South Africa’s rugby team makes history with fourth consecutive win over New Zealand, claiming the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
(The Post News)- The Springboks achieved a momentous victory over their arch-rivals, the All Blacks, in the 2024 Castle Lager Rugby Championship. The 18-12 win marked the Boks’ fourth consecutive triumph over the Kiwis, a feat never before accomplished in the professional era.
The pulsating Test, played on a chilly Saturday, saw the Springboks outscore the All Blacks by two tries to zero, a testament to their dominance. However, the home side will be the first to admit that the victory did not come without its challenges. The All Blacks led 9-3 at halftime, but the Boks’ resilience and determination ultimately paid off.
The first half was a replica of the previous week’s encounter at Emirates Airline Park, with the All Blacks starting strong and the Boks struggling to find their footing. The visitors’ attacking flair was matched by the home side’s robust defense, which kept the Kiwis at bay. However, the Boks’ lineout woes continued, with two lost opportunities in attacking positions. The scrum, which started strongly for the Boks, eventually became a parity affair as the half progressed.
Discipline and tactical kicking were also areas of concern for the Boks, with Jasper Wiese being penalized for slowing the ball down in the 13th minute. McKenzie capitalized on the mistake, slotting his first penalty goal to put the All Blacks ahead.
The second half saw a resurgence from the Boks, who began to assert their dominance. The All Blacks’ late yellow card proved costly, as the Boks exploited the numerical advantage to seal the win.
The victory marks a historic moment for the Springboks, who have now won back the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009. The achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, and sets them up for a thrilling conclusion to the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
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