker on the left wing...he claims, but the All Blacks scramble and force him into touch. There’s a penalty to go back to, though - and Siya Kolisi instructs his forwards to head for the right corner, where Feinberg-Mngomezulu prods the penalty.
KICK OFF!
08:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleA blast of Nika Amashukeli’s whistle and off we go in Wellington!
New Zealand vs South Africa
08:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleBilly Proctor leads New Zealand’s Haka, the young centre and the rest of his squadmates giving it plenty - a proud moment for Leroy Carter, performing it for the first time in an All Blacks shirt.
Right, here we go - Argentina’s win earlier just underscores how tight this tournament is, but South Africa surely need a win here to keep their title hopes alive. Can Rassie Erasmus’s new look side deliver for the Springboks?
Anthems
08:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleTwo beautifully delivered national anthems, a Wellington choir providing two fine renditions.
New Zealand vs South Africa
07:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleDown the tunnel Siya Kolisi leads the Springboks, the South Africa skipper singing as he goes. Out into the Wellington night they emerge past the Freedom Cup - it’s a dry and pleasant enough evening, though the trademark gusting winds of the city could pose a few problems.
New Zealand vs South Afrifca match officials
07:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (Aus) & Jordan Way (Aus)
Television Match Official: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
Foul Play Review Officer: Brett Cronan (Aus)
South Africa's attacking edge
07:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis looks like a Springboks side built to run, a backline full of their best athletes and creators surely given licence to throw the ball around a bit as Rassie Erasmus and attack coach Tony Brown continue to explore an offensive expansion. The pair have faced a degree of criticism in recent weeks for some of their more ambitious ideas, the midfield mauls surely confined to the bin for now after the All Blacks ruined them last week, and perhaps a focus on more basic elements of attack could benefit South Africa tonight.
I’m excited to see Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu get a proper go at 10 again - the breakout star of last year’s tournament could really get this group firing alongside Stormers comrade Damian Willemse.
Leroy Carter set to turbocharge New Zealand
07:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleAny new All Blacks winger brings with them a degree of excitement, and Leroy Carter has already tasted some of the sport’s biggest stages on the sevens circuit. The 26-year-old was part of the New Zealand sevens side that missed out on an Olympic medal at Paris 2024 but enjoyed an excellent season with the Chiefs this year to force his way into Robertson’s plans. Alongside having the serious speed one would expect of someone with his background, Carter is also a pretty physical defender - I’d expect South Africa to go after him at times, perhaps under the high ball, but let’s hope he gets an opportunity to strut his stuff.
Rassie Erasmus explains South Africa changes
07:25 , ReutersSouth Africa's goal always is to win test matches, but despite the bitter feeling of defeat in Saturday's crunch clash with New Zealand at Eden Park, coach Rassie Erasmus is still determined to broaden his player base ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Springboks have won the last two global finals in 2019 and 2023, and those successes were built in large part on squad depth.
Performances this year have been largely underwhelming, and on Saturday in Auckland when they lost 24-17, they were their own worst enemies with an error-strewn display.
Erasmus has made seven personnel changes and two positional switches for the second clash with the All Blacks in Wellington this coming weekend.
He said these were not only in reaction to that disappointing showing, but also with the bigger picture in mind.
"It would have been paradise if we’d won last weekend and still made the changes we planned," Erasmus told reporters on Monday.
"Not many players get the chance to face New Zealand away. After this game, the only other opportunity will be after the (2027) World Cup, so the idea was to win and also expose some guys to the pressure of facing the team currently ranked number one in the world."
Argentina down Australia in another thriller
07:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleIs this some Rugby Championship or what? Argentina and Australia have just served up another stone-cold thriller in Sydney, the Wallabies roaring back in the final 20 minutes after the Pumas had seemingly disappeared out of sight - but Felipe Contepomi’s side just about clung on 28-26. It means a Springboks win today with the All Blacks failing to get a bonus point would leave all four teams on 10 or nine competition points - what an edition this is proving.
