New Zealand vs South Africa LIVE: Rugby Championship result and reaction as All Blacks beat Springboks

New Zealand rugby rode another blistering start to a 35-20 victory over South Africa rugby at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, making a big statement in a World Cup year and placing one hand on the Rugby Championship trophy.

Playing a high-octane brand of attacking rugby married with immense physicality, the All Blacks scored early tries through Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell before late scores from Will Jordan and Richie Mo’unga put a seal on the victory.

The world champions, starved of the ball and heavily penalised, looked shellshocked by the early onslaught but recovered to score second-half tries through Malcolm Marx, Cheslin Kolbe and Kwagga Smith.

The victory made it two wins out of two in the truncated championship for the All Blacks after last week’s 41-12 win over Argentina that was also built on an early try blitz.

Relive all the action from the Rugby Championship below:

New Zealand vs South Africa - Rugby Championship latest updates

• New Zealand beat South Africa in the Rugby Championship to all but secure the trophy

• FULL-TIME! New Zealand 35-20 South Africa

• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 30-15 South Africa (Will Jordan try, 69 minutes)

• TRY! New Zealand 23-15 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe try, 62 minutes)

• TRY! New Zealand 20-10 SOUTH AFRICA (Malcolm Marx try, 54 minutes)

• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 17-0 South Africa (Shannon Frizell try, 16 minutes)

• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 7-0 South Africa (Aaron Smith try, 5 minutes)

FT: New Zealand 35-20 South Africa

10:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That tough opening quarter ultimately ended South Africa’s chances, leaving their bench too much to do. Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus won’t panic, but will have a few things to consider before the Springboks host Argentina at Ellis Park on 29 July. The performance of Damian Willemse could be a concern - might Manie Libbok displace the versatile back as Handre Pollard’s lead fly-half understudy? An off-key showing from Jasper Wiese suggests Duane Vermeulen might yet be best placed to take the starting number eight shirt come the World Cup, too.

Winning skipper Sam Cane reacts to New Zealand’s victory

10:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We got what we expected, it is always physical, always an awesome test match. What a crowd - it felt like Eden Park.

“We really look forward to playing them. There’s so much history between the two teams. They are reigning World Cup champions and we knew it would be a good test of where we are as a team. We know we’ve still got a wee way to go to get to where we want to.

“I depressed a bit of a nerve in my neck. I’ll rest it and hopefully I’ll be alright.”

Cane is well enough to hoist the Freedom Cup aloft, calling over his teammates to join him and offering Tamaiti Williams a moment with the trophy on debut. Barring a disaster against Australia, the Rugby Championship crown should follow in a fortnight.

FT: New Zealand 35-20 South Africa

10:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Consider that a World Cup statement emphatically delivered by the All Blacks. A frighteningly fast start put them ahead in the game and they rode a South Africa fightback to rally again late on and seal victory. Their forward physicality laid stable platforms all night, with Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett taking full advantage with some beautifully varied attacking play. Will Jordan was utterly superb roaming off his right wing - how nicely is that New Zealand backline knitting together?

Here’s the score that got things started.

FT: New Zealand 35-20 South Africa

09:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

All Blacks debutant Tamaiti Williams reacts to his first cap and New Zealand’s win : “It was special to put the black jersey on, especially against the Springboks. Growing up it was the pinnacle for me.

“I was trying my best to keep the emotions in and have a straight face. I’m pretty sure everyone knew I was nervous. I’m just grateful to be able to put this jersey on. It was fast and physical. They are hard men.”

FULL TIME! NEW ZEALAND 35-20 SOUTH AFRICA

09:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TRY! New Zealand 35-20 SOUTH AFRICA (Kwagga Smith try, 79 minutes)

09:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A late score from Kwagga Smith! It’s sharp from the former sevens star, spotting an exposed ball at the back of a ruck and in like a spear fisherman to pierce it.

He hurries over, a drop-kicked conversion hitting the upright as it is taken in hast to ensure we’ll have one more restart...

