Fly-half Sacha FeinbergMngomezulu scored 16 points and almost put to bed the Springboks’ debate at No.10 but he blotted his copybook slightly by being timed out for a conversion and missing a sitter of a penalty late on.
Hooker Marx and co came off the bench after 44 minutes, and Erasmus had used all his substitutes withing 50 minutes, and it looked as if the explosion of the replacements had been defused by Robertson’s crew.
The Kiwis had scored four tries to three, were 2717 up, but somehow South Africa got over the line in a match that provided fireworks from start to finish and Marx was at the centre of that.
Back row Kwagga Smith, another bench man, had given the Boks hope, going over from a driving lineout then replacement scrum-half Grant Williams supplied the killer blow with five minutes left.
A yellow card for New Zealand replacement prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi on 67 minutes put the Kiwis on the back foot and the Boks, with Pieter-Steph du Toit having his standard stormer, wriggled free thanks to Smith, Williams and Marx.
When Jordie Barrett intercepted a pass meant for Siya Kolisi just after the break it looked for all money as if the visitors would do the business. And when wing Caleb Clarke went over for his second score on 51 minutes the few visiting fans in Johannesburg were anticipating a big night out in Sandton.
It was a kick in the guts for New Zealand but they played miles better than they did in dispatching England twice in July. Food for thought for Steve Borthwick who must be even more gutted his side did not put the under-par Kiwis away recently.
This story is from the September 01, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 01, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.