1
The good news for the All Blacks
By Ben Smith
South Africa completed a 2-0 home sweep over the All Blacks with a six-point win in Cape Town, adding to their four-point win in Johannesburg.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the process they claimed their first Freedom Cup in 15 years and have all but sealed their first full-sized Rugby Championship in 15 years with two rounds remaining.
The last time they won those trophies, 2009, they completed three in a row over New Zealand. This current crop are now holding a current streak of four.
The Twickenham beatdown against 14 in the cash-grab friendly, the 15 on 14 World Cup final, last week’s All Blacks’ bench meltdown with the Bongi charity, and now the Cape Town grind became the latest on the list.
The last time the Springboks won four or more in a row against New Zealand was between 1937 and 1949 where South Africa won six on the trot, 75 years ago.
In Cape Town the All Blacks attack shape found momentum early, opening up South Africa on the edge multiple times but failed to convert.
Will Jordan blew a golden opportunity by taking on Cheslin Kolbe one-on-one 10 metres from the line. Outside him Sevu Reece had a one-on-one with fullback Willie le Roux, racing up from the backfield to close, but the ball didn’t go.
ADVERTISEMENT
Reece, one of Super Rugby’s best finishers this year, was half a chance from 10 metres out and lots of width to work with. Jordan was then turned at the ruck and the Boks cleared their lines.
A burst up the middle inside the Boks’ 22 by Codie Taylor was undone by cynical cheating by Jasper Wiese, pulling down the inside support runner Cortez Ratima five metres early.
Ratima with more speed was a chance to separate from Wiese and take the last pass from Taylor to score under the sticks.
Wiese’s shameless play saved the Boks four points as the All Blacks settled for three. The Bok No 8 earned a yellow card for the illegal play but the punishment didn’t do the crime justice.
ADVERTISEMENT
Although the All Blacks couldn’t find the try line, they controlled the match defensively. South Africa’s scrum was difficult to handle early, but they got a handle on it. Their maul was stopped multiple times. They had monstered the Springboks at the breakdown.
Scott Barrett and Sam Cane won crucial ruck penalties to snuff out two Springbok raids from the five in the first 20 minutes. Cortez Ratima had one on Wiese near the sideline. Codie Taylor added a fourth minutes from half-time.
The visitors ground out a 9-3 half-time lead on the back of three Damian McKenzie penalties, before the home side arrested control in the second half.
The All Blacks came out for the second half and failed to grasp the contest. There seemed to be a hopeless malaise from the restart.
A Ratima box kick put the Springboks back into their own half after the ball was fumbled backward. The All Blacks should have had the ascendency and intent to push them back further.
The defensive line looked lazy and ill disciplined less than two minutes into the half.
Ardie Savea and Tyrel Lomax turned their backs on Damian de Allende stepping inside, circling backward and running towards their own goal posts, happy to concede metres. Codie Taylor slipped off the tackle and left it to Tupou Vaa’i.
You can say they are playing a passive drift defence, but the fundamental execution of it is lazy with players cutting corners showing bad habits.
Almost by accident, De Allende became isolated because he made so many metres. He was pinned by Scott Barrett, who won a holding on penalty.
Despite being inside their own half, the All Blacks then took an optimistic long range shot at goal that McKenzie missed, falling well short.
The lack of daring and conservative approach was unlike New Zealand sides. It showed a lack of belief in what they are doing on attack, which admittedly, is not clicking.
But it’s also hard to justify backing the defence and kicking long range threes when they shipped 31 points last week and gave up a 10 point lead.
At 9-3 early in the second half with such a low percentage shot at goal on offer, kicking to the line and throwing a punch would have been better in this bout.
An early second half try to 16-3 really would have put scoreboard pressure on. A higher percentage shot may have also come. They just didn’t believe they could do it.
From the missed penalty, South Africa cleared and Will Jordan was turned again at the breakdown after running back the kick. The Boks played a wide-wide game with confidence, getting out of their half.
Having been marched back significantly, Tamaiti Williams was pinged for not rolling and the Boks continued to roll the dice.
