Will Jordan scored two tries as New Zealand beat South Africa 33-16 in the first Test at Ellis Park, a result that gave the All Blacks five tries in all and a 1-0 lead in the series.
The win was significant for more than the scoreline. New Zealand last won at Ellis Park in 2022, and this result ended South Africa's control of the match after the Springboks had opened with a 3-0 lead through Cheslin Kolbe's penalty.
How the match turned
South Africa's early lead did not hold. New Zealand responded with the kind of pressure that turned chances into points, and once the All Blacks settled, they produced the more complete performance across the Test.
The match also carried extra context because the previous meeting in Wellington had finished 43-10 in South Africa's favour. This time, New Zealand flipped the script at Ellis Park and left with a much cleaner statement win.
What it means for New Zealand
The result was important historically as well. It had been 30 years since Sean Fitzpatrick led the All Blacks to a first series victory in South Africa, so this opening Test immediately put New Zealand in position to chase a rare series success.
For South Africa, the loss means the Springboks will need to respond quickly in the next Test. For New Zealand, the performance and the scoreline both suggest momentum after a strong start to the series.