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 35-15 South Africa (Richie Mo’unga try, 77 minutes)

09:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Richie Mo’unga scythes through!

Simple as you like for the fly-half, orchestrating things brilliantly tonight and capping his performance with a score. The scrum sets stable foundations and Ardie Savea has the freedom of Auckland as he exits, angling to the blindside. He passes early to Mo’unga, who rather easily gets to Damian Willemse’s outside and slides over with a smile.

New Zealand 30-15 South Africa, 76 minutes

09:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand fancy another before they sign off for the evening. A kick deep down into the South Africa 22 doesn’t bring immediate joy, but a scrum five metres out should offer an ideal attacking platform.

New Zealand 30-15 South Africa, 74 minutes

09:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tamaiti Williams’s first scrum entanglement at test level ends with a whistle the All Blacks’ way - it was Nepo Laulala doing the damage on the other side with Thomas du Toit twisted in.

New Zealand 30-15 South Africa, 73 minutes

09:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Superb work from Finlay Christie in defence. Manie Libbok’s charming hips try to draw Christie out of the line but the scrum-half corrals his man, keeping him up off the floor for long enough for some bulkier blokes to arrive and ensure Libbok is unable to get to ground. Turnover, All Blacks scrum.

New Zealand 30-15 South Africa, 72 minutes

09:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That might just be enough for the All Blacks to continue their nearly 30-year unbeaten run in Auckland. Tupou Vaa’i is on for Shannon Frizell, while Mark Telea has been replaced by Caleb Clarke.

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 30-15 South Africa (Will Jordan try, 69 minutes)

09:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A deft dab from Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan gets his 22nd test try!

New Zealand re-find their attacking flow, once more managing to ask diverse questions with smart changes of direction. They eventually draw an advantage for offside, granting Barrett the freedom for more extravagant exploration. He changes tack as he takes Finlay Christie’s pass, spotting Lukhanyo Am infield on the left edge of South Africa’s defence and clipping a little lob wedge over him.

Jordan, who has been outstanding, waits for the bounce and just about manages to gather and ground at the second attempt. Richie Mo’unga conversion is a good’un.

New Zealand 23-15 South Africa, 67 minutes

09:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa’s defence has been so much better since half-time, able to slow New Zealand’s ball at the breakdown with intelligently timed injections of power. They force a kick from Beauden Barrett and are a little unfortunate that Cheslin Kolbe’s blocking foot skews the ball only into touch.

Braydon Ennor replaces Rieko Ioane at outside centre for New Zealand, while Manie Libbok is on in South Africa’s backline - Damian Willemse appears to have shifted into the centres, with Lukhanyo Am pushed on to the wing.

New Zealand 23-15 South Africa, 65 minutes

09:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand have just lost the control they showed in the first half, their intensity and accuracy dropping in these last 15 minutes or so as South Africa’s bench power their side back into the game.

That’s the sort of thing the All Blacks need - Ardie Savea leads a counter-rucking thrust, Scott Barrett and Samisoni Taukei’aho providing burly support and winning a penalty.

TRY! New Zealand 23-15 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe try, 62 minutes)

09:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now Cheslin Kolbe has his try!

South Africa are right back in this! There’s initial suspicion that Willie le Roux’s wide pass might be forward out of the hands but the officials are happy it is flat, Cheslin Kolbe unopposed as he pronks into the corner.

His touchline conversion hits the right-hand post as referee Mathieu Raynal attends to a cramping calf. The Frenchman appears ok to continue.

New Zealand 23-10 South Africa, 61 minutes

09:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More changes from both teams - Vincent Koch is on at tighthead for South Africa and will confront Tamaiti Williams, the All Blacks’ mahoosive new loosehead on for a test debut. Finlay Christie is introduced at scrum-half in Aaron Smith’s stead, and his first involvement is poor, a horrible hacked hook into touch to gift South Africa attacking possession.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 23-10 South Africa (Richie Mo’unga penalty, 60 minutes)

09:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bit of blood on the right eyebrow proves no impediment for Richie Mo’unga - plenty of distance on his penalty and the direction is perfect, too.