After turning down multiple shots at goal already, the Boks’ strategy of kicking to the corner almost became a necessity with the All Blacks six in front.
A power-packed surge from a typical Boks’ launch, with forwards around the corner until the line breaks, resulted in a try to captain Siya Kolisi and all of a sudden the lead evaporated just like that. That score propelled the Springboks into the lead by 10-9.
It took awhile to knock the door down but they did eventually, while the All Blacks weren’t brave enough to try. That 10 minute period of poor rugby cost them 40 minutes of gritty good.
Down 13-9 the All Blacks did kick to the corner the next time, and made waves with their launch, working down inside the five.
Centre Rieko Ioane, back on the left wing at this stage, was used to link on the opposite side with Sevu Reece on the first phase. The issue is Ioane never went back to his left wing.
When they worked back to the left five phases later, Will Jordan had an open 15 metre channel outside him ready to draw the last man Le Roux.
There was no winger or any other player available. It was a classic winger’s try for the All Blacks’ teams of old and a basic finish for the calibre of a player like Ioane.
They settled for three this time and missed their chance to find seven.
The game remained a tight affair with key long-range misses at goal by McKenzie costly, until a try by Malcolm Marx detaching from the maul late got their noses in front.
The biggest issue with this All Blacks side currently is their attack chemistry. The cohesion is up and down, with poor timing, poor running lines, and poor passing all too common.
They don’t look as prepared as the team did under former assistant Joe Schmidt, looking more like the side under Brad Mooar. The chopping and changing with selections isn’t helping.
Mark Tele’a looked like he didn’t want to be there and he replaced Caleb Clarke after two tries last week, a player with power that is sorely needed. Will Jordan was ordinary at fullback, showing again he’s got a long way to go.
There was also plenty of good in that second Test, they had the edge at the set-piece and at the breakdown. The maul defence tightened right up and took away the Boks’ strength.
Individually, Wallace Sititi was exceptional and offered something new, his ball carrying gave the All Blacks momentum and consistent gain line. Tupou Vaa’i continues to elevate his standing at the international level.
But the team doesn’t have enough confidence or chemistry in what they are doing with ball-in-hand. Captain Scott Barrett dropping the ball cold and getting smacked in the face with the ball 10 metres from the try line with the game on the line sums up the state of the side.
The good news is they are operating far below their potential and were only a try away from beating the Springboks twice.
The home side were tough, but hardly playing at a benchmark level themselves. They were plagued by poor handling and cheap turnovers for most of the game. They arrested control through power and the All Blacks’ own ill discipline.
Razor needs to find a way to lift this team’s mood as they don’t seem to be enjoying what they are doing out there.
A yellow not good enough? What justice would you have preferred? A red? You're a joke of an opinionist.
Ben….Ben…..Ben……you do not want to learn….
I like Will Jordan but he's a myth at test level. Christian Cullen debuted at fullback at 20 and was incredible for years. Will can often be seen making bumbling errors at dreadful times in the big matches and is often invisible like the RWC final. Yes, he's wracked up a healthy amount of tries on the wing but analysis of those will show very few against the top four other sides and often not decisive. Expecting him to not ever be a great Allblack fullback and wouldn't be surprised to see Zarn Sullivan, Payton Spencer and others replacing him over the next couple of years.
NZ plagued by poor discipline and poor handling, as they were all through the Foster's time in charge. Until they solve that they will continue to come up short and be inconsistent. They did enough to win on Saturday but when the pressure is on they can't hold it together.
You mean plagued by bizarre English referees
I am looking forward to the Autumn internationals as a Bok supporter. I really want to see NZ bounce back and hammer Ireland. Unfortunately we don't get a go at them this year again.
the All Blacks have been beaten by Sth.Africa in their last 4 matches....and for mine its been much to do with their discipline rather than the Bokkes having the better skill sets... especially the AB's high penalty count in the last 20-15 minutes of their last two defeats...that falls squarely on Scott Barrett shoulders as Captain to step up and motivate a disciplined counter defence rather than question a referee who isnt going to change his decision...Go the AB's...disciplines a work on...with Scooter raising his leadership qualities to help improve the AB's apparent lack of...
