Have the Springboks truly closed the gap between themselves and the All Blacks? The short answer is no. The 25-24 scoreline at Newlands was indeed a huge improvement on the 57-0 humiliation in Albany last month. The flow of the game in the final 10 minutes — a timely try by All Blacks fullback Damian McKenzie and then a composed defensive finish — showed why New Zealand have no equal at present and why the Boks still have some way to go. This was the Boks’ 11th defeat to the old enemy in 12 tests. The upshot is that the All Blacks have gone through another Rugby Championship unbeaten. Steve Hansen’s side should take plenty of momentum and confidence into the tour of Australia and Europe in the coming months. The Boks claimed a bonus point for finishing within seven of the victors. The subsequent result in Mendoza — a resounding 37-20 win for the Wallabies over Argentina —– allowed Australia to pip SA in the final Rugby Championship standings. For all their talk of striking out in a ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.