Second half brilliance sees South Africa thrash New Zealand 43-10

South Africa produced a dominant second-half performance to crush New Zealand 43–10 in Wellington, inflicting the heaviest defeat in All Blacks history.

The Springboks trailed 10–7 at halftime but ran in five tries after the break, with Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman and André Esterhuizen all crossing. Manie Libbok contributed with the boot, and his control alongside South Africa’s forward power dismantled the hosts in stunning fashion.

The All Blacks made a lively start and were rewarded in the 17th minute when debutant Leroy Carter finished off a sharp move for the opening try. Damian McKenzie converted to give New Zealand a 7–0 lead.

South Africa responded in the 24th minute through Kolbe, who exploited space out wide to score. Libbok’s conversion levelled the scores at 7–7. McKenzie nudged the All Blacks back in front with a penalty in the 28th minute, and despite South African pressure, New Zealand went into halftime ahead 10–7.

Whatever was said in the Springbok dressing room had immediate effect. Just two minutes after the restart, Kolbe struck again in the 42nd minute, finishing a sweeping attack to put South Africa in front. Libbok converted for a 14–10 lead. Four minutes later, Libbok added a penalty to stretch the margin to 17–10.

From there, the visitors took complete control. At the 60-minute mark, Damian Willemse darted over for a try, again converted by Libbok, extending the lead to 24–10.

Eight minutes later, Kwagga Smith powered across after relentless pressure from the forwards. Libbok missed the conversion, but South Africa were comfortably ahead 29–10.

Only four minutes later, RG Snyman added his name to the scoresheet with a try in the 72nd minute, this time converted by Libbok to make it 36–10.

The onslaught ended in the 79th minute when centre André Esterhuizen crashed over for South Africa’s sixth try. Libbok converted on the stroke of full-time, sealing a remarkable 43–10 victory.

The win meant South Africa have 10 points with two wins from four matches while the All Blacks are at third place with same 10 points but inferior point difference. The Wallabies are at the top with 11 points.