Ah, South Africa versus the All Blacks—arguably one of the most heated and legendary rivalries in rugby history. If you missed the 2024 showdown in Cape Town, you missed a real nail-biter. The Springboks clinched a victory over the mighty All Blacks with an 18-12 win, in a game that left everyone in the stadium gripping the edge of their seats, holding their breath, and probably biting their nails down to the quick (I speak from experience here). And boy, did the Boks deliver! The atmosphere in Cape Town was electric.
For SFI.COZA magazine, we always say: Rugby isn’t just a sport here—it’s practically a religion! So, this win? It was more than just a match. It was redemption, pride, and joy wrapped into 80 minutes of bone-crunching tackles and daring tries. As I sat in the stands, surrounded by South African fans, the emotion was palpable. Every time the Boks took the lead, the crowd would roar—like, genuinely roar—while the All Blacks’ faithful held their breath, hoping for a miracle comeback.
The All Blacks did come out swinging, mind you. Chiefs scrum-half Cortez Ratima, starting ahead of Perenara, drove their early attacks with the kind of energy you’d expect from someone looking to make a statement. New Zealand dominated the first half, pushing the Springboks back into their own territory. Hooker Codie Taylor came within a whisker of crossing the try line, and Damian McKenzie’s boot was already finding its rhythm.
But things started to unravel when Jasper Wiese earned himself a little break with a yellow card for holding back Ratima. McKenzie slotted the penalty—cool as you like—but just when the All Blacks thought they had the upper hand, Sevu Reece decided to join the yellow card club by taking out Willie le Roux in the air. Suddenly, both teams were down to 14, and South Africa, never one to waste an opportunity, pounced.
Enter Cheslin Kolbe. The man’s like a human lightning bolt—blink and you miss him. He sliced through New Zealand’s defense with the kind of pace that leaves you questioning your fitness goals. Only a desperate tackle from Sam Cane saved the try, but the damage was done. You could feel the shift in momentum, and it wasn’t long before Kolisi bulldozed his way over the line for the first try of the match. The captain’s conversion pushed South Africa into the lead for the first time, and from there, things just snowballed.
New Zealand’s defense, which had held firm in the first half, began to crack under the Springboks’ relentless pressure. Kolisi’s try was quickly followed by another from Malcolm Marx, who pretty much lived in the All Blacks’ half for the entire second half. With Tyrel Lomax chilling in the sin bin for obstructing the Cheslin Kolbe Express, Marx powered over the line, unchallenged, to put the final nail in the coffin.
McKenzie, bless him, tried to bring New Zealand back into it with a flurry of penalties, but his boot let him down when it mattered most. Twice he had a chance to pull his team back into contention, and twice he watched the ball drift wide. I don’t want to say it was heartbreaking, but there were definitely some sighs that could be heard across the Southern Hemisphere.
At the final whistle, the contrast between Rassie Erasmus’ beaming smile and Scott Robertson’s face could’ve powered a meme for years. South Africa’s head coach probably went home and slept like a baby, while Robertson? I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed up all night with a notepad and some strong coffee.
So, what now for the All Blacks? A lot of soul-searching, I imagine. South Africa, meanwhile, are sitting pretty, with four wins from four and that ever-elusive Rugby Championship title within arm’s reach. One thing’s for sure: the Springboks aren’t just the kings of Africa—they’re dominating the global rugby scene. And as for New Zealand? Well, better luck next time, lads.
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