The timeless rivalry between New Zealand’s national team and South Africa’s powerhouse franchise reignited in Pretoria with an epic performance. Rugby fans witnessed a memorable All Blacks victory at Loftus Versfeld as the visiting side ran in eight tries to secure a commanding 50-19 triumph over the Vodacom Bulls. This result keeps their unbeaten Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour record intact while extending selection headaches for the coaching staff ahead of next weekend’s Test match in Johannesburg.
Driven by a Man of the Match performance from flanker Anton Segner, the visiting national side ran the home team ragged. Consequently, the relentless pace of play created constant gaps in the Bulls’ defense throughout both halves.
Anton Segner Inspires All Blacks Victory at Loftus Versfeld
Flanker Anton Segner was central to everything positive for the visitors. Segner topped the tackle count with 13 crucial stops, executed 12 forceful carries, and earned pivotal breakdown turnovers. As a result, his effort guaranteed a fast supply of ball for a thriving backline featuring centre Rieko Ioane, wing Leroy Carter, and second five-eighths Anton Lienert-Brown.
Furthermore, the pressure applied by quick ball movement forced the Bulls to make 159 tackles compared to just 127 from the visiting side. The home defense faltered early, missing 42 tackles as the visitors stormed to a 24-0 lead by halftime. For more coverage on team selections and match previews, stay updated with our latest rugby news and updates.
“The intensity of the play ran the home team ragged, though opportunities remained for even greater efficiency inside the opposition 22.”
First-Half Dominance and Moorby’s Double
After an initial impasse where both teams probed inside the 22m areas, the visiting scrum asserted complete dominance five metres from their line. From the ensuing platform, the ball moved wide to wing Josh Moorby, who crossed for the opening try in the 14th minute.
Shortly after, the Bulls appeared to respond when Hanro Liebenberg toed a loose ball ahead to ground it. However, a TMO review confirmed fullback Willie le Roux had knocked on in the buildup. Capitalizing on the reprieve, Beauden Barrett retrieved a midfield kick and linked with Carter and Ioane before feeding No8 Peter Lakai. Lakai threw a neat inside pass to Moorby for his second try of the afternoon.
Discipline issues mounted for the home side when tighthead Francois Klopper was sin-binned for blocking halfback Cortez Ratima. Consequently, captain Codie Taylor marked his return with a tap-penalty try in the 31st minute. Taylor added his second score right on the halftime hooter after lock Fabian Holland produced a back-handed offload following a ruck turnover.
Second-Half Response and Finishing Strong
The Vodacom Bulls came out determined after the break. Although lock Ruan Vermaak had an early effort overruled by referee Nika Amashukeli, the home side did break through in the 53rd minute. No8 Jeandre Rudolph launched down the blindside from a scrum to set up wing Stravino Jacobs, who powered through a tackle to score.
However, the visiting side responded instantly through superior phase coordination. Leroy Carter scored his first try after staying in-bounds along the sideline. Minutes later, Carter turned provider by feeding Rieko Ioane for another score following a turnover by Lakai.
In the 66th minute, Carter completed his double by taking a support pass after replacement halfback Kyle Preston set up the attack. Although Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee powered over from close range to make it 19-40, the visitors had the final say. Replacement No8 Wallace Sititi took a pass from Timoci Tavatavanawai to touch down beneath the crossbar, capping off another famous All Blacks victory at Loftus Versfeld.
Scoring Summary
Vodacom Bulls 19 (Tries: Ruan Vermaak, Stravino Jacobs, Marcell Coetzee; Conversions: Curwin Bosch 2)
All Blacks 50 (Tries: Josh Moorby 2, Codie Taylor 2, Leroy Carter 2, Rieko Ioane, Wallace Sititi; Conversions: Beauden Barrett 1, Josh Jacomb 4)
Halftime Score: 0-24