South Africa have defeated the All Blacks 29-24 in a bruising third test at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium, taking an unassailable 2-1 advantage into the final match of the four-test series.
New Zealand led 12-5 after captain Ardie Savea crossed twice, but his departure with a shoulder injury proved costly as the Springboks increasingly asserted control through their dominant scrum.
The sides were locked 12-12 at halftime before Will Jordan restored New Zealand’s lead, only for tries from Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx, along with a late penalty, to put South Africa 29-17 ahead.
Samisoni Taukei’aho scored after the final siren to narrow the margin, but the Springboks held on, leaving the All Blacks needing victory in Baltimore next weekend to salvage a 2-2 series draw.
The All Blacks once again fall victim to the referee.
Even the NZ commentators, who are advised against criticizing the referee, questioned his one sided decision making.
The spring boks rush defence is successful because they are all starting from an offside position, well in front of the last foot in the ruck..
Ruben Love remained disciplined and behind the offside line in Defence but was strangely penalized and sent off.
The springbok prop was on his knees but the AB prop got penalized for hinging when the scrum collapsed.
The biggest clue to cheating referees is the lack of replays of penalized incidents.
The warriors game on the other hand was well refereed and a joy to watch. This life long rugby player and fan is seriously considering switching codes.