English refs, bizarre one sided penalty count in the final quarter of the first test despite repeated Boo infringing also. Full credit to the Boks though, they're playing good rugby despite the bizarre English reffing
Boks IRL by far the most bruising tests this year. The Irish pack can have their go at the Maori backrow - break a leg guys - not in the Broadway show kind-of-way - more like a reverse Mostert
I cannot wait to read what Ben has to say come the end of year tour. The All Blacks are in for a hellova Euro trip.
Something to answer for thishttps://www.rugbypass.com/news/all-blacks-springboks-takes/?ht-comment-id=15997423
He’s going to have to come up with something to counter this:
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/the-big-four-era-where-the-world-rugby-rankings-will-end-after-2024/?ht-comment-id=15934408
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/the-big-four-era-where-the-world-rugby-rankings-will-end-after-2024/
He’s going to have to answer to this 👆🏻
Yeah jet lag recovery, different grass, wetter rain…
SOUR CUNT.
Should've, Could've = DIDN'T!
DENIAL DENIAL DENIAL.
Small digs at the Boks yet your the team you support & back have been BELOW par ALL SEASON. Looking to make excuses as you go along.
Dickheads like you leave a sour taste nevermind what you write about.
The good news is they get to play the wallabies next. That’s only good news if they can win well, OR if someone else can provide BenSmith enough material to write horse sh like this for long enough for abs fans to forget how good their team used to be
Turns out the all blacks didn’t even have to win well for Ben smith to write some nonsense. Barely scraped the win after leading by 21 and he gave the starting 15 an average 8 or 9 out of 10. Pretty poor standards he’s expecting from his team… at this rate he’s dishing out 6 or 7 if the Australians win the next one.
The best news for the all blacks is they don’t have to play the Boks again this year.
Time to reset the bench replacements. Like football just 5 replacements including injuries so that would bring more careful management, less skirting the safety rules and make it a contest again of stamina and fitness. The game is heading down the gridiron avenue with attack and defence teams with massive squads.
Let’s make penalties worth only half a point so that each time an all black misses they are only .5 points worse off than they would be if they could kick.
Great idea. Agree. And wings cannot weigh more than 90 kgs otherwise might hurt opponents. And back line players only allowed to be tackled around ankles. Imagine how this would get Rassie thinking 😉
Some lovely bait on that line of Ben's. Sure to get a few white pointers biting.
"The Twickenham beat down against 14 in a cash-grab friendly" is a particularly pungent morsel.
DS, real rugger folk ignore the drivel and rather respect each other. The ABs have and are our main rival, and we love playing them, win or lose. We have lost plenty over the years, so any victory is special as we know what it takes to beat them. Maybe, just maybe, Ben and all you guys in the land of the long cloud could show some respect when we do manage to win the odd game.
Congrats SA - your first win in 15 years!
There's the W Cup, of course - Did anyone ever find out who condemned Sam Cane to a red card - the nameless hangman in the Bunker? A very weird system that was immediately axed.
Red mist. On the part of the referees. They had to manufacture a red card infringement to deny the all blacks a win. luckily they didn’t have to try too hard or it would have been obvious… sarcasm intended
No it was used on Saturday for Lomax yellow, ref crossed his arms and a yellow/red card was on screen, until ref said it stays yellow.
Took you guys 24 years to win your second world cup. That must be hard. Being the greatest team to ever walk the planet and not touch the World Cup for 24 years… the Springboks won 3 in the same amount of time. No wonder BS is bitter.
DS, you guys keep going n about the cards. We have our fair share for sure, but move on as cards unfortunately are a part of the game. Maybe the ABs should focus on discipline and when under pressure concentrate to not give away silly stuff. Pressure does do strange things.
