New Zealand mounted a dramatic comeback from an 18‑point shortfall in the second half to edge the Lions 41‑35, averting a surprising defeat at Ellis Park on Tuesday. The victory ensured that the All Blacks have now swept all four provincial opponents on their six‑week, eight‑match South African tour, adding to the 33‑16 triumph over the Springboks in the first Test earlier in the weekend. The match saw a heavily rotated New Zealand side, with only three players from the Saturday Test retained.
Five injury replacements were called up during the tour, one of whom arrived just on Monday, and the team also handed a debut to prop Saula Ma’u. The altered lineup struggled defensively, missing 19 tackles and falling behind 14‑0 within the opening seven minutes. By halftime the scoreline still favored the Lions, and early in the second half the visitors were trailing 35‑17 at the 47‑minute mark, 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 the feat in 1976.
The Lions, however, were not at peak fitness. Their season had effectively ended after a quarter‑final loss in the United Rugby Championship on May 30, leaving them out of rhythm and match‑sharp.
In contrast, the All Blacks, despite the personnel changes, found their footing in the final thirty minutes, launching a relentless assault that produced four consecutive tries. Rieko Ioane crossed the line twice, while flanker Ethan Blackadder added a second try to give New Zealand a fleeting lead for the first time in the 62nd minute. The final nail in the Lions’ coffin came when winger Emoni Narawa scored 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 match. "But we stayed composed and found a way in the end.
They were quality tonight." His comments underscored the intensity of the contest; the Lions displayed a fierce, high‑tempo brand of rugby that tested the All Blacks at every turn. 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, winger Emoni 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 gradually grew into the game as the minutes ticked away. Although he and veteran Beauden Barrett combined to convert only three of the seven New Zealand tries, their contributions were crucial in keeping the scoreboard ticking.
On the Lions’ side, Chris Smith proved reliable with the boot, converting all five of his team’s tries and even testing the posts with a long‑range penalty. Despite his accuracy, the Lions could not stem the tide of New Zealand’s late surge. The match also had broader implications for squad selection. Anton Segner, who had been slated as a reserve for the first Test, was ruled out for the remainder of the tour after an ankle injury required two surgeries and was diagnosed as acute inflammatory arthritis.
His absence opened a door for Blackadder, whose performances in this game bolstered his prospects for future Test caps. Coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder’s work rate, saying, "He’s got a massive engine and was everywhere." The coach’s endorsement highlighted the importance of depth and adaptability on a grueling tour where injuries and fatigue are constant threats. Beyond the on‑field drama, the game was part of a larger broadcast package. All fixtures from New Zealand’s South African tour were available live on Sky Sports, with streaming options through NOW offering contract‑free access to rugby union and other sports.
Fans in the UK and Ireland could follow kick‑off times and enjoy comprehensive coverage of every minute of the tour. In summary, the All Blacks’ ability to overturn a sizable deficit against a motivated Lions side demonstrated their resilience and depth.
The win not only preserved an unbeaten record against provincial opposition but also reinforced the squad’s confidence heading into the remainder of the tour, where they will face the remaining South African powerhouses with momentum on their side. The match will be remembered for its thrilling finish, the emergence of new talent, and the relentless spirit that defines New Zealand rugby.