New Zealand 20-10 South Africa, 57 minutes

09:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Swift handling to the left and Ardie Savea breaks free up the touchline, Grant Williams going low and doing rather well to halt the number eight.

That’s pretty silly from Kwagga Smith, in good position to drive over the top of an under-resourced ruck but unable to resist a swipe at Aaron Smith, who topples over to make the contact clear and draw a penalty. Richie Mo’unga will have a go from 48 metres and virtually bang in front.

New Zealand 20-10 South Africa, 56 minutes

09:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand swap in Samisoni Taukei’aho and Nepo Laulala to try and resolidify things up front.

Pieter-Steph du Toit makes a nuisance of himself, slowing New Zealand ball and allowing his teammates to rush up and force Richie Mo’unga into a hurried kick. Mark Telea taps it back, and Du Toit’s hands are bothersome again - but this time illegally, off his feet and fiddling after the ruck has been formed.

TRY! New Zealand 20-10 SOUTH AFRICA (Malcolm Marx try, 54 minutes)

09:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And this time the rumbling mass gets moving!

At last, joy for the South African maul as their replacements begin to make their impact felt. Malcolm Marx sweeps to the back after hitting his jumper and rides the green wave to the line.

With Faf de Klerk off, Cheslin Kolbe has taken over duties from the tee for South Africa...and his first one is over, despite an untimely slip as he strikes.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 52 minutes

09:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Brodie Retallick jackals inside his own 22 as South Africa test the fringes, the lock’s position strong but only possible thanks to hands on the floor past the ball. He’s rightly penalised - back to the corner go the Springboks.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 50 minutes

09:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cheslin Kolbe somehow controrts himself to gather a high kick at the second attempt on the slide having initially fumbled unchallenged in the air.

South Africa win back possession inside the All Blacks half. Faf de Klerk takes a nasty-looking tumble as he tries to leap into position at the base of a ruck, Brodie Retallick unintentionally a fence that De Klerk can’t clear. Retallick, a little harshly given he was rolling away level with the offside line, is penalised; De Klerk is replaced by Grant Williams, the starting scrum-half favouring his leg a little while making his way off.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 48 minutes

09:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dreadful! South Africa just haven’t been able to get out of their own way. Faf de Klerk tries to squeeze every metre out of his punt for touch but skews it the wrong side of the corner flag. New Zealand will feed a scrum near halfway as De Klerk grinds his teeth in frustration.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 47 minutes

09:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A knock on from Ardie Savea on the left continues a bitty few minutes, and allows South Africa to continue to evidence their depth - enter Duane Vermeulen at number eight, with Jasper Wiese not quite finding his damaging best tonight.

South Africa’s scrum draws a penalty out of Tyrel Lomax, turning in under pressure from Steven Kitshoff.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 46 minutes

09:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Faf de Klerk shoots out of the line to cut off a potential overlap for the All Blacks, leaping to ensure he gets in the way of Will Jordan’s wide pass as Shannon Frizell looks at a vacant runway in front of him. De Klerk knocks on as he tries to intercept - just a scrum for New Zealand, despite Aaron Smith’s protesting chirp.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 45 minutes

09:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s a better exit from South Africa, utilising Willie le Roux’s left boot to thump up towards halfway.

Another change for the Springboks, with more forward reinforcements called for - Franco Mostert steps out, Pieter-Steph du Toit steps in.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 44 minutes

09:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Almost another Will Jordan stunner! Lovely interplay at the line from the All Blacks, Jordie Barrett taking on the charge with options either side and deftly popping for the blindside wing. Jordan gets away from a lunging Bongi Mbonambi but is just, just hauled back from Makazole Mapimpi, a tug of the shorts elastic preventing the silky smooth Crusader from striding beneath the posts.