DS, been a while you right. We have worked hard since 2017 to be a better side, and begin to get consistent results. Hopefully we can keep improving and be a match for the mighty ABs. We know what it is to be beaten, so will never take any win for granted. Important to keep respecting the ABs as well as the other top sides. Currently we are transitioning to a more attacking side playing with width which does open us up to mistakes but change and growth does come with some risk. Am sure Razor will build a proper side again and you guys will be at the top again soon. Was so good to have the ABs in SA for a few weeks
A small side-note to all rugby fans: Staying on the pitch (ie. not getting carded) is part of playing winning rugby. Getting carded is not an excuse for getting beaten. It is often symptomatic of: pressure, poor technique, fatigue, pressure. Sure, sometimes the cookie won't crumble nicely (all teams experience those moments) but for the most part, the card is something that good rugby teams manage to avoid.
Agreed, just look at the Bismarck DuPlessis, red v ABs, neither of those tackles, would have even been looked at today. Sam Canes in WCF, was clear hit to head, Scott Barrett at Twickenham was 2 yellows, and Jeff Wilson and John Kirwin went on as if the second one was straight red, didn't they listen to the ref when he stated it was second yellow so red. Canes head on head at Ellis Park, nothing. But Kiwis whingeing, shoes on the other foot, I call it both ways no matter who it's for, try doing the same.
It’s an excellent diversion once you’re beaten.
It’s so good in fact that NZ pundits have been discussing the cards and refs for a year now, instead of the gradual decline of their team.
And I think I’m ok with that. Let them moan about it for another 10 years and offer up plenty more excuses for the ABs
Then, nobody has to actually fix the problem.
It is if the cards are not justified and / or the other teams gets let off the hook for cardable offenses. SA seem to have found the magic in this aspect of gamesmanship. The Rassie rant may have frightened the NH refs that pollute all the AB games lately. Barnes officiating gives the ABs a 64% win ratio compared to over 80% otherwise. The implied perception in the NH and SA is that the ABs need tougher monitoring as they get too much leniency. That's become a sad joke but a fact nonetheless.
The real good news for the All Blacks is that they might be able to win the next 2 games in a row.
What happens if they lose?
Joe is likely to have a plan and could surprise just as SA need to watch their current hubris against Argentina - they have had two wins already.
Ben Smith: The Patron Saint of All Black Tears and South African Nightmares
Oh, Ben Smith. You’ve really outdone yourself, haven’t you? When it comes to rugby punditry, you’ve carved a niche so narrow that I’m surprised the internet has enough bandwidth to handle it. South Africa might be the reigning world champions, but in your fantasy land of rugby supremacy, we’re just a minor inconvenience—kind of like the spare tire on New Zealand’s World Cup bus. Too bad that bus keeps getting flat tires, doesn’t it?
1. South Africa Wins? Must Be the Apocalypse
Every time South Africa wins, you react like someone just told you the world is flat. Whether it’s a Rugby Championship thrashing or a World Cup triumph, you treat our victories like footnotes in the grand saga of New Zealand's heroic almost-wins. And when South Africa crushes the All Blacks—again—you’d think someone burned down your childhood home. No, Ben, we’re not the rugby equivalent of a bad hair day. We’re just better. It’s okay to admit it.
2. The Springboks' World Cup Wins: Accidents or Anomalies?
The way you cover South Africa’s World Cup wins, you’d think we stumbled into them by accident. Did a dog run onto the field? Was there a mysterious eclipse? Maybe our boys were possessed by the spirits of long-dead All Blacks (RIP)? According to you, it’s never just because the Springboks are actually a phenomenal team. No, it’s because New Zealand was “off their game,” or “rebuilding,” or the more poetic excuse: “a bit unlucky.” Keep telling yourself that while we lift another trophy.
3. The Mythical All Black Comeback (That Never Comes)
I’ve got to hand it to you, Ben: your commitment to the All Blacks’ “inevitable comeback” is truly inspirational. Year after year, defeat after defeat, you push the same narrative. The All Blacks might be getting their asses handed to them by South Africa, but in Ben Smith’s utopia, they’re always just one game away from ascending back to rugby heaven. Except, spoiler alert, they’re not. They haven’t been in quite some time. The sooner you accept this, the less embarrassing your articles will read to, well, everyone else.
