New Zealand produced a defensive masterclass to beat South Africa 24-17 and defend their Eden Park stronghold.
The All Blacks extended their unbeaten run at the Auckland fortress to 51 matches as the Springboks failed to conquer the hallowed ground after producing an uncharacteristically sloppy performance. Rassie Erasmus’ world champions had travelled to New Zealand with hope that they could seize control of the Rugby Championship with a first victory at Eden Park since 1937, but despite a late fightback that saw them threaten to snatch a draw, the home side held firm – with Ardie Savea fittingly securing a crucial turnover on the occasion of his 100th cap.
After a shock defeat to Argentina last time out, this was a vastly improved showing from Scott Robertson’s hosts as they showcased their defensive strength with a number of outstanding defensive stands. With Beauden Barrett controlling affairs well, tries from Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan and Quinn Tupaea pushed the All Blacks out of reach despite that late rally from the Springboks – who will hope to get revenge in Wellington in the second of back-to-back meetings next week.
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All Blacks vs Springboks live
- New Zealand hold on for dramatic 24-17 South Africa in compelling Rugby Championship clash
- All Blacks bounce back from defeat to Argentina to retain their unbeaten Eden Park record, that stretches back to 1994
- 75' - TRY! Reinach snipes over to set up grandstand finish (NZ 24-17 SA)
- 68' - TRY! Tupea crashes over to restore NZ's two-score lead (NZ 24-10 SA)
- 63' - TRY! Marx powers across the line to bring Springboks back into it (NZ 17-10)
- 14' - TRY! Jordan dances through for a lovely try (NZ 14-0 SA)
- 2' - TRY! Narawa gives All Blacks the perfect start with a clever try after Barrett cross-kick (NZ 7-0 SA)
Ardie Savea reflects on a special day
12:02
,
Luke Baker
What a day for Ardie Savea. He won his 100th All Blacks cap, beat bitter rivals South Africa and got a crucial turnover that stopped the Boks metres from the line with a couple of minutes left.
Here’s his thoughts on everything.
"Every time we play in New Zealand, we play for our people"
— TheRugbyChampionship (@SanzarTRC) September 6, 2025
Hear from the man of the moment, Ardie Savea after an incredible 100th test for the @AllBlacks #NZLvRSA #TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/KOYS2HGgKA
All Blacks survive brutal Springboks battle to seize control of Rugby Championship
11:40
,
Luke Baker
New Zealand held firm at their Eden Park fortress to claim an attritional 24-17 win over South Africa in a heavyweight clash between the world's top two rugby sides.
Under pressure after conceding a first-ever defeat on Argentine soil against the Pumas two weeks ago, the All Blacks responded with a performance of grit and discipline to stretch their unbeaten run at their Auckland stronghold to 51 matches.
Two well-taken tries by Emoni Narawa and Will Jordan set up a 14-3 lead at halftime before Quinn Tupaea grabbed a third five-pointer for the hosts 13 minutes from time.
Here’s the full report from today’s clash:
Rugby Championship 2025 Schedule
11:23
,
Luke Baker
Here’s the full schedule for this year’s Championship
16 August
South Africa 22-38 Australia
Argentina 24-41 New Zealand
23 August
South Africa 30-22 Australia
Argentina 29-23 New Zealand
6 September
Australia 28-24 Argentina
New Zealand 24-17 South Africa
13 September
Australia vs Argentina - Sydney, 5am BST
New Zealand vs South Africa - Wellington, 8.05am BST
27 September
New Zealand vs Australia - Auckland, 6.05am BST
South Africa vs Argentina - Durban, 4.10pm BST
4 October
Australia vs New Zealand - Perth, 10.45am BST
Argentina vs South Africa - Twickenham, 2pm BST
New Zealand v South Africa stats
11:06
,
Luke Baker
Here are some key stats from today’s clash - ultimately not much in it
Territory: New Zealand 40%-60% South Africa
Possession: NZ 48%-52% SA
Tackles: NZ 145-110 SA
Tackles missed: NZ 24-25 SA
Carries: NZ 95-95 SA
Penalties conceded: NZ 10-10 SA
Line breaks: NZ 3-1 SA
Turnovers conceded: NZ 13-12 SA
Australia snatch dramatic victory at death in Rugby Championship thriller
10:53
,
Luke Baker
Here’s how things went down in the match between Australia and Argentina earlier today.
