New Zealand mounted a dramatic comeback in the second half, erasing an 18‑point shortfall to secure a 41‑35 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park on Tuesday, thereby sidestepping a potentially shocking defeat. This win completes a clean sweep of the four South African provincial sides on the All Blacks' six‑week, eight‑match tour, adding to the 33‑16 triumph over the Springboks in the first Test earlier that weekend. The squad that took the field against the Lions featured only three players who had featured in Saturday's Test win against South Africa, and it also incorporated five injury cover players who were called up during the tour – one of whom arrived just on Monday. In addition, prop Saula Ma'u earned his first cap for the All Blacks in this match.
The visitors’ defensive effort was shaky at times, with the team 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 halftime. By the 47th minute the Lions had pushed the score to 35‑17, putting them on the brink of becoming the first South African provincial side 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 not fully match‑fit, having not played since the United Rugby Championship quarter‑finals on May 30. This lack of recent competitive rugby likely contributed to the fatigue that set in during the latter stages of the encounter. New Zealand’s resurgence began in earnest after the hour mark.
Over the final 30 minutes they struck back with four consecutive tries, turning the tide completely. First, winger Rieko Ioane crossed the line twice, showcasing his speed and footwork.
Flanker Ethan Blackadder added a second try of his own, giving the All Blacks the lead for the first time at the 62nd minute. Finally, winger Emoni Narawa sealed the win with a decisive try in the 79th minute, calming any lingering nerves on the touring side. "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 comments highlighted the intensity of the contest and the mental resilience required to overturn such a large deficit.
Blackadder, whose father Todd was part of the last traditional All Blacks tour in 1996, emerged as one of New Zealand’s 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 grew into the game as it progressed, although he and veteran Beauden Barrett managed to convert only three of the seven tries scored by the All Blacks. Coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder’s impact, stating, "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 diagnosed as acute inflammatory arthritis. Segner’s withdrawal from the first‑Test reserves left a gap that the coaching staff will need to address.
On the Lions’ side, Chris Smith was flawless with the boot, converting all five of his team’s tries and even sending a long‑range penalty over the bar, keeping the scoreline tight until the very end. The match was broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming available contract‑free via the NOW platform.
Fans in the UK and Ireland could follow every minute of the All Blacks’ South African tour, enjoying the high‑octane rugby action as it unfolded across the continent. Overall, the victory not only preserved New Zealand’s unbeaten record on the tour but also demonstrated the depth and adaptability of the squad, which managed to overcome injuries, limited preparation time for several players, and a hostile environment to pull off a memorable comeback. The All Blacks now head back to the next fixture with renewed confidence, having proven that even a substantial early deficit can be overturned when talent, determination, and strategic adjustments converge on the field.