New Zealand defeated South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday to go one up in the four-match Greatest Rivalry Series, outscoring the hosts five tries to one in a match the Springboks will rue for the chances they left behind.
The Boks made the brighter start, with Cheslin Kolbe slotting a penalty after five minutes before André Esterhuizen — introduced early as a replacement — crashed over in the 13th minute following a lineout inside the All Blacks' 22. Kolbe's conversion put South Africa 10-5 ahead, but that lead was short-lived as Josh Moorby scored his first Test try against the Boks in the 23rd minute, Beauden Love converting to restore New Zealand's advantage.
Kolbe's second penalty edged the Boks back in front at 13-12 going into the break, despite South Africa squandering multiple opportunities in the All Blacks' red zone — most notably when Malcolm Marx knocked the ball on before grounding it with the maul driving strongly.
Kolbe extended the lead to four points shortly after the interval, but Fabian Holland's charge-down try off Grant Williams at the base of a scrum swung momentum decisively New Zealand's way. Love's conversion gave the visitors a three-point lead that the Boks were unable to reclaim.
A Damian McKenzie linebreak created the platform for Luke Jacobson to score off the back of an attacking scrum, and the game was effectively over when Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach were both sin-binned in the 70th minute — van Staden for a cynical side-entry cleanout in the Springbok red zone, Reinach for a deliberate knock-on and being offside. Will Jordan, who had opened the scoring in the corner early on, grabbed his second try in the 74th minute to seal it. Love finished with four conversions from five attempts.
Jordie Barrett was named Player of the Match after a commanding display at inside centre — winning five turnovers, completing 15 tackles, and functioning as a composed secondary playmaker throughout.
South Africa's only try came from Esterhuizen, with Kolbe accounting for the remaining 11 points via the boot. The Boks must now win all three remaining Tests to clinch the series.
Scorers — South Africa: Try: Esterhuizen; Con: Kolbe; Pens: Kolbe 3. New Zealand: Tries: Jordan 2, Moorby, Holland, Jacobson; Cons: Love 4.
Yellow cards: Van Staden (70'), Reinach (70').