Angus Bell scored the winning try six minutes after the final hooter as the Wallabies overturned a 14-point half-time deficit to beat Argentina 28-24 in a Rugby Championship thriller in Townsville.
The Pumas led 21-7 at the break before the Wallabies levelled the score with a brace of tries from centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, but Pumas full-back Juan Cruz Mallia edged the visitors ahead with a penalty a minute from time. However, that wasn’t enough...
All Blacks survive brutal Springboks battle to seize control of Rugby Championship
10:40
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand held firm at their Eden Park fortress to claim an attritional 24-17 win over South Africa in a heavyweight clash between the world's top two rugby sides.
Under pressure after conceding a first-ever defeat on Argentine soil against the Pumas two weeks ago, the All Blacks responded with a performance of grit and discipline to stretch their unbeaten run at their Auckland stronghold to 51 matches.
Two well-taken tries by Emoni Narawa and Will Jordan set up a 14-3 lead at halftime before Quinn Tupaea grabbed a third five-pointer for the hosts 13 minutes from time.
Rugby Championship upcoming fixtures
10:38
,
Luke Baker
So what’s next in the Rugby Championship?
Round four kicks off in Sydney next weekend where Australia will be gunning for back-to-back victories over Argentina from 5am BST.
And then we’ll have a rematch of this All Blacks-Springboks cracker in Wellington from 8.05am.
More of the same in terms of drama would be ideal.
Rugby Championship table
10:25
,
Luke Baker
That victory sends New Zealand back to the top of the Rugby Championship, leapfrogging Australia, who beat Argentina earlier.
The losing bonus point for the Springboks at least sees them climb off the bottom, as they move above Argentina by the narrowest of margins.
Springboks captain Jesse Kriel reacts to defeat
10:15
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Springboks captain Jesse Kriel tells Sky Sport NZ that his side "weren't up to scratch tonight".
"We made way too many handling errors and just things that weren't up to standard for us. But I mean all credit to New Zealand, I thought they were really good."
New Zealand 24-17 South Africa
10:07
,
Luke Baker
What a match that was. The All Blacks deserved winners in the end to climb back atop the Rugby Championship table.
Fortress Eden Park
10:00
,
Luke Baker
They had to work hard but the All Blacks manage to continue their unbeaten record at Eden Park, which stretches back to 1994
That run at the Auckland fortress is now 51 matches, while the Springboks haven’t won there since 1937 - 88 years ago. It is truly remarkable
WATCH: New Zealand beat South Africa
09:58
,
Luke Baker
Here are the All Blacks tries from that incredible contest. The Springboks come up just short
A rapid start from the All Blacks against South Africa!
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) September 6, 2025
Watch live on Sky Sports+ and NOW pic.twitter.com/8DpIhrWnWZ
"They are on fire!"
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) September 6, 2025
The All Blacks storm in front against South Africa ⚡ pic.twitter.com/4tcStxxnLG
"They work it beautifully the All Blacks"
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) September 6, 2025
New Zealand extend their lead over South Africa! pic.twitter.com/iQOXKTamNH
FULL-TIME! New Zealand 24-17 South Africa, 80 mins
09:54
,
Luke Baker
AND IT'S OVER! Wow, wow, wow. What a Test match. How good is international rugby union!
The All Blacks hold on. Somehow. And they preserve their incredible Eden Park record. Still undefeated there since 1994. What a win.
New Zealand 24-17 South Africa, 80 mins
09:53
,
Luke Baker
The ball bounces loose but Kolbe scoops it up. The Boks have life still. Now they don’t! Turnover, Preston wins it back for New Zealand and they just need to kick it out!