Jordan searches for an offload but knocks on. South Africa are drawn into their first changes - RG Snyman and Malcolm Marx are on for Lood de Jager and Mbonambi.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 42 minutes

09:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The lineout is a bit of a rush job, but Eben Etzebeth claims safely with no lift and South Africa can clear their lines. Willemse does so, but only up to just beyond the 22.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 41 minutes

09:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand start where they left off, Mark Telea getting up above the South African catcher to win back aerial possession, Damian Willemse tumbling away to continue his difficult outing so far. Richie Mo’unga then slides a diagonal kick beyond the South Africa defence - out it goes about ten metres from the South Africa line.

Second half!

09:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Beauden Barrett gets us back underway.

HT: New Zealand 20-3 South Africa

09:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The use of that bench will be intriguing. Might we see Manie Libbok earlier than expected with Damian Willemse not quite able to yet impress himself on the game.

“We need to be clinical,” South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says at half-time. “We are making a lot of unforced errors and that brings the All Blacks into the game. We need to calm down a bit and make sure we keep ball in hand.”

A half-time change from New Zealand - and a significant one. Sam Cane has hurt himself and has a jacket on, with Dalton Papali’i introduced on the openside. Ardie Savea takes over as skipper.

HT: New Zealand 20-3 South Africa

09:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What has been clear is how New Zealand have picked on the strengths that typically form the bedrock of South Africa’s game - the Springboks backfield has been all over the place in the air, and their set-piece has wobbled. The All Blacks kick variation has tested South Africa’s wide defence, a tactic that also brought joy when these two met in the pool stages at the 2019 World Cup.

South Africa may feel that Cheslin Kolbe’s no try could have been given - it did look like the wing’s hand pressed against the top of the ball after it had spilled out of Beauden Barrett’s grasp on the All Blacks’ line. They’ll need plenty of impact from that power-packed bench to get back in this.

HT: New Zealand 20-3 South Africa

09:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A brilliant half from the All Blacks, better in just about every facet than their visitors, who have struggled for control on a greasy night in Auckland. New Zealand, by contrast, have been accurate, intense and frighteningly physical in defence to take a sizeable half-time advantage into the sheds.

Will Jordan has injected all sorts of threat off his wing, Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga have asked varied questions in playmaking partnership and Brodie Retallick and co. have provided the power up front. It’s been very, very good so far from the home side.

HALF TIME! NEW ZEALAND 20-3 SOUTH AFRICA

08:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 42 minutes

08:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Held up! Mathieu Raynal wants to check with the TMO but it looks like Eben Etzebeth was unable to force to floor as three All Blacks wrapped themselves around the colossus.

In fact, there’s no need to check - a neck roll from Lood de Jager earlier in the movement and that’ll be that for the first 40.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 41 minutes

08:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks hold firm against the maul. Option B for South Africa, their forwards doing some punching in tight.

New Zealand 20-3 South Africa, 40 minutes

08:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa try to find something before half-time. Willie le Roux is busy, controlling from first receiver with Damian Willemse a little wider. A better sustained effort from the Springboks as the hooter sounds, Willemse jinking and jiving past a couple.

Makazole Mapimpi pops up on the right, alongside his opposite wing Cheslin Kolbe. Mark Telea covers across but slips up over the shoulder - penalty to South Africa. Prodded into the corner. A score here might be a must if South Africa are to have hope of fighting back.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 20-3 South Africa (Richie Mo’unga penalty, 38 minutes)

08:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A hint of draw from right to left and that’s beautifully flighted by Mo’unga, tucking it inside the upright from 42 metres or so on the angle.

New Zealand 17-3 South Africa, 36 minutes

08:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But the All Blacks will have a shot at an immediate answer. Aaron Smith tries to exploit an under-manned South Africa blindside defence but a retreating Steven Kitshoff is in the way of his flick from the floor. A penalty for offside and Richie Mo’unga will try from the tee.

PENALTY! New Zealand 17-3 SOUTH AFRICA (Faf de Klerk penalty, 36 minutes)

08:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

At last, the Springboks are on the board. Faf de Klerk’s left peg earns three.

