All Blacks stun South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park and snap Springboks’ 12-test win streak

Johannesburg (AP) — New Zealand's All Blacks stunned South Africa 33-16 in a dramatic second-half comeback at Ellis Park, marking the end of the Springboks' 12-test win streak in their historic four-test series.

After enduring a fierce first half, trailing 13-12, the resilient All Blacks' resolve and clinical execution transformed the tense contest into a commanding victory. New Zealand's scrum, which struggled in the opening half, stabilized in the second half, providing a crucial platform for their two late tries.

South Africa's 12-test winning streak, which began 11 months ago with a 43-10 defeat in Wellington, came to an end. The Springboks' set-piece was promising initially, but overconfidence led to missed kickable penalties, allowing New Zealand to counterattack. With their backs against the wall, South Africa committed two yellow cards in quick succession, leaving them with 13 men.

Head coach Dave Rennie attributed the victory to the team's defensive mindset and clinical finishing. South Africa paid the price for failing to capitalize on numerous opportunities during the first half. The series now moves to Cape Town next Saturday, with New Zealand emerging as the surprising frontrunner in the highly anticipated first full series between the teams in 30 years.