All Blacks take 1-0 series lead over Springboks with 33-16 win
ESPN Rugby • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 5:40 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
New Zealand defeated South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday, taking the lead in their four-test series. After a closely contested first half, New Zealand surged ahead with an impressive second half performance, scoring five tries to South Africa's one. The Springboks, who trailed 13-12 at the break, struggled with discipline and handling, ultimately finishing the match with 13 players. This loss ends South Africa's 12-match winning streak, dating back to last year. The series continues next Saturday at sea level in Cape Town.
- •New Zealand leads the four-test series 1-0.
- •Springboks had a 12-test winning streak coming into the match.
- •New Zealand scored five tries to South Africa's one.
- •Match finished with South Africa down to 13 players.
- •Next test in Cape Town scheduled for next Saturday.
- 3:59 PMESPN Rugby — All Blacks stun South Africa at Ellis Park
- 5:40 PMYahoo Sports — All Blacks stun South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park and snap Springboks' 12-test win streak
"New Zealand stunned South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday and drew first blood in their historic four-test series. After surviving a ferocious first half to trail only 13-12, the All Blacks' deep belief and ability to produce something from nothing turned a tense contest into a rout by five tries to South Africa's one. A scrum that was blown away in the first half eventually held firm in the second half and was the platform for New Zealand's last two tries in the last quarter.
"New Zealand stunned South Africa 33-16 with an epic second-half fightback at Ellis Park on Saturday and drew first blood in their historic four-test series.
"New Zealand outscored hosts South Africa five tries to one and win the first Test 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday to go one-up in the four-match series.
Sources
External links- ESPN RugbyAug 24, 2026, 3:59 PMAll Blacks stun South Africa at Ellis Park
New Zealand stunned South Africa 33-16 with an epic second-half fightback at Ellis Park on Saturday and drew first blood in their historic four-test series.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 5:40 PMAll Blacks stun South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park and snap Springboks' 12-test win streak
New Zealand stunned South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday and drew first blood in their historic four-test series. After surviving a ferocious first half to trail only 13-12, the All Blacks' deep belief and ability to produce something from nothing turned a tense contest into a rout by five tries to South Africa's one. A scrum that was blown away in the first half eventually held firm in the second half and was the platform for New Zealand's last two tries in the last quarter.
- Sky Sports—All Blacks slay Springboks in first Test upset at fortress Ellis Park
New Zealand outscored hosts South Africa five tries to one and win the first Test 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday to go one-up in the four-match series.
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