New Zealand 24-17 South Africa, 80 mins
09:52
,
Luke Baker
The siren goes but South Africa turn the ball over! They’ll have one more chance. They’re just outside the 22
New Zealand 24-17 South Africa, 80 mins
09:51
,
Luke Baker
New Zealand win the lineout. Two phases to see out...
New Zealand 24-17 South Africa, 79 mins
09:51
,
Luke Baker
BUT IT’S A TURNOVER! Ardie Savea! Ardie Savea! On his 100th cap, he may just have won it for New Zealand.
Gets over the ball at the breakdown and WILL NOT be moved. Brilliant back row play, he wins the penalty and the All Blacks kick clear. Wow!
New Zealand 24-17 South Africa, 78 mins
09:50
,
Luke Baker
Lienout secured but the maul collapses imemdiately. The Boks keep the ball tight and run a couple of phases around the breakdown. 10 metres out now.
New Zealand 24-17 South Africa, 77 mins
09:48
,
Luke Baker
The All Blacks play the ball on the floor - on replay, that looks unlucky after a clean strip. South Africa penalty and kick to the corner. Lineout for the Boks in the 22...
New Zealand 24-17 South Africa, 76 mins
09:47
,
Luke Baker
The intensity is on another level here. The Boks defence delivers big hit after big hit to repel the All Blacks and now they’re on the attack
TRY! New Zealand 24-17 South Africa (Cobus Reinach, 75 mins)
09:45
,
Luke Baker
DRAMA! We’re in for a grandstand finish here. South Africa pound away at the All Blacks defence and Cobus Reinach has a dart from five metres out. He dummies, snipes, stays low, slips between two tackles and dives over the line. The Boks have life!
Conversion added and it’s a one-score game entering the final five minutes.
New Zealand 24-10 South Africa, 73 mins
09:43
,
Luke Baker
Hooker tries a chip over the top with Kriel in pursuit and it bounces awkwardly but Preston deals with it well and dots down behind his own line
New Zealand 24-10 South Africa, 72 mins
09:40
,
Luke Baker
Springboks win a penalty and kick to the corner. Surely have to score a try here to have any chance in this contest?
New Zealand 24-10 South Africa, 70 mins
09:39
,
Luke Baker
South Africa immediately back on the attack - they’re down to 14 men with Smith’s sin-bin and in desperation mode.
They batter at the New Zealand defence but the hosts are holding firm.
TRY! New Zealand 24-10 South Africa (Quinn Tupaea, 68 mins)
09:36
,
Luke Baker
Sustained pressure from five metres out but the Springboks hold firm.
The All Blacks go wide and THEY HAVE THE TRY! Quinn Tupaea on the crash ball, cuts inside a defender, shrugs off two more and dives over the line! Huge.
Easy conversion from in front of the posts and it’s a two-score lead for the hosts once more.
New Zealand 17-10 South Africa, 67 mins
09:34
,
Luke Baker
Immediate mistake by South Africa from the kick-off as they turn the ball over and concede a lineout in the 22.
The All Blacks almost go over but are illegally stopped and Kwagga Smith get sin-binned for his cynical foul. Back to the corner for the All Blacks...
TRY! New Zealand 17-10 South Africa (Malcolm Marx, 63 mins)
09:31
,
Luke Baker
But the South Africans do have their score! The scrum is still working and they obliterate the New Zealand pack, driving them off the ball.
Smith then crashes for more metres before Malcolm Marx picks up and drives towards the line, getting over.
Conversion added and the Boks are right back in this.
New Zealand 17-3 South Africa, 62 mins
09:29
,
Luke Baker
Clean lineout but when Smith pops the ball to De Allende on the wrapround, it’s a forward pass! This is so un-Springbok like today - the lack of accuracy is baffling.
Another chance goes begging.
New Zealand 17-3 South Africa, 61 mins
09:28
,
Luke Baker
South Africa win a scrum penalty just inside the New Zealand half and they kick into the 22. We’re starting to reach must-score territory, I think?
