Springboks kicked off their Rugby Championship campaign with 26-10 victory over All Blacks in a match played at Mbombela Stadium.
South Africa took an early lead when Kurt-Lee Arendse scored his first test try after the Boks regained possession thanks to a fantastic high kick by Handre Pollard. Pollard converted his try for a 7-0 lead.
Pollard second penalty
Pollard scored again in the 22nd minute, this time adding a penalty that made the score 10-0.
Jordie Barrett’s penalty kick with five minutes to play saw the All Blacks cut the lead to seven points.
⏸️HALF TIME! A breathless first half, we lead in Mbombela! A big second half is coming up!#StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #RSAvNZL #CastleRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/VWsleibz0u
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 6, 2022
Pollard restored their 10-point lead in the second half by drilling in another penalty in the 50th minute. With 21 minutes remaining, he added a drop goal to give the Springboks a 16-3 lead.
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Pollard scored again in the final eight minutes, splitting the posts with a penalty that put them up 19-3.
Arendse was shown a red card in the 75th minute for a dangerous challenge in the air on Beauden Barrett.
Advantage
All Blacks took advantage of the extra man and got a try through Shannon Frizell who crossed over after a great run by Caleb Clarke. The conversion is good and the scores were 19-10.
Springboks however had the final try with Willie le Roux kicking and chasing a loose ball to score. Pollard converted for a 26-10 win.
The two will face off next weekend in the second match.
Full time at Mbombela.
What a game👏what a result🙌#StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #RSAvNZL #CastleRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/ridaQhOUma
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 6, 2022
Scorers:
Springboks 26 (10) – Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux. Conversions: Handre Pollard (2). Penalty goals: Pollard (3). Drop goal: Pollard.
New Zealand 10 (3) – Try: Shannon Frizell. Conversion: Richie Mo’unga. Penalty goal: Jordie Barrett.
