'Brutal battle': World media reacts to All Blacks' latest loss

Here’s how the world media reacted to the All Blacks 29-24 defeat to the Springboks in the third test in Johannesburg.

‘A simple but chilling game plan’

Jamie Corrigan, Daily Telegraph UK

“The manner in which the Springboks blew away their fierce rivals in the last 15 minutes make Rassies Eramus’s men overwhelming favourites to finish the job in America next Saturday.

“However, there were passages of this brutal battle that suggested that Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry could still produce a finale worthy of the billing if New Zealand can learn the lessons from this brutal encounter at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

“There was a late Kiwi try to give the scoreboard a humdinger hue but Erasmus’s side were well deserving of their second victory in as many Saturdays over their fierce rivals, and credit to the South African head coach for outwitting counterpart Dave Rennie without needing to change his starting XV just before the kickoff, like he did seven days before. Amazing what one can do with a simple but chilling game plan.”

‘Constant threat with ball in hand’

Leezil Hendricks, Rugby 365

“There were plenty of standout performances from the Springboks, with Ethan Hooker impressing out wide with strong runs. He also worked hard, winning the aerial battle on a few occasions.

“Manie Libbok also deserves a mention for his influential performance off the bench, dictating the game and helping the Boks take control in the second half.

“However, our nod goes to Malcolm Marx. The veteran hooker was outstanding on both sides of the ball. He was a constant threat with ball in hand, scored a crucial try and made several key turnovers at the breakdown. Marx was at the heart of the Springboks’ hard-fought victory and fully deserved the Player of the Match accolade.”

‘A second-half masterclass’

Gerard Meagher, The Guardian

“There have been moments over the past couple of weeks that have made us question South Africa’s status as the standard bearers in world rugby. After this helter-skelter third test victory that ensures they cannot lose the series, we have an emphatic answer. The Springboks’ power is unrivalled. The All Blacks’ panache has taken them mightily close but South Africa remain on their perch.

“A consolation score for New Zealand at the death rescued some pride but flattered the All Blacks. A second-half masterclass from the Boks, the relentless kind that leaves even opponents as worthy as these suffocated, gasping for air, confirms what was taken as read before this series started – South Africa remain the hot favourites for next year’s World Cup.”

‘An outrageous maul try’

Jared Wright, Planet Rugby

“The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year produced a masterclass in hooker play. [Malcolm Marx] thumped the Soweto turf when he celebrated an outrageous maul try and the fact that his name was credited with the five points was just reward for the brilliance he produced prior.

“His lineout darts were world-class, his breakdown work otherworldly, and he was the focal point of a brutally effective Bok scrum. A world-class performance from a world-class player. [Marx] got a standing ovation when he left the pitch and deserved it.”

‘An unreal game’

Daniel Gallan, The Guardian

“An unreal game. A game worthy of the title of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. It had everything. If you’re a fan of this sport – even if you’re not – this game had something for you.

“Four tries each, South Africa’s second-half display will be spoken about for years to come.”

‘Immediate dominance’

Ross Roche, The Citizen

“After a poor reffing performance of the scrums from Aussie ref Angus Gardner a week ago in Cape Town, the Springboks finally got their just reward from Georgian ref Nika Amashukeli at the FNB Stadium.

“The first few scrums were for the All Blacks, and although the Boks looked to get the upper hand, the New Zealanders got the ball in and out quickly. The first scrum on their own feed for the Springboks showed immediate dominance and a penalty from which they cleared their lines.”

‘Missed his leadership and quality’

Colin Newboult, Planet Rugby

“[Arde Savea] was absolutely outstanding for half an hour, scoring two tries, carrying hard and defending resolutely, but unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury. If it’s serious, that could be his season, but we sincerely hope the great Savea can return as soon as possible.

“They certainly missed his leadership and quality after the break, and it was critical in South Africa’s second-half dominance.”