Kyle Preston on for Jordie Barrett, for a HIA.
New Zealand 17-3 South Africa, 60 mins
09:27
,
Luke Baker
South Africa having more territory in this second half but still no points to show for it. New Zealand are executing better in the key moments.
Kolbe tries to dance through defenders but is stopped. More subs, with Wallace Sititi having passed his HIA, so back on at No 8 for New Zealand, while 24-year-old Ethan Hooker is on for Pollard at fly half for the Springboks. Will that change their style of play at all?
New Zealand 17-3 South Africa, 57 mins
09:24
,
Luke Baker
Moodie claims a high ball nicely to set up the Boks and Feinberg-Mngomezulu produces a lovely offload out of the back of the hand to Kriel to surge into the 22.
The ball slows from there but South Africa are patient and run 10 orr 11 phases. But then a turnover! The All Black defence stiffens, they attack the breakdown, drive the Springboks off the ball and can clear.
New Zealand 17-3 South Africa, 54 mins
09:21
,
Luke Baker
It was building nicely for South Africa as they entered the All Black 22 but again, poor execution in attack costs them dearly. Runners carelessly get in front of the ball-carrier, forming a block and are pinged for offside. This has been sloppy by the Springboks generally
New Zealand 17-3 South Africa, 52 mins
09:19
,
Luke Baker
The bomb squad are slowly but surely being entered into the fray by the Springboks.
Lood de Jager and Kwagga Smith both now on
PENALTY! New Zealand 17-3 South Africa (Damian McKenzie, 50 mins)
09:18
,
Luke Baker
More or less bang in front for McKenzie, just outside the 22 and he slots it. The All Blacks move back 14 points ahead.
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 49 mins
09:17
,
Luke Baker
The Springboks start to ring the changes, initially in the backs, with Cobus Reinach on at scrum half and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also into the backline.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks scrummage well, Savea makes a barrelling run on his 100th cap and they win a penalty just outside the 22. Du Toit pinged for playing Christie off the ball. McKenzie will have a shy at the sticks.
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 46 mins
09:13
,
Luke Baker
Huge roars at Eden Park as the All Blacks win the turnover and properly clear their lines. What a defensive stand.
They’re now on the attack, some gorgeous offloading and a stunning Christie pass to Jordan makes big ground but Moodie scrambles well. Kriel then puts a huge hit in on Jordie Barrett to stop him in his tracks before Kolisi gets over the ball and the Boks win the turnover. Good work by South Africa.
Some changes for New Zealand as Du’Plessis Kirifi comes on for Sititi, who is off for a HIA, while Tyrel Lomax on in the front row for Newell.
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 43 mins
09:11
,
Luke Baker
This is a breathless start to the second half! New Zealand win the defensive lineout but a pop pass goes awry and South Africa have it a couple of metres from the line.
Nche plunges towards the line but Ioane produces some stunning defensive work to get his hands underneath the ball, stay in the fight and prevent the dot-down. Goal-line dropout rather than a try! Big moment.
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 42 mins
09:09
,
Luke Baker
Almost spectacular from the Springboks immediately. They spread the ball right, Kolbe weaves past a defender and dinks a lovely kick over the top.
He chases, with Savea in pursuit but the ball just takes a right bounce in the 22 and into touch, narrowly beyond Kolbe’s outstretched grasp.
KICK-OFF! New Zealand 14-3 South Africa
09:07
,
Luke Baker
Back underway at Eden Park. Can the Boks find a way to turn this round?
WATCH: Two sublime scores put All Blacks on top
08:58
,
Luke Baker
Two lovely tries from New Zealand have them ahead at the break.
A rapid start from the All Blacks against South Africa!
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) September 6, 2025
Watch live on Sky Sports+ and NOW pic.twitter.com/8DpIhrWnWZ
"They are on fire!"
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) September 6, 2025
The All Blacks storm in front against South Africa ⚡ pic.twitter.com/4tcStxxnLG
HALF-TIME! New Zealand 14-3 South Africa
08:54
,
Luke Baker
And breathe! That was an incredibly compelling first 40 minutes - this much-anticipated Test match is delivering.