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 34 minutes

08:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa’s ruck detail has been all over the place so far. Codie Taylor is the latest to pounce after a crouching Eben Etzebeth, going off his feet in a clearout, knocks the ball out of a tackled players hands.

But the Springboks get joy out of Taylor as he isolates himself on the charge. This time they’ll try to take the points.

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 33 minutes

08:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks forwards step away from a lineout, hoping that Methieu Raynal will look unfavourably on South Africa’s closing of the gap. In fact, it’s the opposite - a free kick against New Zealand for their withdrawal.

South Africa scrum powerfully and draw a penlaty advantage. Cheslin Kolbe scoots up the right, and advantage is already over due to his progress, meaning Sam Cane is clear to capitalise on the work of back-row colleague Ardie Savea and complete a turnover.

A sliced Will Jordan kick flies straight out.

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 30 minutes

08:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Handy hands from Steven Kitshoff, dropping anchor as he locks over the ball at a breakdown. A clean jackal and a turnover penalty.

But New Zealand steal the lineout! Brodie Retallick has been supreme in this first half-hour, and somehow extends his fingers up between Lood de Jager’s clasping hands to nick possession.

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 29 minutes

08:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Faf de Klerk picks Aaron Smith’s pocket at the base of the scrum to help his side out of a bit more bother. His kick is well directed but takes an unfriendly hop into touch as Cheslin Kolbe accelerates up through the gears on the chase.

Kolbe is soon retreating back beyond his own line to dot down after an apparent fumble in the air by Will Jordan is ruled to have come backwards off a South African hands.

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 27 minutes

08:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

You imagine that decision will be heavily debated over the coming days. It was an exceptionally tough call for Whitehouse to make - I fancy other TMOs might have concluded differently, though.

And that just makes it worse for the visitors. Another basic, basic error, Damian de Allende putting down Jordie Barrett’s long dropkicked restart.

No try! New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 26 minutes

08:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TMO Ben Whitehouse rules...a knock-on! The Springboks were back in their own half, thinking their wing had done just enough to ground, but Whitehouse is not satisfied there is pressure on the ball. Goalline drop out.

Try? New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 26 minutes

08:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is a really tight call. There doesn’t appear to be anything untoward in the aerial challenge, but is there enough evidence to suggest Kolbe has pressed his hand on the ball with it on the floor in goal?

Try? New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 26 minutes

08:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now then! Beauden Barrett and Cheslin Kolbe jostle in the air, the ball coming down between them as they tumble back to earth - has Kolbe managed to get it down?...

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 25 minutes

08:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa’s scrum is steady, Damian de Allende then setting a platform with a hard line. Faf de Klerk brings his forwards around the corner with little pops. Five metres short.

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 23 minutes

08:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan is regarded as just about the best maul defence schemer in the world, and his unit holds firm as South Africa try to get their lineout drive moving. Brodie Retallick then delivers a tonking, exposing the ball as Codie Taylor rushes through to scoop off his shoelaces. The hooker can’t quite get his paws around it, though - a knock-on allows the Springboks another opportunity to creating a scoring chance.

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 21 minutes

08:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Finally concerted possession for South Africa, building from a turnover near halfway. Cheslin Kolbe twice involves himself, ending up in Brodie Retallick’s constricting limbs as he chooses the wrong exit while sweeping along a ring road.

An All Blacks ruck infringement earns the Springboks a penalty. No thought of the three - prodded into the left corner to try a more muscular answer.

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 20 minutes

08:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Frizell makes amends! South Africa play too laterally off the top of a lineout, leaving themselves short of clearing numbers on the right. Frizell’s pilfering hands take advantage, earning a penalty for holding on.

New Zealand 17-0 South Africa, 18 minutes

08:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa are all over the place. Jasper Wiese lifts his eyes, picking out his target as he prepares to charge back on kick return, but shells a simple pass to him before he can build up a head of steam.

That is a stroke of luck for the Springboks, though - Wiese runs into the chasing All Blacks line anyway and draws a foolish high contact from Shannon Frizell, who should really have just let him go. Penalty to the visitors.

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 17-0 South Africa (Shannon Frizell try, 16 minutes)

08:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Emphatic!

This is some first 15 minutes from the All Blacks. It’s another sensational score, Will Jordan again at the heart of things, stepping at first receiver to shimmy free and make a half-break. His toss to the left is perfectly placed, allowing Codie Taylor to hurry on to it and put Shannon Frizell away up the touchline. Three Springboks rush across to try to take down the rampaging flanker but fail in their task, Frizell steamrolling over the top of Willie le Roux to get over in the corner. Richie Mo’unga adds the extra two from the touchline - crikey!

New Zealand 10-0 South Africa, 15 minutes

08:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The breeze is causing the South Africa backfield all sorts of problems. A Richie Mo’unga kick hangs inthe air and is tapped back by Mark Telea, earning the All Blacks possession again inside the Sppringboks half.

More brilliance with the boot - Beauden Barrett finds Will Jordan with a cross-kick before chipping and collecting himself!

New Zealand 10-0 South Africa, 13 minutes

08:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nearly plucked from the skies! An inelegant variation from the All Blacks, the big old up-and-under hoisted with Will Jordan in pursuit. He leaps above Willemse but can’t quite cling on to the ball with the try line five metres in front of him. Another warning sign for South Africa, though, who really can’t get to grips with their opponents’ intensity so far.

New Zealand 10-0 South Africa, 12 minutes

08:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And that will cause South Africa to fret - scrum penalty number one to New Zealand. Tyrel Lomax and Ethan de Groot each get the better of Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe, drawing Mathieu Raynal’s whistle for a knee on the floor. Malherbe turns quizzically to the French referee before retreating back for the resultant lineout as New Zealand again advance.

New Zealand 10-0 South Africa, 11 minutes

08:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A little bit scratchy from South Africa since the concession of that try. A high ball should be claimed easily enough by a leaping Damian Willemse with Will Jordan electing not to get off the ground, but the South Africa fly-half misjudges the flight and fumbles it forward.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 10-0 South Africa (Richie Mo’unga penalty, 10 minutes)

08:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Straight and true from Mo’unga.

New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 9 minutes

08:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And a third penalty of the last two minutes against the visitors - they only conceded three in total against Australia last week.

Sam Cane points at the posts as Richie Mo’unga gestures for a tee...

New Zealand 7-0 South Africa, 7 minutes

08:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back-to-back penalties against South Africa from the restart, trying a little too hard to get into the game. New Zealand back down on the fringes of the Springboks’ 22.

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 7-0 South Africa (Aaron Smith try, 5 minutes)

08:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a start!

An extraordinary score to close an extraordinary passage of play. After almost four minutes without pause, the All Blacks find a fissure, Will Jordan shrewdly releasing and getting back to his feet after initially being tackled on the right. His inward dart is prompt and piercing, penetrating past flagging South African forwards. A jab off the right boot takes Jordan into room and Aaron Smith is there in support to slide under the posts.

Over goes the conversion - if that’s a sign of things to come we are in for an absolute cracker.

New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 4 minutes

08:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Snappy handling on the left sees Sam Cane and Telea combine. Penlaty advantage coming for the All Blacks as they look to move up through South African territory.

New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 3 minutes

08:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is a breathless start. South Africa pounce on a loose ball and kick long, Mark Telea scurrying back to provide support for Beauden Barrett and then trying to launch a counter. He is ended by Eben Etzebeth just as he begins to accelerate.

The All Blacks reclaim a high ball and look to attack again.

New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 2 minutes

08:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Solid and stable from both sides at the first set-piece skirmish. Jordie Barrett shows his skill with a clever kick off his left boot, but Willie le Roux covers well.

But here come the All Blacks! Will Jordan weaves between the chasers to make 30 metres, before Shannon Frizell steps out of a tackle and strides up to the edge of South Africa’s 22.

