New Zealand mounted a dramatic comeback after trailing by 18 points in the second half, ultimately edging the Lions 41-35 and averting a surprising loss at Ellis Park on Tuesday. This victory means the All Blacks have now swept all four South African provincial sides they have faced, preserving an unbeaten record across their six‑week, eight‑match South Africa tour.
It also follows their dominant 33-16 win over the Springboks in the first Test earlier in the weekend. The squad that took the field against the Lions was markedly different from the one that secured the Test win against the Springboks.
Only three players from that Saturday triumph were retained, while five injury replacements were called up during the tour – one of whom only arrived on Monday. Among the newcomers was prop Saula Ma'u, who earned his debut in the match. The All Blacks’ defensive effort was shaky at times, with the team missing 19 tackles over the course of the game.
They fell behind 14-0 within the opening seven minutes and never managed to close the gap before halftime. By the 47th minute the scoreboard read 35-17 in favor of the Lions, putting the visitors 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.
However, the Lions, like the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls that the All Blacks had already beaten, were out of season and lacking match‑sharpness. Their last competitive appearance had been on May 30 in the United Rugby Championship quarter‑finals, leaving them under‑prepared for the intensity of a New Zealand side.
In the final thirty minutes, New Zealand unleashed a relentless surge, scoring four consecutive tries to overturn the deficit. Winger Rieko Ioane crossed the line twice, while flanker Ethan Blackadder added his second try of the match, giving the All Blacks a slender lead for the first time at the 62nd minute. The finishing touch came from winger Emoni Narawa, who scored a late try in the 79th minute, sealing the victory and calming the nerves of 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." Blackadder, whose father Todd toured with the All Blacks in 1996, 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 his stint in Japan, wore the black jersey for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final. Coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder’s contribution, describing him as "phenomenal" and noting his "massive engine" and presence "everywhere" on the field. The flanker’s performance also bolstered his prospects for future Test selection, especially after veteran prop 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. Segner’s withdrawal left a gap in the squad that could not be filled.
Mo'unga’s influence grew as the game progressed, yet both he and veteran fly‑half Beauden Barrett managed to convert only three of the seven New Zealand tries. In contrast, Lions kicker Chris Smith was flawless with the boot, converting all five of his side’s tries and even nudging a long‑range penalty against the post. The match was broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming available contract‑free through the NOW platform.
Fans in the UK and Ireland could follow every minute of New Zealand’s South African tour, including kickoff times and full‑match replays. The coverage highlighted the intensity of the rivalry and the high stakes of provincial rugby when a powerhouse like the All Blacks meets a determined local side. Overall, the encounter underscored New Zealand’s resilience and depth. Despite fielding a heavily rotated lineup, dealing with injuries and integrating newcomers, the All Blacks demonstrated the ability to adapt, recover, and execute under pressure.
Their late‑stage heroics not only secured a narrow win but also reinforced their dominance on the tour, keeping their unbeaten record intact and setting the tone for the remaining fixtures against South Africa’s provincial powerhouses.