South Africa v New Zealand LIVE: Rugby result and reaction after Springboks thrash All Blacks
The Springboks and All Blacks square off in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham
South Africa laid down a marker ahead of the Rugby World Cup with a record win over New Zealand at Twickenham.
In the final warm-up fixture for both southern hemisphere sides before the tournament in France, the Springboks were close to irresistable, capitalising on the All Blacks’ indiscipline to produce a statement 35-7 thrashing.
First half tries from Siya Kolisi and Kurt-Lee Arendse were followed by scores from Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi and Kwagga Smith after the interval as the world champions flexed their muscles ahead of the defence of their crown in front of a close-to-capacity crowd in London.
Cam Roigard’s spectacular late consolation was all that New Zealand could muster on a disastrous evening for head coach Ian Foster, with Scott Barrett sent off as thee All Blacks suffered their biggest ever defeat.
The lock was shown a second yellow card after dropping a shoulder into Marx’s head and will face a disciplinary hearing, while starting tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax was also carted off with a serious-looking leg injury.
The All Blacks open the World Cup against hosts France in Paris on Friday 8 September, while South Africa begin their campaign against Scotland in Marseille two days later.
Follow the action from Twickenham with our blog below and you can find the latest rugby tips and betting offers here:
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes
Into the New Zealand 22 the South African forwards march, with an infringement at the lineout granting the Springboks advantage with which to play. Faf de Klerk explores the blindside, producing a delicate grubber...which just beats Kurt-Lee Arendse! The wing is fleet of foot but not quite fleet enough.
Back for the penalty - and Siya Kolisi opts for the corner.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 2 minutes
But that matters not! New Zealand straight to floor; penalty South Africa. Matthew Carley isn’t much keen for scrum-time messing.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 2 minutes
A bit of treatment for Vermeulen, but he’s tough as teak - he stomps back to the base of the scrum as the South African fans whoop their approval.
Aaron Smith will feed. Good attacking position this, 45 metres out just left of centre.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
A safe claim from Duane Vermeulen, while New Zealand also make a good job of their first aerial task.
That’s a worry for the veteran number eight, though - Vermeulen clasps at what looks like a sore shoulder after making a tackle on Sam Cane.
KICK OFF!
Right, we’re ready for action. South Africa assemble themselves, three forwards and Canan Moodie readied to be lifted in receipt of Beauden Barrett’s kick off.
Matthew Carley checks with the rest of his officiating team - and blasts on his whistle! Kick off at Twickenham!
Match officials
Referee: Matthew Carley (ENG)
ARs: Christophe Ridley (ENG) & Craig Evans (WAL)
TMO: Tom Foley (ENG)
Haka
The All Blacks lay down the challenge to another Twickenham roar.
South Africa vs New Zealand
Crikey is it loud in here. Both anthems are given meaty backing from the stands, South Africa’s particularly.
The noise lifts again for the start of the Haka.
South Africa vs New Zealand
Out they come again as the flames fly, 23 in black, 23 in green, braced for one final battle before the World Cup. Avoiding injury and incident is obviously objective number one - but you fancy both would like to make a pre-tournament statement.
South Africa vs New Zealand
Back inside go the two teams, New Zealand leaving South Africa enough time to vacate the tunnel before following the Springboks back to the dressing rooms for their final preparations. It does feel like rain is on the way, but it’s dry and warm enough for now - what do these two southern hemisphere giants have in store for us?
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