New Zealand 0-0 South Africa, 1 minute

08:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand clear long, but Jasper Wiese comes thumping back in familiarly frightening form. But the All Blacks chasing line is firm - Wiese fumbles on the floor in the first sign of the problems that a greasy surface might cause. New Zealand scrum feed.

KICK OFF!

08:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa will get things underway. Damian Willemse drops boot to ball and here we go!

New Zealand vs South Africa

08:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Aaron Smith leads the Haka, Sam Cane at the front of the line, flanked by Codie Taylor and Rieko Ioane, widening the pupils and slapping at limbs. South Africa stand together, staring their opponents down with no tomfoolery. It’s go time in Auckland.

New Zealand vs South Africa: Match Officials

08:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (Fra)ARs: Angus Gardner (Aus) & Pierre Brousset (Fra)TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wal)

New Zealand vs South Africa

08:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s damp and cool in Auckland, but the skies are dry for kick off and a capacity crowd are warming to their task.

A fair few South African fans in, making themselves heard with fists clasped across their hearts as they sing the anthem. Eben Etzebeth looks to the heavens after an incredibly difficult week, emotion in his eyes. He and his side look ready.

The New Zealand flag waves in the breeze as the All Blacks warble their anthem.

New Zealand vs South Africa

07:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fireworks and a rather funky light show to welcome the players on to the Mount Start Stadium pitch. Plenty more to come this summer before these two head to France, but this feels like a day where a World Cup statement can be made.

New Zealand vs South Africa

07:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

One of the particularly striking things from South Africa’s win last weekend was their willingness to play from deep, preying on an Australian defence playing for the first time under Brett Hodgson and all too readily giving up room in spaces open and tight. Can the Springboks go stotting again? I think a return to more of a kick pressure game will be favoured, but they’ve again got the wide weapons to cause the All Blacks problems.

South Africa’s loaded bench

07:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kevin Sinfield, England’s defence coach, referred to South Africa’s depth as “unbelievable” in Verona this week having noted the particular strength of the Springboks bench today. While Sinfield went on to explain that, ultimately, any side can only have 15 players on the pitch at a time, it does feel like the visitors have the players to make a real difference in the final quarter, particularly up front. That power packed sextet of forwards is really quite something - all of RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Duane Vermeulen looked back to full test intensity last week, and one wonders what damage they might be able to inflict if required a little later.

Have the All Blacks found their long-term centre partnership?

07:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It has been a while since New Zealand had two nailed-on centre starters, the All Blacks never quite finding a partnership to rival the beautifully balanced Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith, so influential in the 2015 World Cup win. Now, though, it would seem as if Ian Foster has settled on a preferred pairing, and in Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane, the head coach has two supreme talents who are really starting to coalesce.

Barrett was a 12 at under-20 level but took his early senior strides at full back. While he was hardly out of place patrolling the backfield, I do think inside centre is his long-term home, his playmaking skills complementing his obvious physical gifts.

Of course, Ioane started in the back three, too, but has really blossomed into a top class 13, an evolution that should prolong his career beyond many of New Zealand’s wing wizards who have run aground as new talents emerge. His pure pace is ever a threat on the outside arc but Ioane shows such intelligence in the way he carries. This feels an important challenge for the pair, with Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am’s own combination so well grooved.

France complete U20 three-peat

07:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It was finals day down for the Under-20s in South Africa, the ever entertaining look at the stars of tomorrow reaching a denouement. The final itself saw France’s latest brilliant batch produce one of the best age-group performances I can recall, running amok in the second half against a very good Ireland side to secure a third consecutive U20s crown as the tournament returned for the first time since 2019.

To frighten their rivals, much of the French side are a year young, too, and could conceivably be back in 2024. Plenty of their squad look like they may well have senior international futures, but scrum-half Baptiste Jauneau is already in the starting mix at Clermont Auvergne, and enormous second row Posolo Tuilagi (yes, those Tuilagis) looks similarly high on potential. Talismanic number eight Marko Gazzotti was named player of the tournament.

