Post by : Raman

In a shocking result at Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday, South Africa humiliated New Zealand with a massive 43-10 victory in the Rugby Championship. The win was historic, marking the All Blacks’ worst-ever defeat in a test match.

Despite suffering multiple injuries, the Springboks showed immense skill, teamwork, and determination. Early in the match, New Zealand scored first through debutant Leroy Carter, taking a 10-0 lead. However, South Africa quickly responded with an impressive display of attacking rugby, scoring 36 unanswered points to turn the game completely in their favor.

Key Players Shine

Cheslin Kolbe was a standout performer, scoring two tries, one in each half. Other notable scorers for South Africa included Damian Willemse, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, and Andre Esterhuizen. Kolbe’s speed and agility on the field made it very difficult for New Zealand defenders to stop him.

Inside centre Damian Willemse reflected on the victory, saying, “It was just a very good week from us. Credit to the boys, they stepped up and played a fantastic game of rugby.” His words captured the resilience and effort of the Springboks, who had to deal with injuries to key players like lock Lood de Jager, flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and fullback Aphelele Fassi in the first half.

A Challenging Start

New Zealand’s early try gave fans hope, but South Africa’s defence and strategy quickly turned the tide. At halftime, the score was 10-7, with Kolbe keeping South Africa in the game with an intercept try.

After the break, South Africa’s forwards dominated. A decisive scrum penalty led to a break by captain Siya Kolisi, setting up Kolbe’s second try. Manie Libbok also added points with a penalty, increasing the team’s lead to 17-10.

Second Half Domination

In the second half, South Africa completely overpowered the All Blacks. Willemse scored a stunning try, beating three defenders. Kwagga Smith added another try in the 69th minute. RG Snyman, who was earlier denied a try due to a knock-on, scored in the 73rd minute, followed by Esterhuizen completing the scoring with a try six minutes later.

The All Blacks, once considered one of the strongest rugby teams in the world, could not respond to the relentless attack of the Springboks. Coach Scott Robertson admitted, “We’ve got to be really, extremely honest with each other. We thought we had a really good week but obviously it wasn't deep enough preparation.”

Historic Defeat for New Zealand

This 43-10 loss is New Zealand’s heaviest test defeat in history. Interestingly, their previous worst loss was also against South Africa, a 35-7 defeat at Twickenham before the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The match highlighted South Africa’s dominance in the Rugby Championship and exposed weaknesses in the All Blacks’ defence and depth.

Impact and Takeaways

The result shows the importance of preparation, teamwork, and resilience in rugby. South Africa demonstrated how a team can overcome injuries and setbacks to perform at the highest level. Their replacements and forwards played a crucial role in securing the win, showing the depth and strength of the squad.

For New Zealand, the defeat is a wake-up call. The All Blacks need to improve their defensive strategy, maintain composure under pressure, and prepare more thoroughly for big matches. The coaching staff has much to reflect on as they plan for upcoming games in the Rugby Championship.

South Africa’s 43-10 victory over New Zealand will be remembered as a historic day in Rugby Championship history. Despite early injuries and challenges, the Springboks showed skill, teamwork, and determination, leaving the All Blacks stunned. Fans around the world witnessed a thrilling and unforgettable match that highlighted the excitement, unpredictability, and intensity of international rugby.

The Springboks’ performance sets a high standard for the rest of the championship, while New Zealand must regroup and work harder to bounce back from this heavy defeat. Rugby fans can expect more exciting matches ahead as the competition continues.

South Africa Rugby, All Blacks vs Springboks, Rugby Championship 2025, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse