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Clinical New Zealand shock wasteful South Africa in first Test
New Zealand scored five tries and ended South Africa’s 12-test winning streak, while the Springboks finished with 13 players after two yellow cards.
- New Zealand defeated South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the opening Test of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, ending the Springboks' 12-Test winning streak.
- Despite leading 13-12 at halftime, South Africa squandered numerous scoring chances while wing Cheslin Kolbe maintained a perfect kicking record; handling errors left the Springboks vulnerable to New Zealand's second-half attack.
- The All Blacks scored five tries including efforts from lock Fabian Holland and flanker Luke Jacobson, while South Africa finished with 13 men after Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach received yellow cards in quick succession.
- Coach Rassie Erasmus admitted the Springboks "shot ourselves in the foot" with errors, while winning coach Dave Rennie praised his team's "clinical" defense after surviving South Africa's dominant scrum pressure early on.
- The series moves to Cape Town on Saturday, August 29, where coach Erasmus faces significant injury concerns for wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe following the physical demands of the opening Test.
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The Straits TimesReposted by 
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PressNewsAgencyAll Blacks take major advantage in South Africa series after first-test success
JOHANNESBURG, Aug 22 - New Zealand’s first-test victory against South Africa on Saturday hands them a massive advantage in the four-match series, with their hard-fought 33-16 victory at Ellis Park a statement win, said coach Dave Rennie. Read more at straitstimes.com.
·Singapore, Singapore
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They became strong at Ellis Park and put on the 1-0 series; South Africa cut a 12-win run in a row
·Vicente López, Argentina
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Total News Sources48
Leaning Left10Leaning Right7Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Center
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
54% Center
L 27%
C 54%
R 19%
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