The All Blacks mounted a dramatic comeback in the second half, overturning an 18‑point shortfall to edge out the Lions 41‑35 at Ellis Park on Tuesday, thereby averting a surprising loss. This victory means New Zealand have now defeated every provincial side they have faced on their six‑week, eight‑match South African tour, adding to their 33‑16 triumph over the Springboks in the first Test earlier in the weekend. New Zealand’s squad for the match was heavily altered from the Saturday Test line‑up. Only three players who started in the win over the Springboks retained their places, while five injury‑cover players who were summoned to the tour – one of whom only arrived on Monday – were drafted in.
The changes also gave debutant prop Saula Ma’u his first cap for the All Blacks. The match began poorly for the visitors. Their defence looked porous, conceding 19 missed tackles across the game, and the Lions surged ahead to a 14‑0 lead within the first seven minutes.
The deficit grew, and at the half‑time break New Zealand were still trailing. By the 47th minute the scoreline read 35‑17 in favour of the Lions, putting the home side on the brink of becoming the first South African provincial team to defeat the All Blacks since the Orange Free State (now the Cheetahs) did so in 1976.
However, the Lions were not at full match fitness. They had not played since the United Rugby Championship quarter‑finals on May 30, and their lack of recent competitive action showed as the game progressed.
The All Blacks, accustomed to the rigours of a tour schedule, began to find their rhythm in the final thirty minutes. Four consecutive tries in quick succession turned the tide dramatically. Rieko Ioane was instrumental, crossing the line twice. Flanker Ethan Blackadder added a second try of his own, giving New Zealand their first lead of the match in the 62nd minute.
Winger Emoni Narawa sealed the comeback with a further try in the 79th minute, calming any lingering nerves and cementing the 41‑35 victory. "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 All Blacks’ resilience under pressure.
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. 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 unfolded, though he and veteran Beauden Barrett managed to convert only three of the seven New Zealand tries. Coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder’s impact, describing him as "phenomenal" with a "massive engine" that saw him everywhere on the field.
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 serious ankle injury that will require two surgeries and has been classified as acute inflammatory arthritis. On the Lions’ side, Chris Smith was flawless with the boot, converting all five of his side’s tries and even striking the post with a long‑range penalty, underscoring his reliability as a goal‑kicker. The win not only kept New Zealand unbeaten on their provincial tour but also reinforced their dominance over South African regional teams, joining the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls in the list of sides the All Blacks have already dispatched this trip.
The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, was also available to stream contract‑free via NOW, offering fans in the UK and Ireland a chance to watch every minute of the tour. In summary, the All Blacks’ late surge demonstrated their depth, adaptability, and never‑say‑die attitude. Overcoming a sizable deficit against a motivated Lions side, they showcased why they remain one of the premier rugby nations in the world, while also giving emerging players valuable experience on a demanding overseas tour. The victory sets a positive tone as they continue their South African campaign, with upcoming fixtures promising further high‑stakes rugby and the opportunity to cement their unbeaten record.