New Zealand mounted a dramatic comeback in the second half, erasing an 18‑point shortfall to edge the Lions 41‑35 and preserve their unbeaten record on the South African leg of their tour. The victory, secured at Ellis Park on Tuesday, ensured the All Blacks have now swept all four provincial opponents they have faced during this six‑week, eight‑match excursion, adding to their dominant 33‑16 triumph over the Springboks in the first Test earlier in the week. The match lineup saw the All Blacks make significant changes from the Saturday Test. Only three players who featured in the win over South Africa retained their places, while five injury‑cover players who were summoned mid‑tour were handed game time, including a newcomer who arrived just a day before the fixture.
Prop Saula Ma'u earned his first cap for the side, marking a notable milestone in a game that would test New Zealand's depth and resilience. From the outset, New Zealand’s defensive unit appeared unsettled, missing a total of 19 tackles throughout the contest. The Lions seized the early initiative, racing to a 14‑0 lead within the first seven minutes. The deficit widened as the half‑hour mark approached, and by halftime the All Blacks were still trailing, their confidence waning as the Lions continued to press.
By the 47th minute, the scoreboard read 35‑17 in favour of the visitors, raising the spectre that the Lions might become the first South African provincial side to topple New Zealand since the Orange Free State (now the Cheetahs) achieved that feat back in 1976. The Lions, however, were not in peak condition.
Their season had already concluded, and they had not played a competitive match since the United Rugby Championship quarter‑finals on May 30. The lack of recent match‑sharpness became evident as the game progressed, and the All Blacks began to find rhythm in the latter stages. After a period of sustained pressure, New Zealand launched a ferocious assault in the final thirty minutes, crossing the line four times in quick succession. Rieko Ioane was instrumental, dotting down two of the late tries.
Flanker Ethan Blackadder added a crucial score of his own, putting the All Blacks ahead for the first time at the 62nd minute. The final nail in the Lions’ coffin came from winger Emoni Narawa, whose try in the 79th minute sealed the win and quelled any lingering nerves among the touring party. "The Lions came out hissing," Blackadder reflected after the match.
"But we stayed composed and found a way in the end. They were quality tonight." His words underscored the respect the New Zealand side held for their opponents, even as they celebrated a hard‑earned victory.
Blackadder, whose father Todd toured with the All Blacks in 1996, emerged as one of the standout performers 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 showed signs of his class as the game progressed. Coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder’s work rate, noting, "He's got a massive engine and was everywhere." The match also had implications for squad selection moving forward. Anton Segner, who had been named in the reserves for the first Test, was ruled out for the remainder of the tour after an ankle injury was diagnosed as acute inflammatory arthritis, requiring two surgeries.
His absence opened a door for Blackadder to cement his place in the Test lineup. Kicking was a mixed bag for New Zealand.
While Mo'unga and veteran Beauden Barrett combined for just three successful conversions out of seven attempts, Lions kicker Chris Smith was flawless, converting all five of his side’s tries and even testing the posts with a long‑range penalty. For fans eager to relive every moment, the entire New Zealand tour of South Africa is available live on Sky Sports, with streaming options through NOW offering contract‑free access to rugby union and other sports. The broadcast includes detailed kick‑off times for audiences in the UK and Ireland, ensuring that supporters can follow the All Blacks’ journey across the continent.
In summary, the All Blacks’ late surge not only averted a shocking defeat but also reinforced their dominance over South African provincial opposition. The match highlighted the depth of New Zealand’s talent pool, the importance of resilience under pressure, and the tactical adjustments made by coach Rennie to counter a well‑organised Lions side. As the tour continues, the All Blacks will look to build on this comeback, fine‑tune their set‑piece execution, and maintain the momentum that has carried them through a flawless start to a demanding South African campaign.