Under siege after three consecutive defeats SA emerged from their laager bubble to remind the rugby world about their champion qualities in Gold Coast yesterday.
The world champions and the soon to be crowned Rugby Championship winners went toe-to-toe and slugged it out and could barely be separated across the 80 minutes, but stoic and heroic throughout, it was the Springboks who prevailed in an absorbing clash.
The win will come as a huge relief to coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi, who have had to face a testing few weeks since the team's arrival in Australia.
To be fair, just like last week, the result could have gone the other way.
Fortunes fluctuated wildly, especially as the game drew to a nerve-jangling conclusion. This time however the denouement departed vastly from a week ago as Duane Vermeulen won a ruck penalty and Elton Jantjies converted from the tee to send the Boks into delirium.
On a near-empty tank having been away from home since June, the Boks were required to summon the courage and fighting spirit that took them to the brink of victory a week earlier. They set about the opening quarter with verve and vigour. Their set pieces were exemplary in that period, but even more impressive was the conviction with which their forwards ran at the heart of the All Blacks' defence. Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth and Vermeulen were pillars in the lineout, Kolisi stood tall in the collision, and Kwagga Smith spread his influence far and wide.
Unlike last week when the aerial bombardment of the All Blacks defence was their go-to option, Kolisi's team played with more variety in their attack. Sure, they went to the air again primarily through Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard but this time they were more judicious as they attempted to put Jordie Barrett under pressure.
As the Bok forwards made valuable gains the backs were presented the opportunity to step into the spotlight. No one lapped up the moment more than Lukhanyo Am whose near illusionist skills in the pass resulted in a try for Damian de Allende. It was an offload that will long feature on this match's highlights reel. That try served a timely reminder of what the Boks backs are capable of when let off the leash.
By the quarter however, the All Blacks started to dictate the pace of the game. Quick lineouts, tap penalties and a general urgency to get on with it helped them wrest control of the match just as the Boks looked like firming their grip at close quarters. The All Blacks' ability to contest their short kick-ins also played into their favour as the Springboks watched time after time the ball heading their way initially ending in Antipodean hands.
It proved a handy launching pad for New Zealand.
Tries by Sevu Reece after Willie le Roux failed to collect a kick and Ardie Savea following splendid build-up work from Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane served to imbue the All Blacks with self-belief. When scrumhalf Brad Weber sniped around the corner to score the portents did not look encouraging for the Springboks.
However, to a man, the Bok forwards again rose to the challenge. Their lineout and ensuing maul made inroads as they at times merrily marched back the All Blacks pack. They found traction in the scrum and their claws were out at the breakdown where they contested feverishly.
All the Bok forwards shone and it was a little surprising to see the entire front row depart the scene a minute or so before the break.
"We see them as a pair. They operate in tandem," explained Nienaber. "They are required to empty the tank. We must never keep the substitute on the bench," said the coach.
Starting front row Ox Nché, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane warmed to the fire-and-brimstone confrontation of the occasion but so too did their replacements Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch and Malcolm Marx. The latter in particular played a strong, and at times deft, hand after the break.
The introduction of Frans Steyn for Le Roux could not come soon enough and the former effectively laid the boot in as the Boks started to win the battle for territory.
Crucially too, Jantjies emerged from the shadows. His sure hands helped Makazole Mapimpi score in the corner before he landed a drop goal and a penalty to help the Boks bask in glory.
SA vs New Zealand score
South Africa (14) 31
New Zealand (20) 29
Springboks - Tries: Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi; Drop goal: Elton Jantjies; Penalties: Handre Pollard (4), Elton Jantjies (2)
All Blacks - Tries: Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea, Brad Weber; Conversion: Jordie Barrett; Penalties: Barrett (4)
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.