New Zealand mounted a dramatic comeback in the second half, overturning an 18‑point shortfall to secure a 41‑35 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park on Tuesday, thereby averting a shocking defeat. The win 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 squad that took the field against the Lions featured only three players who had featured in Saturday's Test win over South Africa, and five injury‑cover players who were called up during the tour, including one who arrived just on Monday.
The match also marked the debut of prop Saula Ma'u, who earned his first cap in a high‑pressure environment. The All Blacks' defensive effort was shaky at times, with the team missing 19 tackles across the game.
They fell behind early, trailing 14‑0 after just seven minutes, and were still down at the half‑time whistle. By the 47th minute the scoreboard read 35‑17 in favour of the Lions, who were 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. The Lions, however, were not in peak condition. Their season had already ended, and they had not played a competitive match since the United Rugby Championship quarter‑finals on May 30.
This lack of recent match fitness contrasted with the All Blacks, who, despite the personnel changes, were able to muster a relentless surge in the final thirty minutes of the contest. During that decisive period New Zealand struck four consecutive tries. Winger Rieko Ioane crossed the line twice, while flanker Ethan Blackadder added a second try of his own, giving the All Blacks their first lead of the match in the 62nd minute. The final nail in the Lions' coffin came when winger Emoni Narawa scored a second try in the 79th minute, cementing the touring side's comeback and calming any lingering nerves.
"The Lions came out hissing," Blackadder reflected after the game. "But we stayed composed and found a way in the end.
They were quality tonight." His comments highlighted the intensity of the encounter and the resilience required to overturn such a deficit. Blackadder, whose father Todd was part of the historic 1996 tour, 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. Coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder, noting, "He's got a massive engine and was everywhere," underscoring the flanker’s work rate and impact.
The match also had implications for squad selection moving forward. 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 Test prospects improved significantly as a result. In terms of goal‑kicking, Mo'unga and veteran Beauden Barrett combined to convert only three of the seven New Zealand tries, a relatively low conversion rate for a side that scored heavily. In contrast, Lions full‑back Chris Smith was flawless with the boot, converting all five of his team's tries and even nudging a long‑range penalty against the posts. The match was broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming available through NOW without a contract.
Fans in the UK and Ireland could follow every minute of New Zealand's South African tour, including this thrilling provincial clash, via the network’s comprehensive coverage. Overall, the encounter showcased the All Blacks' ability to adapt under pressure, integrate new players, and rally when faced with adversity.
The Lions' early dominance and the eventual New Zealand resurgence provided a classic narrative of comeback rugby, reinforcing why the All Blacks remain a formidable force on the world stage, even when dealing with injuries and squad rotation on a demanding overseas tour.