Springboks Fall To New Zealand In World Cup Opener

Defending champions New Zealand humbled South Africa 23-13 in their 2019 Rugby World Cup (RCW) Group B opener in Yokohama International Stadium, Japan on Saturday.

Springboks dominated the first quarter with some patient rugby and took an early lead via a Handre Pollard penalty and bossed the early exchanges.

Soon after, they allowed All Blacks to dominate proceedings and in the 24th minute, George Bridge rounded off a splendid move which was exploited by Seevu Reece to level the matters from a penalty goal.

Two quick-fire tries which came from winger George Bridge and lock Scott Barrett inside four minutes extended All Blacks lead to 17-3.

But the South Africans slowly regained their composure and fought back gallantly in the second half.

Cheslin Kolbe had a long break down the right which was denied before flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit found a hole in the opponents’ defence to score a pick-and-go try.

Handre Pollard made the conversion which brought the Springboks back in the game at 17-10.

Ten minutes later, Pollard made the score 17-13 from a long-range drop goal but New Zealand showed class and composure in the manner they closed the game out.

Two late penalties from Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett took the score to 23-13 which settled matters.

South Africa’s next match is against Namibia in Toyota next Saturday (September 28), while New Zealand are next in action against Canada in Oita on Wednesday, October 2.