New Zealand managed to overturn an 18‑point shortfall in the second half, ultimately edging the Lions 41‑35 and escaping a stunning defeat at Ellis Park on Tuesday. This victory ensured that the All Blacks have now beaten every provincial side they have faced on their six‑week, eight‑match South African tour, adding to the 33‑16 win over the Springboks in the opening Test earlier in the weekend.
The match was notable for the limited continuity from the Saturday Test lineup – only three players from that triumph were retained – and for the inclusion of five injury replacements who had been summoned during the tour, one of whom arrived just on Monday. In addition, prop Saula Ma'u earned his first cap for the All Blacks, making his debut in a high‑stakes environment. The Lions started brightly, imposing a physical defence that left the visitors scrambling. New Zealand missed 19 tackles throughout the game, and they found themselves trailing 14‑0 after just seven minutes of play.
The deficit widened as the first half progressed, and the visitors entered the break still behind on the scoreboard. By the 47th minute, the Lions had extended their lead to 35‑17, putting the All Blacks on the brink of a historic loss – the first time a South African provincial side had beaten New Zealand since the Orange Free State (now the Cheetahs) achieved the feat in 1976.
However, the Lions were not in peak condition. They were coming off a long lay‑off, having not played since the United Rugby Championship quarter‑finals on May 30. This lack of recent match fitness contrasted sharply with the All Blacks, who had been in continuous competition throughout the tour.
The fatigue of the Lions became increasingly apparent as the game wore on, and New Zealand began to find their rhythm. In the final thirty minutes, the All Blacks unleashed a relentless surge, scoring four consecutive tries that turned the tide of the contest. Winger Rieko Ioane crossed the line twice, showcasing his speed and finishing ability. Flanker Ethan Blackadder added a second try of his own, giving New Zealand the lead for the first time in the 62nd minute.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when winger Emoni Narawa completed his second try, cementing the All Blacks' comeback and silencing any lingering doubts. "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 remarks highlighted the intensity of the encounter and the respect the New Zealand side held for their opponents.
Blackadder, whose father Todd was part of the last traditional All Blacks tour in 1996, emerged as one of the standout performers alongside inside centre Timoci Tavatavanawai, Narawa, and fly‑half Richie Mo'unga, who returned from his stint in Japan and wore the black jersey for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final. Coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder’s effort, describing him as "phenomenal" and noting his "massive engine" that saw him involved in every facet of the game.
The flanker’s performance also boosted his prospects for future Test selection, especially after Anton Segner was ruled out for the remainder of the tour due to a severe ankle injury that will require two surgeries and has been diagnosed as acute inflammatory arthritis. Mo'unga, like the rest of the team, grew into the match as it progressed.
While he and veteran Beauden Barrett combined to convert only three of the seven New Zealand tries, the Lions’ kicker Chris Smith was more efficient on the opposition side, converting all five of their tries and even striking the post with a long‑range penalty. The win not only preserved the All Blacks’ unbeaten record on the tour but also demonstrated their depth and resilience when faced with adversity.
The ability to integrate new players, manage injury crises, and still produce a high‑scoring comeback underlines the squad’s quality and the coaching staff’s strategic acumen. As the tour continues, New Zealand will look to build on this momentum, fine‑tune their defensive structures, and maintain the attacking flair that has defined their recent performances. Fans can follow every moment of the All Blacks’ South African adventure live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW for contract‑free viewing.
The match at Ellis Park will be remembered as a testament to New Zealand’s never‑say‑die attitude and their capacity to turn a seemingly lost cause into a triumphant finish.