New Zealand 17-3 South Africa, 54 mins

It was building nicely for South Africa as they entered the All Black 22 but again, poor execution in attack costs them dearly. Runners carelessly get in front of the ball-carrier, forming a block and are pinged for offside. This has been sloppy by the Springboks generally

Luke Baker6 September 2025 09:21

New Zealand 17-3 South Africa, 52 mins

The bomb squad are slowly but surely being entered into the fray by the Springboks.

Lood de Jager and Kwagga Smith both now on

(AFP via Getty Images)

Luke Baker6 September 2025 09:19

PENALTY! New Zealand 17-3 South Africa (Damian McKenzie, 50 mins)

More or less bang in front for McKenzie, just outside the 22 and he slots it. The All Blacks move back 14 points ahead.

Luke Baker6 September 2025 09:18

New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 49 mins

The Springboks start to ring the changes, initially in the backs, with Cobus Reinach on at scrum half and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also into the backline.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks scrummage well, Savea makes a barrelling run on his 100th cap and they win a penalty just outside the 22. Du Toit pinged for playing Christie off the ball. McKenzie will have a shy at the sticks.

Luke Baker6 September 2025 09:17

New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 46 mins

Huge roars at Eden Park as the All Blacks win the turnover and properly clear their lines. What a defensive stand.

They’re now on the attack, some gorgeous offloading and a stunning Christie pass to Jordan makes big ground but Moodie scrambles well. Kriel then puts a huge hit in on Jordie Barrett to stop him in his tracks before Kolisi gets over the ball and the Boks win the turnover. Good work by South Africa.

Some changes for New Zealand as Du’Plessis Kirifi comes on for Sititi, who is off for a HIA, while Tyrel Lomax on in the front row for Newell.

Luke Baker6 September 2025 09:13

New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 43 mins

This is a breathless start to the second half! New Zealand win the defensive lineout but a pop pass goes awry and South Africa have it a couple of metres from the line.

Nche plunges towards the line but Ioane produces some stunning defensive work to get his hands underneath the ball, stay in the fight and prevent the dot-down. Goal-line dropout rather than a try! Big moment.

Luke Baker6 September 2025 09:11

New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 42 mins

Almost spectacular from the Springboks immediately. They spread the ball right, Kolbe weaves past a defender and dinks a lovely kick over the top.

He chases, with Savea in pursuit but the ball just takes a right bounce in the 22 and into touch, narrowly beyond Kolbe’s outstretched grasp.

Luke Baker6 September 2025 09:09

KICK-OFF! New Zealand 14-3 South Africa

Back underway at Eden Park. Can the Boks find a way to turn this round?

Luke Baker6 September 2025 09:07

WATCH: Two sublime scores put All Blacks on top

Two lovely tries from New Zealand have them ahead at the break.

Luke Baker6 September 2025 08:58

HALF-TIME! New Zealand 14-3 South Africa

And breathe! That was an incredibly compelling first 40 minutes – this much-anticipated Test match is delivering.

New Zealand have been on top as they look to protect their ridiculous Eden Park record. Two stunning tries from Emoni Narawa (who then went off injured) and Will Jordan put them on top and since then, they’ve done the fundamentals better to limit the Springboks.

It could be a day for the Boks’s famed ‘Bomb Squad’ because they need to change the narrative and tighten things up after the break. They’re still well in this game though.

(AP)

Luke Baker6 September 2025 08:54