All Blacks Give Proof They're Still The Boss

New Zealand posted notice that their bid for a third successive World Cup title is alive and well by ruthlessly seeing off a South African side predicted to be their main challengers.

- Nick Cain

Some of the sheen surrounding the Springboks was rubbed off when a devastating two try jail-break by the reigning world champions in five minutes midway through the first half saw wing George Bridge and lock Scott Barrett touch down for a 17-3 lead in Yokohama.

It left the Boks having to play catch-up for the remainder of the match, and although they made inroads with a try by flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit early in the second half – and wasted another couple of clear opportunities – it was New Zealand who finished with more credit in the bank.

This was particularly the case in the aerial contest where the All Blacks were more accurate and effective under the high ball, and frequently made capital from spillage by the Springboks.

More surprisingly, it also applied at the scrum, where South Africa’s juggernaut pack was generally less stable and therefore on the receiving end of penalties.

Overall, New Zealand were also the more dynamic team, and far more effective at punishing opposition errors. This was because they were much better at making the most of their attacking weaponry.

Where Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Sevu Reece and Anton Leinert-Brown were part of a cohesive attacking structure for the All Blacks, the Springbok attack was more fractured.

This was highlighted by their inability to get the most out of the match-winning running prowess of Cheslin Kolbe, with fly-half Handre Pollard and his outside backs unable to create opportunities for the Toulouse pocket-rocket.

For the most part, Kolbe was left to his own devices – and even then his electriceel running frequently had the New Zealanders reeling.

These tactical shortcomings will have been a disappointment to Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus because there was a sense coming into this clash between these fierce rivals that South Africa might have New Zealand’s number.