New Zealand comes back to beat Lions 41-35 in Johannesburg
Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 10:27 PM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
New Zealand rallied from an 18-point deficit to secure a 41-35 victory against the Lions at Ellis Park on August 25, 2026. Despite trailing 35-17 early in the second half, the All Blacks scored four consecutive tries in the final 30 minutes. This match was part of their tour of South Africa, and New Zealand remains unbeaten after defeating four provincial teams and the Springboks in the first Test. The All Blacks are set to play the second Test against South Africa this Saturday.
- •New Zealand trailed by 18 points early in the second half.
- •Ethan Blackadder scored multiple tries, including the go-ahead score.
- •Rieko Ioane contributed two tries in the comeback effort.
- •The match marks New Zealand's fourth consecutive win on tour.
- •New Zealand previously defeated South Africa 33-16 in the first Test.
"New Zealand fought back from an 18-point deficit in the second half to beat the Lions 41-35 and avoid a shock defeat at Ellis Park on Tuesday.
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