All Blacks emerge worthy winners as they outscore Springboks in first test upset

· CNA · Join
Rugby Union - New Zealand tour of South Africa - South Africa v New Zealand - Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 22, 2026 New Zealand's Fabian Holland celebrates after the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
Rugby Union - New Zealand tour of South Africa - South Africa v New Zealand - Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 22, 2026 New Zealand's Jordie Barrett celebrates after the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
Rugby Union - New Zealand tour of South Africa - South Africa v New Zealand - Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 22, 2026 South Africa players look on as the New Zealand players perform the Haka before the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Read a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 22 : New Zealand overcame a tough physical challenge to outscore hosts South Africa five tries to one and win the first test 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday to go one-up in the four-match series.

The All Blacks had been underdogs going into the first international of their eight-match tour but took full advantage of the home side’s numerous handling errors and ill discipline for a statement victory that ended a 12-match winning streak for the Springboks and will rock the confidence of the world champions.

Will Jordan extended his run as New Zealand’s record try scorer with two tries that bookended scores from Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson. Ruben Love kicked over four conversions.

South Africa’s try came from Andre Esterhuizen with three penalties and a conversion from Cheslin Kolbe.

(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Ken Ferris)

Source: Reuters

Newsletter

Recommended Read

Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read

A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.

Sign up for our newsletters

Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox

Subscribe here

Get the CNA app

Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories

Download here

Get WhatsApp alerts

Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app

Join here