New Zealand 7-7 South Africa, 27 minutes
We’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.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:37
TRY! New Zealand 7-7 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe, 25 minutes)
Plucked 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.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:35
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 24 minutes
The 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.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:32
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 22 minutes
Not 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.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:31
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 20 minutes
More 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.
Noah Hotham’s day is done early (Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:30
TRY! NEW ZEALAND 7-0 South Africa (Leroy Carter, 18 minutes)
And 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!
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:28
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 17 minutes
Oh, 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…
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:26
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 15 minutes
Now 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.
Leroy Carter has made a bright start to his Test career (Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:25
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 14 minutes
And more good news for the All Blacks – scrum ascendancy is found by Ethan de Groot, with South Africa tighthead Thomas du Toit penalised.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:23
NO TRY! New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 13 minutes
NO 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!
Harry Latham-Coyle13 September 2025 08:22