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    Louise Thomas

    Louise Thomas

    Editor

    South Africa host New Zealand in the Rugby Championship this afternoon with the reigning world champions looking to edge closer to winning the title.

    The Springboks, fresh off their World Cup victory last year, hope to add this trophy to their cabinet despite not triumphing in the tournament since 2019. Rassie Erasmus’ team sit top of the table following two impressive wins over Australia and a victory over the All Blacks in Johannesbury would see them have one hand on the trophy.

    For their part, New Zealand arrive in South Africa having already suffered defeat - in their opener against Argentina - before hammering Los Pumas in the follow-up game to keep their hopes of winning the competition alive.

    That sets the stage nicely for this afternoon’s clash. The All Blacks need a win against the Springboks to close the five-point gap at the top of the table, with a defeat likely leaving them with hopes of second place finish at best.

    Follow all the action from Ellis Park Stadium with our live blog below as South Africa take on New Zealand:

    1725118335

    South Africa 5-7 New Zealand

    Barrett overcooks the attempted 50:22, and it’s straight into touch. New Zealand hold firm in defence though, with the Springboks knocking it on after Feinberg-Mngomezulu put too much on the pass.

    Eben Etzebeth comes on for Nortje.

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:32

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    South Africa 5-7 New Zealand

    It does look like New Zealand have a case to be annoyed with that try being awarded. Not sure why it wasn’t checked.

    Fassi has returned from his sin-bin stint, but the All Blacks are on the attack again before the ball is dragged out of play.

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:28

    1725117857

    TRY! South Africa 5-7 New Zealand

    TRY! It begins similarly to the New Zealand try, with a maul forming from the lineout. The maul falters towards the touchline, but Bongi Mbonambi picks out from the back and powers towards the line.

    He’s got plenty to do with three black shirts challenging him, but he shrugs off the tackles to ground the ball for five points!

    In truth, it looked like he may have lost control of the ball before going over, but the try is given – in the confusion, Feinberg-Mngomezulu doesn’t take his conversion kick in time.

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:24

    1725117665

    South Africa 0-7 New Zealand

    New Zealand collapse the scrum and the Springboks take advatbage, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicking into the corner and then collecting from the lineout. Strong carrying from the fly-half takes the ‘Boks into the All Blacks’ five-metre line, before Savea is penalised for not releasing.

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:21

    1725117550

    South Africa 0-7 New Zealand

    From kick-off, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu looks to have kicked it straight out, so it’s a scrum on halfway. From the scrum, Perenara kicks a lovely 50:22.

    The All Blacks had an advantage as they powered towards the South Africa five-metre line, but they lose it after Lomax comes in at the side.

    South Africa take advantage of that slip up with some brilliant play. First, Cheslin Kolbe is sent through on the blind side, before Feinberg-Mngomezulu stabs through a brilliant kick that is kicked on by Arendse, but the winger can’t get to it on the second attempt and the All Blacks survive a scare.

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:19

    1725117192

    TRY! South Africa 0-7 New Zealand

    TRY! Simple enough for the All Blacks, as they win the lineout and form the maul, which is quickly carried over the line for a try for Taylor.

    The conversion sails between the posts for the full number of points.

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:13

    1725117031

    South Africa 0-0 New Zealand

    Great defence from the Springboks, as they finally get Savea off the pitch on the wing after several phases of solid tackling and rucking.

    They win the lineout in their own five-metre line, but they’re penalised for offside and the All Blacks will have a scrum.

    Perenara is happy to use the forwards for a few phases, before shipping it to Beauden Barrett. The next phase goes through the hands, ending with Blackadder not making use of the overload. No matter though, as New Zealand have the penalty as Fassi is shown a yellow card for obstructing the pass, having tackled from the side.

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:10

    1725116758

    South Africa 0-0 New Zealand

    Early penalty for the All Blacks as Cheslin Kolbe is penalised for holding on, but New Zealand opt for the kick to touch.

    An early break through as well as Ioane breaks the gain line, before the All Blacks spread it wide to Blackadder, who’s isolated on the wing but manages to keep the ball in play.

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:05

    1725116611

    KICK-OFF! South Africa 0-0 New Zealand

    We’re underway in Johannesburg! The All Blacks get us started.

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:03

    1725116514

    South Africa vs New Zealand LIVE

    Plenty of emotion in both national anthems, and we’re moments away from an All Blacks haka.

    And that it is! Plenty of concentration in the faces of the New Zealand players – they know they need a win for a chance to retain the Rugby Championship.

    A plane is flown over Ellis Park, and we’re moments from kick-off now!

    Chris Wilson31 August 2024 16:01

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