South Africa looks set to drop the mantle of world champions right now. Photo: Getty Images/David Rogers New Zealand 7 South Africa 35< p>Every four years, in the run-up to the World Cup, rivals must reflect on South Africa's methodology with a familiar sense of awe. Even if they are sure what is going to happen, stopping it is another matter entirely. Scotland and Ireland, the Springboks' pool rivals, may have been watching this monster from behind their sofas towards the end.
Warm-up or not, New Zealand will leave Twickenham with vanity and bruises from an all-time record defeat history; especially since they were close to full strength. Jacques Nienaber's team has been having fun like it was the 2019 final and looks to be in a strong position to defend their English Channel title.
Willie le Roux's pre-match withdrawal led to a South African draft pick at Quagga Smith, causing discontent to increase his «bomber team» bench balance to seven forwards and one defenseman. It would have been very touching, because it was followed by a show of superior strength and standards.
It seemed more important for the world champions to win, given that they had lost two previous meetings, and France Malherbe, their granite dead end, converted an early penalty in the scrum to organize a series of passes along the corridor.
At first, New Zealand defended brilliantly. However, they were reduced to 14 when Scott Barrett received a soft yellow card for joining Faf de Klerk during the breakdown, and to 13 a minute later. Sam Kane pulled up to the side of another Springboks driveway rumble and saw the yellow too. In the hectic rearguard, the All Blacks also lost Tyrell Lomax, their stronghold, to a serious injury.South Africa finally found a way to overcome New Zealand's stubborn defensive resistance. Photo: Shutterstock/Neil Hall
On the eve of the last quarter, South Africa finally broke through the dam. Sia Kolisi's speed was crucial, with the Springboks captain hitting twice in three phases and opening the scoring from close range. New Zealand were given an immediate chance to close the gap, but Richie Mounga's penalty hit the post. Another penalty in the scrum, followed by a shot from Andre Oesterhuizen, forced them back again.
South Africa could not supplement their lead in set pieces and strength with additional points until New Zealand appeared to calm down. Jordy Barrett missed two tackles and hit the ball, but Kurt-Lee Arendse crept up, intercepted the ball and ran under the posts.
A 14-0 lead confirmed the Springboks' unprecedented control of territory and possession, and further setbacks ensued for New Zealand. Scott Barrett received a second yellow card for a clumsy sweep that resulted in Malcolm Marks cracking his head. In an exceptional fashion this year, the castle will look forward to any disciplinary hearing and potential ban. The All Blacks will miss him against France.
Scott Barrett was shown a second yellow card, hurting New Zealand's chances . Photo: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns
Although stifled by ferocious defense and strong offensive play, the All Blacks showed flashes of fluency and were successful. Their own attempt was canceled after the break. It would have been a big deal for them to hit back with a 14, but Will Jordan's goal was overruled after replays revealed Mark Telea's play.
South Africa won't have to work as hard for the rewards in the second period. Boden Barrett cleared the ball with his first touch, inviting the Springboks to strike. Once the New Zealand strikers were tied, Kolisi bounced back on the short side and passed the ball to Marks. It was an easy exit, and Manny Libbock's conversion near the sideline seemed just as significant, given the absence of Moody Pollar.
Kanan Moody, a phenomenally gifted 20-year-old who made his first test appearance in center and then blasted through from 50 meters. The score was canceled because Moody knocked the ball out of the opponent's hand and intercepted the ball. Nevertheless, it was an empathic demonstration of his evasiveness.
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Peter-Stef du Toit was booked next, with a slender South African defender hitting Kane on the chops as he leaned low during a carry. In the bunker, crime was just a garbage can. Moments earlier, Jacques Nienaber had unloaded his entire contingent of substitute strikers. Perhaps the seven-one tactic could become a permanent tactic, because the replenished group rebelled.
Bongi Mbonambi was carried by an escaped breakwater, and from another five-meter corridor, the Springboks mixed up the situation. . Du Toit passed to Smith, who ran past. Ninabeer, Rassy Erasmus and Felix Jones are wily coaches with a knack for subtleties.
Cam Roigard's impressive solo attempt helped New Zealand avoid a disgraceful loss, although there were some positives.
Match details
Invoice: 5-0 try by Kolisi, 7-0 try by Libbock, 12-0 try by Arendse, 14-0 try by Libbock, 19-0 try by Marx, 21-0 try by Libbock, 26-0 try by Mbonambi, 28-0 by Libbock Con, 33 -0 Smith try, 35-0 Libbock con, 35-5 Roygard try, 35-7 Mounga con: New Zealand: B Barrett; V. Jordan (A. Linert-Brown, 63), R. Ioan, J. Barrett, M. Telea: R. Mounga, A. Smith (K. Roygard, 61); E de Groot (T. Williams 51), D. Coles (S. Taukeyaho ht), T. Lomax (F. Newell 13), S. Whitelock (J. Lord 51), S. Barrett, L. Jacobson (T. Vaai 39), S. Kane (D Papali'Ii 61), A Savea
South Africa: D Willemse; K.L. Arendse, K. Moody, A. Esterhuizen, M. Mapimpi (K. Reinach, 63); M. Libbock, F. de Klerk; S. Kitshoff (O Nche 47), M. Marks (B. Mbonambi 47), F. Malherbe (T. Nyakane 47), E. Etzebeth (R. G. Sneiman 47), F. Mostert (J. Klein 47) , S. Colisi (M. van Staden 47), P-S du Toit, D. Vermeulin (C. Smith, 47). Replacing C. Reinahu
Referee: M. Carley (England)
Attendance: 80,827
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