4. France and Ireland: South Africa's Convenient Shield
When you’re not gushing over the All Blacks' almost successes, you pivot to your new loves: France and Ireland. Apparently, they’re the only teams worthy of standing in New Zealand’s way. Meanwhile, South Africa? Pfft, just another bump on the road to Paris. Newsflash, Ben: the last time we checked, South Africa was the reigning champion, and the only thing France has won is the “Best Team That Hasn’t Won Anything Yet” award. But by all means, keep hyping up Antoine Dupont. He’ll need something to smile about after we demolished France in the World Cup quarters.
5. The “Weather” Conundrum
Ah, the weather. Apparently, it’s South Africa’s secret weapon. It’s either too rainy, too sunny, too humid, or just too Springbok-y for New Zealand to handle. It’s never South Africa’s brilliant tactical play, fierce defense, or bone-crushing physicality. Nope, it’s the barometric pressure. Did the All Blacks lose because their scrum got bulldozed? Nah, must’ve been the wrong wind direction. It’s nice to know we can control the elements, Ben. That explains all the wins.
6. The All Blacks' Humbling? A Fluke, Obviously
Let’s talk about that 35-7 obliteration
That’s the kind of result that makes even die-hard New Zealanders question whether they should start following cricket instead. But what do you do, Ben? You write it off as just another “bad day at the office.” Mate, a bad day at the office is spilling your coffee on the way to a meeting. What happened to the All Blacks was a full-scale public flogging. If you’re going to call that a bad day, then New Zealand rugby is having one hell of a bad year.
7. It's Not Bias, It's Just... Kiwi Patriotism?
We get it, Ben. You love New Zealand. You’ve probably got a tattoo of the Silver Fern on your arm and a shrine to Richie McCaw in your living room. But here’s the thing: being patriotic doesn’t mean you have to be blind. South Africa is not only a major player in world rugby; we’re the best player. The sooner you acknowledge that, the better your articles will age. Because right now, they’re aging like milk in the Kalahari.
8. Ben Smith’s Final Prediction: “This Time, New Zealand Will Win”
Ben, I know you’ve got a favorite line stored up, ready to be deployed at the next Rugby World Cup: “This time, the All Blacks will win.” We’re waiting for it. And we can’t wait to hear your excuses when they don’t. Maybe blame it on a “mysterious illness” or “bad omens.” But hey, at least your All Blacks will always be champions in your head, and that’s what counts, right?
Sincerely, A South African Who’s Tired of Hearing Your Excuses (And Enjoying Our Wins While You Sulk)
The sheer amount of times, according to Ben smith, the all blacks have been on the receiving end of misfortune you’d be forgiven for thinking that he was looking for excuses for his favourite teams shortcomings
Brilliant 👏👏
Lol all the way through that. Brilliant!
😂😂😂
Well done good reply!
The good news is no more games this yr vs RSA...
The usual Ben stuff that gets the Bok fans going
Both sides got cards for cynical play
I actually think the ABs attack is progressing
Yes it’s not finished but we beat 31 defenders
The issue is the lack of belief or game smarts in the red zone
The Boks know what to do there. Some questionable clearing and rolling by Wiese well past the ruck in Sititi and by Nortje who rolled around at the ruck leading to Siyas try
Clever if you ask me
They know what they are doing
They also know they can rely one their systems and scramble D when it matters
To me the lack of bench use in the forwards was a killer for the ABs
Two weeks in a row
You know what is coming but do nothing about it?
Lomax gassed - 73 mins?
