New Zealand mounted a dramatic comeback after trailing by 18 points in the second half, ultimately edging the Lions 41-35 and sidestepping a potential shock loss at Ellis Park on Tuesday. This victory completes a clean sweep of all 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 in the weekend. The match saw a heavily rotated New Zealand side, with only three players retained from the Saturday Test win on the same pitch. Five injury replacements were called up during the tour, one of whom arrived just a day before the game, and prop Saula Ma'u earned his first cap for the All Blacks.
Despite the fresh faces, the defensive unit struggled, missing 19 tackles and allowing the Lions to race to a 14-0 lead within the opening seven minutes. The first half ended with the visitors still behind, and the deficit swelled to 35-17 early in the second half, putting the Lions on the verge of becoming 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 were out of season, having not played since the United Rugby Championship quarter‑finals on May 30, which left them lacking match sharpness. New Zealand’s resurgence began in the final thirty minutes. Four quick tries turned the tide, with winger Rieko Ioane crossing the line twice, flanker Ethan Blackadder adding his second try to give the All Blacks a slender lead in the 62nd minute, and winger Emoni Narawa sealing the win with a decisive score in the 79th minute.
Blackadder reflected on the contest, saying, "The Lions came out hissing. But we stayed composed and found a way in the end. They were quality tonight." 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, who returned from a stint in Japan and wore the black jersey for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final. Coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder, noting his relentless engine and presence across the field.
The match also impacted squad selections. Anton Segner, ruled out for the remainder of the tour after an ankle injury required two surgeries and was diagnosed with acute inflammatory arthritis, was omitted from the first‑test reserves. His absence opened a pathway for Blackadder to cement his Test prospects.
While Mo'unga’s play improved as the game progressed, both he and veteran Beauden Barrett managed to convert only three of the seven New Zealand tries. In contrast, the Lions’ kicker Chris Smith was flawless, converting all five of his side’s tries and even testing the posts with a long‑range penalty. Beyond the on‑field drama, the broadcast details were highlighted for fans: all matches were available live on Sky Sports, with streaming options on NOW for contract‑free viewing. The coverage included kick‑off times for the UK and Ireland, ensuring supporters could follow every minute of the All Blacks' South African tour.
Overall, the encounter showcased the depth of New Zealand’s talent pool, the resilience of a side willing to adapt with new players, and the importance of experience in high‑pressure situations. The late surge not only secured a vital win but also reinforced the All Blacks’ unbeaten record on the tour, setting the stage for the upcoming Tests against the Springboks, where they will look to build on the momentum generated at Ellis Park.