The Springboks were punished for their rugby “sins” by New Zealand in their World Cup opener on Saturday.
The world champion All Blacks won the much-anticipated clash 23-13 thanks to two tries scored from their opponents’ mistakes.
It was the Boks, though, who had the early advantage in the match after Handre Pollard converted a second-minute penalty to make it 3-0.
But instead of showing the ruthlessness to add to their lead, the All Blacks took control after scoring 17 unanswered points inside 10 minutes.
Their first points were three from the boot of Richie Mo’unga after a poor pass from SA scrumhalf Faf de Klerk gave the Kiwis a good attacking opportunity.
DEATH BLOW: New Zealand lock Scott Barrett. Picture: Annegret Hilse/Reuters.
Two minutes later, Duane Vermeulen knocked on an opposition box kick, with Mo’unga giving a cross kick for Sevu Reece, who beat Makazole Mapimpi to ultimately set up George Bridge for the first try of the match.
SA weren’t done with catching aan stront and four minutes later it was Pollard’s turn to miss a high ball, the Kiwis again countered and this time Scott Barrett dotted down to make it 17-3 at half time.
Realising that they were their own worst enemies, the Springboks tried to fight back.
CONSTANT THREAT: Cheslin Kolbe. Picture: Annegret Hilse/Reuters.
After a superb break from wing Cheslin Kolbe, who was by far the best SA player on the pitch, Pieter-Steph du Toit snapped up the ball at the breakdown to sneak over for a try (17-10).
Pollard then set up a tense finish with a drop goal in the 60th minute to make it 17-13, but the Boks’ ill-discipline ultimately ended their hopes of winning the match as they conceded two more penalties (23-13).