Quinn Tupaea celebrates.
Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
The All Blacks have stepped up to the plate, dishing a dramatic 24-17 blow to the Springboks at Auckland’s Eden Park.
There was much more on the line than one might have thought, with the game being Ardie Savea’s 100th test, the Eden Park win streak, and of course the Rugby Championship standings.
Saturday’s performance not only made headlines around the country, but globally, re-enforcing New Zealand’s standings at the top of the table.
So here’s how the world media reacted to the All Blacks’ dub.
The Guardian
A performance of “grit” and “discipline” is how The Guardian described New Zealand’s “bounceback” performance on Saturday.
The British newspaper went into game details, saying the All Blacks kicked it off with “pace” and “ferocity”.
Describing Beauden Barrett as a “playmaker”, it was clear the ABs’ game plays impressed.
The Springboks on the other hand were said to have “wasted their own chances” through skill and set-piece errors.
Still the article recognised the Springboks ability to raise the tension, though it was not enough to take the win.
The BBC
British broadcaster BCC also labelled the ABs win as a bounceback, after the loss to Argentina.
Quoting Ardie Savea, the headline read: “All Blacks earn ‘gutsy’ win against South Africa”.
It also noted the “remarkable” 31-year win streak that was extended at Eden Park.
Damian McKenzie is upended by Springbok Eben Etzebeth.
Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
ABC News
Australia’s ABC News also honed in on the 51-match-win-record, while breaking down the onfield performance of both South Africa and New Zealand.
The broadcaster said the All Blacks “clinically” scored tries, in contrast to South Africa, who were “often ineffective” with the ball in hand.
However, the article also noted the ABs’ struggle to secure earlier wins, most recently against Argentina.
“The All Blacks have been brittle in these tight finishes in the recent past but on Saturday they were steely,” it said.
AFP
“Rugged arm-wrestle” is how French-based outlet AFP described the ABs’ win.
The outlet touched on the slippery conditions that posed a challenge to both of the world’s top-ranked sides.
It also hailed back-rower Savea, particularly for his turnover in the final few heated minutes, while South Africa copped criticism, being described in the article as “error-prone”.
News24
South African news website News24 slammed the Springboks, saying they “were their own worst enemies”.
Lineout mistakes, handling problems and obstruction woes were among the errors listed in a flood of articles on the outlet’s rugby homepage.
One News24 article hones in on Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, who it said was shrugging off the Springboks lineout breakdowns.
“Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus refused to individualise the lineout woes that afflicted the Boks in Auckland,” it read.
Ardie Savea of New Zealand, and Siya Kolisi and Jesse Kriel of South Africa.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
No matter what media outlet wrote the post-match article, the All Blacks and Ardie Savea clearly impressed the world.
On the other hand, the Springboks performance attracted much criticism, particularly from their own media.
Other headlines covered Argentina’s defeat, with Australia taking the win through a try six minutes after the final siren. The final score was 28-24.
Los Pumas will once again face the Wallabies in Sydney, while the All Blacks will battle the Springboks in Wellington, both on Saturday.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
‘Defending our home’ – All Blacks coach and captain’s reaction to win over Boks
All Blacks centurion Ardie Savea wants to ‘keep bringing the pressure’
Bok Busters: how the All Blacks defended their fortress
All Blacks stave off Springboks to keep Eden Park record intact