Team news - South Africa
07:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa make a number of changes to the side beaten in Auckland, in part due to pre-planned rotation to build depth and in part as a reaction to that result. Jasper Wiese’s return from suspension at No 8 allows Siya Kolisi to move back to the flank, while Lood de Jager and Ruan Nortje form the second row partnership with Eben Etzebeth not in the squad.
The backline has an ultra-attacking look, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse forming a creative 10/12 axis, Canan Moodie moving into midfield and Aphelele Fassi returning in the place of veteran Willie le Roux at full-back. Ethan Hooker is a relatively new face on the wing - he makes his first Test start.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Thomas du Toit;, 4 Lood de Jager, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Damian Willemse, 13 Canan Moodie, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16. Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith; 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
Rassie Erasmus has made a number of tweaks to the #Springboks team for Saturday's second clash against the All Blacks in New Zealand 🫡#ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 8, 2025
Team news - New Zealand
07:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand hand a debut to wing Leroy Carter, a stalwart of the All Blacks Sevens programme who featured at Paris 2024 last year. After coming on early for Emoni Narawa last weekend, Damian McKenzie is installed in the starting side at full-back with a relocated Will Jordan completing the back three.
Noah Hotham returns to start at scrum half while hooker Codie Taylor is ruled out through concussion as Samisoni Taukei’aho takes over in the front row.
New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Tupou Vaa’i; 6 Simon Parker, 7 Ardie Savea, 8 Wallace Sititi; 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Beauden Barrett; 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAllister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi; 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Ruben Love.
Your 23 for game two against South Africa 🔥
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 11, 2025
Leroy Carter named to debut at 11 😤 pic.twitter.com/p0Y896Krs3
Team news on the way...
07:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s plenty to dig into in the two sides named this week. Let’s take a closer look at those two sides...
The exciting new twist to New Zealand and South Africa’s historic rugby rivalry
06:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is just the first of two meetings between New Zealand and South Africa on the rugby field today, a meeting of the nations’s two women’s sides adding extra meaning to the rivalry later. The Springboks and All Blacks are preparing, though, to become even more acquainted with one another.
The exciting new twist to New Zealand and South Africa’s historic rugby rivalry
Rassie Erasmus seeking ‘spark’ with major Springboks changes for All Blacks rematch
06:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleRassie Erasmus likes to rotate his side anyway, but there was always likely to be a reaction to South Africa’s defeat in Auckland - and the Springboks head coach has most certainly wielded the axe...
Rassie Erasmus seeking ‘spark’ with major Springboks changes for All Blacks rematch
South Africa bid to cut out errors in rematch
06:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa must be more clinical in the New Zealand 22 and take their chances if they are to keep their Rugby Championship title hopes alive in Wellington on Saturday, according to captain Siya Kolisi.
The world champion Springboks put in an error-strewn performance in their 24-17 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland last weekend, but created enough opportunities to have got more out of the game.
Kolisi pulled no punches, saying the video review of the game was a tough watch, but backed his team to improve and maintain their title defence in this year’s competition.
"We created 13 opportunities in their 22 and took two of them," Kolisi told reporters on Friday. "We saw how we stuffed it up, a lot of it was our own doing. That was the difficult part in that game.
"It was frustrating watching it after. It was individual errors, one after the other. Hopefully we can fix it this weekend and when we get opportunities, we take them.
"They (New Zealand) didn't get a lot, but the ones they had, they took them."
Last time out..
06:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll begin the build-up to today’s proceedings in a moment, but first a look back at last week, and a humdinger of a clash in Auckland - with the All Blacks holding firm to hold on for a remarkable 51st match without defeat at Eden Park.
All Blacks survive brutal Springboks battle to seize control of Rugby Championship
New Zealand vs South Africa
Friday 12 September 2025 13:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand and South Africa renew hostilities as the two great Rugby Championship rivals meet in the second of back-to-back encounters. A hard-fought affair in Auckland ended with the All Blacks’ Eden Park unbeaten streak intact last weekend - can the Springboks hit back to restore their hopes of defending their title?
Kick off in Wellington is at 8.05am BST.
