NZ Media reaction to Springboks win against All Blacks in Cape Town

There was no doubting this was a different South African team on show in this one, their urgency and desperation enabling them to edge the possession and territory battle, and punish the New Zealanders for it this time around. That 10-point lead looked a significant one in this sort of mood.

And so it proved. Kolbe’s three second-half penalties kept the home side in control throughout, and though the All Blacks threatened to salvage a draw when they pout Savea and Carter across the line, the miracle finish proved beyond them.

The Boks are well and truly back in this series now. And the ball is in Dave Rennie’s court as the visitors are the ones charged with a response heading back to Jo’burg.

Up front, the Boks forwards, led by a strong first half from skipper Siya Kolisi and a thigh-pumping effort from 100-test hero Pieter-Steph du Toit, got the job done splendidly, pressuring the All Blacks lineout into multiple misfires, and winning the physical battle. They also harried the New Zealanders into a tough night under the high ball.

The world champions were physically relentless, both sides of the ball, they were efficient in the All Blacks’ half, collecting three tries in a rollicking first half, and then three penalties in a ruthless second spell, and they did just enough to deny a New Zealand side that found its attacking rhythm just a little late.

The backlash was inevitable. After landing the first, flush blow to hand the Springboks a bloody nose at Ellis Park, the All Blacks knew a brutal beast awaited them. This time, though, they couldn’t overcome the relentless green wave.

Rassie Erasmus pulled one of his old tricks by switching his entire starting front row with those on the bench and only announcing the changes an hour before kickoff.

Those late changes followed Kolbe’s inclusion on the right wing for Kurt-Lee Arendse one day before the game.

The onslaught was inevitable. That came thick and fast early from the Boks. Two minutes in, Jesse Kriel handed them the ascendancy – and they did not let up.