New Zealand beat South Africa 33-16 in the first Test match
New Zealand's rugby team defeated South Africa 33-16 in the first match of a four-Test series. The match took place on August 22 at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. The New Zealanders scored five tries to their opponents' one and ended the reigning world champions' 12-match winning streak.
According to Channel NewsAsia, New Zealand were considered underdogs before the match, but capitalized on the hosts' ball-handling errors and disciplinary breaches.
Five tries for New Zealand
Will Jordan scored two tries, taking his tally in international matches to 53. Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson each scored one try. Ruben Love made four conversions.
Jordan scored the first try of the series in the ninth minute after a line-out play. Five minutes later, Andre Esterhuizen, who came on as a substitute for South Africa, broke through New Zealand's defense and put the hosts ahead. In the 23rd minute, Moorby evaded two tackles and scored his team's second try.
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Turning point after the break
South Africa led 13-12 at halftime after Cheslin Kolbe kicked a penalty when the hosts began to dominate in the scrums. At the start of the second half, he added another penalty. In total, Kolbe kicked three penalties and converted his team's only try.
In the 48th minute, Fabian Holland blocked Grant Williams' clearance kick and scored a try, restoring New Zealand's lead. Later, a break by Damian McKenzie created the sequence from which Luke Jacobson scored the visitors' fourth try. Late in the match, Jordan extended the margin to 17 points.
In the final 10 minutes, South Africa were reduced in numbers: Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach were sent to the sin bin. The second Test of the series will take place next Saturday in Cape Town.