Scott gassed
Darry not used - Razor thought ht did use him
Ironically the vaunted Tony Brown attack didn’t look so hot and the Boks relied on Kolbe to cause chaos
He and DDA were the only two to really make ground in attack and most of it broken play
Two losses though - it’s not good but the ABs were in the contest longer this time and a mad two mins sealed the game
Toaster, ABs are always ‘in the contest’. Always. At the moment the Boks are finding ways to win, and their depth is telling. If I was Razor I would stop looking at other sides, but rather start to build a dominant pack again. The ABs always have a proper back line, but their forwards go missing in final quarter. Build a squad of 14 proper test fit and tough forwards, and get balance right. Your loose forwards have not been right since Reid and McCaw retired. Ardie buggers the balance up. Play Darry now and get him to 30 caps quickly
It can be suggested that the AB's did not perform at their best and a slight lift in their game could see them get the result against the Springboks but then again SA were not very good either and a lift in their performance could see them smash the AB's. Sometimes teams cancel eachother out and force errors upon one another. Nothing is perfect in Rugby, there are always areas to improve. The AB's are not far off and will be back next year to challenge for TRC again. Lets hope they learn their lessons ahead of the Bledisloe and the tough tour later this year. If not Razor could ship a further 3 or 4 tests this year if he is not careful. He will be expected to only allow another 2 to slip at most
Many posts here show Ben goes click & people go bait lmfao.
The balance of the AB pack has been and is still not right. Your front row is damn good. You guys need to pick proper locks and in Darry you have a guy who can play 100 caps. Play him and get him experienced. Keep Scott at lock, and get Vaai to flank now and keep him there. He can be like Psdt. Pick a dominant 8 who can carry, cover, be a lineout option at tail and also be strong in defense. Pick an open side who can jackal and plays 80 minutes with impact. Like Kwagga. And ensure bench 5 can bring impact. Your issue is sticking with Ardie and Cane and …. Get selections right and ‘build’ the pack to dominate tight and lose phases. Period. You always have the backs, just feel you miss Aaron Smith and have not really replaced him. But key is to make tough calls to get pack right first.
The good news is that it’s a while before they need to play the Boks again!
The bad news is that 4 could well become more…
Boycott Ben don't reply to his biast opinion, that way he'll be made nul and void ,his modis operandi is to rile up Saffas so he'll get clicks starve him of clicks ,he is simply a little Afrikaans box.
Show how it's done CT.
Ben Smith = 🤡
Basically the Boks played an average game and the ALL blacks played their best game and came short , )
Ben Smith has to be the most bitter, ungracious loser that NZ has ever produced - I’d be so ashamed of him. “Bongi’s charity try”…why don’t you mention that Codie Taylor’s try wasn’t a try either in that game and that Cane should have been sent off…overall you got luckier then didn’t you. Same with you whining about 15 on 14 for parts of the World Cup final…MAYBE YOU CAPTAIN SHOULD LEARN CORRECT TACKLE TECHNIQUE THEN. You weren’t down to 14 for no reason…if you were a better team you wouldn’t make mistakes like that. Ben is low class, ungracious in defeat and let’s NZ down every time he publishes content.
It's top shelf. Wind em up and watch em go. And boy do you lads take the bait. Show some restraint and he might wind it back a notch or two.
He also forgets the AB were 15 playing against 14 for a longer period in the game than the Springboks.
As for thinking tackling a player off the ball deserves anything more than the yellow card it received, he seems to think the allblacks deserve special treatment so they can win?
It’s truly impressive Ben how you manage to channel your personal biases into every single sentence. Keep up the fantastic work; it’s almost as if you’re trying to set new standards for biased journalism.
Before you put me to sleep madam Ben...yawn.....kiss my ars
As Ben says in the heading the 2-0 series loss to the Boks was good news. They played good rugger. The Boks in the past also played well and lost so we know how this feels
Are Ben still on the 15 v 14 story...First let the all blacks sort out there discipline then maybe they will manage to keep 15 on the field..Ben who's fault is that they cannot tackle proper and change lines....We beat you guys fair and square...
Both tests very winnable is the key message going forward. We're not far off, not far off indeed, & should be grateful for the learnings dished our way from the Boks, to both coaches & players.
On the back of this valuable experience, I back us to win our next 7 tests & thus finish the season at a rounded up 80% win rate. Looking forward to the next chapter. Exciting times ahead.
Saders Man, Razor must get pack right. Confusion has been trying to fit Ardie into side. He needs to be open side and perform. Get a big blind side flank- and then a dominant carrying 8.
Yeah, alternatively England, Ireland and France pump them too and Bishops premise comes to pass…