New Zealand have been on top as they look to protect their ridiculous Eden Park record. Two stunning tries from Emoni Narawa (who then went off injured) and Will Jordan put them on top and since then, they’ve done the fundamentals better to limit the Springboks.
It could be a day for the Boks’s famed ‘Bomb Squad’ because they need to change the narrative and tighten things up after the break. They’re still well in this game though.
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 40 mins
08:51
,
Luke Baker
But, in a moment that is symptomatic of the first half, South Africa mess up the attacking lineout! The crowd get loud and maybe the call can’t be heard, it’s turned over and the All Blacks have a free-kick.
A big moment on the stroke of half-time.
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 39 mins
08:50
,
Luke Baker
Ioane makes a few metres down the left before Newell neatly offloads to fellow prop De Groot but the South Africa defence push them back. Eventually it’s a kicking battle and Pollard delivers the crucial blow!
He thumps an arcing kick from his own half on the run that curves towards the touchline and bounces an inch inside before going out of play. 50-22! Huge! World class.
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 38 mins
08:48
,
Luke Baker
Du Toit wins the lineout cleanly and pops the ball down to Williams on the wraparound but the Boks scrum half fumbles it forward. He had room to run but instead it’s a turnover - scrappy from the visitors.
They try to pressure the New Zealand scrum but instead referee Karl Dickson penalises Du Toit, allowing the All Blacks to clear to halfway. A win for the NZ pack
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 36 mins
08:46
,
Luke Baker
Grant Williams receiving some attention from the physio, Perhaps a neck issue? He should be good to continue anyway.
The South African maul is well defended again but the All Blacks are then pinged, Vaa’i specifically, and Pollard boots the ball into the NZ 22. This is the perfect platform for the visitors four minutes before the break
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 34 mins
08:44
,
Luke Baker
The All Blacks go to work again but Beauden Barrett gets hammered backwards by Moodie on a carry. Oof!
Disruptive breakdown work by the South African back row as Kolisi has a jackal but New Zealand somehow retain possession, although Christie has to goes to the air. Springboks just about deal with it and earn a scrum on their own 22 which they dominate and parlay into a penalty. The Boks front row are having their way with New Zealand.
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 31 mins
08:41
,
Luke Baker
Brilliant aerial work by McKenzie to claim the mark in his own 22 after Pollard hangs up a high bomb for Kolbe to chase. Clean as a whistle.
Skipper Scott Barrett then flicks a South African lineout back to the All Blacks side. The hosts run the phases as the crowd increase the noise levels. Saves probes down the right and tries a kick through but it’s blocked.
Codie Taylor off for a HIA, sustained when tackling Du Toit, and on comes Samisoni Taukei’aho
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 29 mins
08:37
,
Luke Baker
Great lineout work by Nortje to pinch the ball away although the All Blacks respond with good pressure on Williams to block his clearance kick.
The Springboks recover and are able to eventually exit.
MISSED PENALTY! New Zealand 14-3 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 26 mins)
08:34
,
Luke Baker
No dice with this one though. Pollard’s kick from 47 metres, on the angle, has the distance but slips narrowly wide of the left post. Frustration for South Africa
New Zealand 14-3 South Africa, 25 mins
08:33
,
Luke Baker
Another penalty as Scott Barrett is pinged for obstruction. There’s wind in the faces of the Springboks, although I think that has died down a bit.
So Pollard will call for the tee once more
PENALTY! New Zealand 14-3 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 23 mins)
08:31
,
Luke Baker
Very telling that the Boks want to take the three when down 14. Shows the All Black dominance so far.
Handre Pollard duly gets them on the board.
New Zealand 14-0 South Africa, 22 mins
08:30
,
Luke Baker
The Springbok scrum is dominant and they splinter the All Blacks front row once more. Ethan de Groot then gets pulverised and concedes the penalty.
