It doesn’t get better than the Springboks versus All Blacks at Ellis Park, and a “ripper” between the old foes on Saturday didn’t disappoint, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The world champions played catch-up rugby for most of their epic clash against New Zealand in Johannesburg, but came through at the end to win 31-27.
The Kiwis played a great game but could never quite bury the hosts, who kept plugging away and kicked on in the last 15 minutes to overhaul a 10-point deficit and remain undefeated in the 2024 Rugby Championship.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane believes the Test was more intense and electric than the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Describing it as a better game, he highlights the historical rivalry, noting how the teams’ contests at Ellis Park have been closely matched.
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Keohane praises Pieter-Steph du Toit, who was dominant once again, mirroring his World Cup final performance. Damian de Allende’s defensive heroics, particularly his cross-cover tackling, stood out, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered in key moments.
Keohane argues that the All Blacks’ decision to forgo points and kick for the corner led to their eventual downfall. The Bomb squad finished strong, and Keohane emphasises that in Test rugby, taking points when available is critical.
“Ellis Park was the venue but it could have been the Stade de France in Paris in the World Cup final in Paris last October. It was that intense, that electric and that hypnotic,” he writes.
“Only this was a better game between rugby’s two greatest nations… It was always going to be a ripper. It did not disappoint.
“This is a rivalry without comparison in the sport. It does not get better than the Boks versus All Blacks at Ellis Park.”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
