New Zealand Triumphs Over South Africa in Historic Test Match
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Saturday 22 August 2026 18:48, UK New Zealand outscored hosts South Africa five tries to one and win the first Test 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday to go one-up in the four-match series.
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The Guardian SportAs first courses go, this was a delicious appetiser to a series that looks on course to live up to its billing. First blood goes to New Zealand, who withstood a barrage of South Africa scrum pressure and demonstrated a slickness that the double world champions could not live with, clinching a first win at Ellis Park since 2022.
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All Blacks emerge worthy winners as they outscore Springboks in first test upset - Reuters All Blacks emerge worthy winners as they outscore Springboks in first test upset Reuters
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Sky SportsThe All Blacks had been underdogs going into the first international of their eight-match tour but took full advantage of the home side's numerous handling errors and ill discipline for a statement victory that ended a 12-match winning streak for the Springboks and will rock the confidence of the world champions.
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There is no doubt with this one. The rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand really is the greatest in men’s rugby union.
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Sky SportsIs South Africa vs New Zealand rugby's 'Greatest Rivalry'? New Zealand's tour of South Africa live on Sky Sports Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract
3 details only one outlet reported
Independent claims that didn't surface elsewhere in our corpus. Treat as supplementary — not corroborated across outlets.
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01 Sky Sports The Boks led 13-12 at half-time, but New Zealand took over in the second half to close it out and end South Africa's unbeaten streak.
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02 The Guardian Sport By the end, South Africa had two men in the sin-bin and, given their status as the world’s leading side, this must goe down as a disintegration. There will be a backlash – it is hard to remember a time when South Africa were so inaccurate with the ball in hand – but credit New Zealand for producing a masterclass at weathering the storm and taking their chances.
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03 Reuters Sports New Zealand forced into late change for first test against Springboks - Reuters New Zealand forced into late change for first test against Springboks Reuters
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Sources (3)
- guardian-sport
- skysports
- reuters-sports