The Boks opt to take the three
WATCH: Narawa gives New Zealand the perfect start
08:28
,
Luke Baker
Here’s how the All Blacks took the lead inside two minutes
A rapid start from the All Blacks against South Africa!
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) September 6, 2025
Watch live on Sky Sports+ and NOW pic.twitter.com/8DpIhrWnWZ
TRY! New Zealand 14-0 South Africa (Will Jordan, 19 mins)
08:26
,
Luke Baker
WOW! That is a wonderful, wonderful try. From the lineout, the All Blacks time the pass perfectly and Will Jordan crashes on to the ball. From there, it’s all Jordan.
He weaves past a defender, slips through another would-be tackle and dances under the posts for his 43rd New Zealand try. Incredible!
Easy conversion for McKenzie and the hosts are in complete control.
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 18 mins
08:24
,
Luke Baker
Scrappy is the word at the moment but then a touch of class from Beauden Barrett! Pings a beautiful kick from his own half that bounces out of play in the 22. A 50-22 and an attacking platform for the All Blacks.
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 17 mins
08:23
,
Luke Baker
The Boks pack turn up the heat on the scrum but New Zealand messily scramble the ball to the back to retain possession. That was definitely a Springbok win though.
Christie does well at the back to wrestle the ball away, takes a knee to form a ruck and the All blacks can clear. That was not pretty but hugely effective and important scrum-half play.
Again, South Africa try to maul the ball and Scott Barrett disrupts before Parker turns it over once the breakdown goes to floor. All Black defence has been superb so far.
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 14 mins
08:20
,
Luke Baker
Beauden Barrett caught offside on halfway and the Boks kick the penalty down towards the 22. The first real attacking platform of the day for the visitors.
Safely secured and De Allende crashes the ball up the middle. But Vaa’i and Scott Barrett are ready for the subsequent maul and attack the ball carrier to win the first scrum of the day. That looked like a planned move from South Africa and New Zealand were ready for it
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 11 mins
08:18
,
Luke Baker
The rain is starting to cause a few more errors now, although Moodie just avoids a costly spill as he returns a long kick. Shifting the ball through the hands is significantly harder now.
It doesn’t stop the All Blacks pinching a lineout though.
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 9 mins
08:16
,
Luke Baker
Another quick penalty for the All Blacks and they go to touch this time. Lineout is initially secured but they quickly spill the ball and the Springboks clear.
MISSED PENALTY! New Zealand 7-0 South Africa (Jordie Barrett, 7 mins)
08:15
,
Luke Baker
Barrett’s penalty from near halfway has the legs but drifts wide of the right post.
In far worse news for New Zealand though, try-scorer Emoni Narawa has hobbled off injured. He competed with Pollard for a high ball and took an accidental knee to the ribs. He was down for a couple of minutes and now exits, holding his ribs, with Damian McKenzie coming on. Not good
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 6 mins
08:13
,
Luke Baker
My apologies, they’ll actually go for the posts - a long-range attempt from Jordie Barrett incoming.
New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 5 mins
08:12
,
Luke Baker
Scrappy lineout from South Africa, who have been caught slightly cold early on here. The rain is really coming down now, so the usual caveats about the ball being a bar of soap etc apply, I suppose.
High bombs being sent up from both sides to test the handling. Jordan then slides between tackles on halfway before the All Blacks probe down the left. They win the offside penalty and will kick towards the corner.
TRY! New Zealand 7-0 South Africa (Emoni Narawa, 2 mins)
08:10
,
Luke Baker
OH MY WORD! What a start for New Zealand. Off the lineout, Beauden Barrett launches a cross-field kick that a diving Emoni Narawa catches on the left touchline and slides under Le Roux’s tackle.
Narawa is back to his feet, charging down the line, throws a dummy inside and goes over the whitewash. Sublime play. And Jordie Barrett nails the conversion for good measure. Wow!
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 2 mins
08:08
,
Luke Baker
Not a great clearing kick from Christie as he misses touch but the Boks turn the ball over and Jordan fires a kick that sends Kolbe scampering back int