In a thrilling start to Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, New Zealand delivered a stunning performance against South Africa at Ellis Park, winning 33-16 and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

The All Blacks made a powerful statement, overcoming the reigning world champions at the historic venue of their famous 1995 Rugby World Cup final. Despite a shaky second half where their scrum struggled, Dave Rennie’s side regained momentum and surged past their hosts for a decisive victory.

Key moments of the match included:

• New Zealand flipping the script in the second half, showcasing resilience and tactical prowess.
• South Africa, led by Rassie Erasmus, struggled with sharpness, reflecting on their recent performance against Argentina.

With this loss, the Springboks face a daunting challenge ahead, needing to win all three remaining Tests to claim overall victory in this landmark tour. The team also faces injury concerns with key players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse sidelined, adding pressure as they prepare for the next encounter just a week away.