New Zealand slumped to a third consecutive loss at the hands of their greatest rivals South Africa for the first time since 2009.
Despite leading for 67 minutes, Scott Robertson’s side could not hold off a methodical Springboks comeback at Ellis Park.
Played in front of a feverish crowd at the site of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, the tension in the stadium was palpable as the All Blacks raced into a commanding 27 – 17 lead in the 51st minute.
Despite trailing by two scores, the Springboks did as they always do an stuck in the fight with flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu keeping his team in touch with a strong showing from the kicking tee.
As the dust settled following late two tries from the World Champions, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s opposite number Damian McKenzie was unimpressed by the Boks fan’s prematch antics throughout the haka.
Speaking post match, McKenzie felt as though the South African fans did not respect what the All Blacks were looking to achieve with their spiritual war dance.
“It is the first time I have played here in Johannesburg. I was told it was pretty loud,” the flyhalf said.
“You can understand the roars of the crowd, and the music is a little … yeah.
“I probably don’t agree with it as much.”
“It is an opportunity for us to connect with our [people] back home and our ancestors.
“We knew the noise was going to be there, but it is out of my control.”
McKenzie ended his day with two conversions and a penalty whilst the All Blacks secured two bonus points courtesy of scoring four tries and finishing within seven points.
