Kolbe back as Springboks change two for All Blacks Test
Wing Cheslin Kolbe and fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu have been drafted into the South Africa team for the second Test against arch rivals New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday. Originally excluded due to a knock he received in the first Test loss last weekend, Kolbe has fully recovered, according to head coach Rassie Erasmus. The […]
In a thrilling Rugby World Cup clash, the Springboks secured a 33-26 victory over the All Blacks at DHL Stadium, drawing the series at 1-1. Drawing inspiration from their loss at Ellis Park, South Africa employed a blend of physical intensity and tactical innovation to take control from the start. Siya Kolisi's return to the back row provided the much-needed physical presence and ruck authority, while his decisive try before halftime showcased his leadership abilities.
Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks' coach, made a bold start by fielding Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Thomas du Toit, who absorbed the initial onslaught. He then made a tactical switch, introducing Malcolm Marx and Ox Nché just before halftime, which proved to be a game-changer. Cheslin Kolbe's precise kicking, delivering three conversions and four penalties, played a pivotal role in maintaining the Springboks' advantage and compensating for Handré Pollard's late injury absence.
The veteran center duo of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende put on a powerful show, each scoring crucial first-half tries for South Africa. However, their performance was not without flaws, as they missed two tackles on Will Jordan, leading to an All Blacks try. Despite conceding an early try, the All Blacks struggled to find their rhythm, ultimately facing a daunting task against the resilient Springboks defense.
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