The Springboks looked to have victory in the bag in the big Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
They led 23-6 and then 30-13, but went down 32-30 after Ardie Savea scored a vital try in the last minute, and Richie Mo’unga slotted the winning conversion at the final hooter.
Here are five key moments…
44th minute
Springbok centre Jesse Kriel beats the tackles of Ryan Crotty, Waisake Naholo and Aaron Smith to score the Springboks’ first try of the match.
The try had come about from some enterprising attack play by the Springboks, with the forwards and backs involved in some sleek inter-passing that resulted in Kriel running a good line to score.
52nd minute
Damian de Allende’s try was a gem.
After putting together several phases deep in All Blacks territory, it was Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi’s burst through the middle and timely offload to a rushing De Allende that saw the home side secure a 17-point cushion.
Again the Springboks showed plenty of intent with ball-in-hand, and managed to make good of the opportunities created.
Damian de Allende receives an offload from Siya Kolisi to run in untouched. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
59th minute
Cheslin Kolbe’s try may have required the intervention of TMO Graham Hughes after the pint-sized Bok wing had looked to have been stopped just short of the tryline.
Kolbe’s try not only stamped the Springboks’ dominance on the game, but it handed back the home side the 17-point advantage enjoyed earlier in the game.
76th minute
Scott Barrett’s try brought the All Blacks to within five points of the Springboks with four minutes left in the game.
It was a crucial score for the visitors, as the game seemed to slip away from them after the Springboks had done well to keep them at bay for 10 minutes prior to Barrett crashing over.
80th minute
Ardie Savea’s try was a cruel ending for the Springboks, but a joyous moment for the All Blacks as they stole victory from the jaws of defeat.
From a lineout five metres from the Springboks’ tryline, the All Blacks went for route one and utilised their forwards as they were in desperate need of a score to win.
It took just four attempts at the line, and replacement loose forward Savea crashed over for the winning score.
The All Blacks celebrate at the final whistle against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld. Photo: Karen Sandison/African News Agency/ANA
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