New Zealand staged a dramatic comeback in the second half, erasing an 18‑point shortfall to edge out the Lions 41‑35 and stave off a potential shock loss at Ellis Park on Tuesday. This victory ensured that the All Blacks have now swept all four provincial opponents on their six‑week, eight‑match South African tour, maintaining an unbeaten record that also includes a 33‑16 triumph over the Springboks in the first Test earlier in the weekend. The squad that took the field against the Lions featured only three players who had featured in Saturday’s Test win over South Africa, and it also incorporated five injury‑cover call‑ups who had been summoned to the tour, one of whom only arrived on Monday. Among the fresh faces was prop Saula Ma'u, who earned his debut in the match.
Defensively, the All Blacks were not at their best, missing a total of 19 tackles throughout the game. They fell behind early, trailing 14‑0 after just seven minutes, and the deficit persisted into the break. By the 47th minute the scoreboard read 35‑17 in favor of the Lions, sparking fears that the provincial side might become the first South African provincial team to defeat New Zealand since the Orange Free State (now the Cheetahs) achieved that feat in 1976.
However, the Lions, like the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls that the All Blacks had already dispatched, were out of season and lacking match sharpness. Their most recent competitive appearance had been on May 30 in the United Rugby Championship quarter‑finals, leaving them somewhat rusted.
New Zealand, despite the early setbacks, found a second wind in the final thirty minutes, stringing together four consecutive tries to turn the tide. Rieko Ioane crossed the line twice, while flanker Ethan Blackadder added his second try of the match, giving the All Blacks a fleeting lead at the 62nd minute. The final nail in the coffin came when winger Emoni Narawa scored his second try in the 79th minute, sealing the win and calming any lingering nerves on the touring side.
"The Lions came out hissing," Blackadder reflected after the game. "But we stayed composed and found a way in the end. They were quality tonight." His comments highlighted the intensity of the contest and the resilience shown by the New Zealand pack.
Blackadder, whose father Todd was part of the last traditional All Blacks tour in 1996, emerged as one of the standout performers for New Zealand, alongside inside centre Timoci Tavatavanawai, Narawa, and fly‑half Richie Mo'unga. Mo'unga, returning from a stint in Japan, wore the black jersey for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final and grew into the game as it progressed. All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder, describing him as "phenomenal" and noting his boundless energy: "He's got a massive engine and was everywhere." The flanker’s performance also bolstered his prospects for future Test selection, especially after Anton Segner was ruled out for the remainder of the tour due to a serious ankle injury that will require two surgeries and has been classified as acute inflammatory arthritis.
Segner’s withdrawal from the first Test reserves left a gap in the squad, but the All Blacks managed to adapt. Mo'unga, like the rest of the team, improved as the match wore on, though he and veteran Beauden Barrett managed to convert only three of the seven tries scored by New Zealand. In contrast, Lions kicker Chris Smith was flawless with the boot, converting all five of his side’s tries and even testing the posts with a long‑range penalty.
The match was broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through the NOW platform, allowing fans to watch every minute of the All Blacks’ South African tour without a contract. Kick‑off times were listed for audiences in the UK and Ireland, ensuring that supporters across the region could follow the action in real time.
Overall, the encounter showcased the All Blacks’ ability to recover from adversity, their depth of talent, and the importance of experience and composure in high‑pressure situations. The win not only preserved their unbeaten streak on the tour but also reinforced their reputation as a team capable of turning games around, even when faced with a determined and physically imposing opponent like the Lions. The triumph at Ellis Park will be remembered as a testament to New Zealand’s resilience and strategic adaptability, qualities that will serve them well as they continue their campaign against South Africa’s provincial and national sides.