Black Ferns win Pacific Four crown

07:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It was a surprisingly busy Friday of rugby elsewhere yesterday, with notable action in Canada and South Africa as the women’s Pacific Four and men’s Under-20 World Championship. Let’s start in Ottawa, where the third and final round of the PAC4 nearly provided a major shock, the world champion Black Ferns surviving a real scare against the USA after an early red card.

New Zealand’s bench made the difference, classy playmaker Ruahei Demant sparking a turnaround as 34 unanswered second half points sealed a 39-17 win and another title for the Black Ferns. In the day’s other fixture, Canada thrashed the Wallaroos to take second spot on the ladder - New Zealand, Canada and Australia progress through to the top tier of the inaugural edition of WXV, World Rugby’s new tiered competition launching in the autumn, where they will take on England, France and Wales. The USA, meanwhile, will take on Japan, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa and either Italy or Spain in WXV2.

Rugby Championship fixtures and results

07:30 , Luke Baker

Rugby Championship fixtures 2023

• Round 1: South Africa 43-12 Australia

• Round 1: Argentina 12-41 New Zealand

• Round 2: New Zealand vs South Africa - Saturday, July 15 - 8.05am, Sky Sports Action (BST)

• Round 2: Australia vs Argentina - Saturday, July 15 - 10.45am, Sky Sports Action (BST)

• Round 3: Australia vs New Zealand - Saturday, July 29 - 10.45am, Sky Sports Action (BST)

• Round 3: South Africa vs Argentina - Saturday, July 29 - 4.05pm, Sky Sports Action (BST)

New Zealand vs South Africa

07:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

For those wondering why we aren’t at Eden Park today, the All Blacks’ regular Auckland haunt is getting ready for the Fifa Women’s World Cup, held across Australia and New Zealand from 20 July. The country’s national stadium will host the first semi-final on 15 August.

That necessitates a shift to the suburbs and Mount Smart Stadium, more regularly home to New Zealand’s rugby league side, though utilised by Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific over the last couple of years. The All Blacks first game here was against Tonga in 2021, a 102-0 drubbing against an Ikale Tahi team without many of their better players. You somehow doubt today’s scoreline will be similar.

Twickenham bound…

07:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is the only Rugby Championship encounter between these two this summer but there’s another meeting in the diary, with a rather World Cup warm-up scheduled in on 25 August at Twickenham. It is understood that tickets are selling rather well for the match under the Friday night lights on a weekend that also sees England face Fiji in their World Cup send-off.

New Zealand also have an extra trans-Tasman tussle pencilled in, while South Africa head to Buenos Aires to take on Argentina in early August before a trip to Cardiff later in the month.

Grieving Eben Etzebeth to captain South Africa

07:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bereaved South Africa captain Eben Etzebeth has decided to play for the Springboks in their Rugby Championship fixture against old foe New Zealand in Auckland today.

Lock Etzebeth lost his father Harry to cancer on Tuesday, after he had been selected to lead the side against the All Blacks. It was left up to the 31-year-old whether he wants to play, and he has chosen to line up in what could be the Rugby Championship decider in a shortened competition this year to accommodate the Rugby World Cup in France.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and hooker Bongi Mbonambi took over media duties on Friday at the Boks’ traditional captain’s press conference.

“Eben’s loss, which is also our loss because we are a family, is very sad. We are with him. If there is one thing about us as a team, we are there for each other,” Stick told reporters.

“Eben has made the choice to play. I would like to think he is doing it for his dad. But it is a big loss for us as a team to lose a parent.”

The Boks have not been victorious in Auckland since 1937, but South Africa have won two of their last three matches against the All Blacks, and claimed a win and a draw in their previous two visits to New Zealand, with both matches staged in Wellington.

“We have spoken about playing the All Blacks away from home and how special it is to win,” Stick said. “The majority of us were there in 2018 when we won in Wellington. We all live for that, to come to New Zealand and play the All Blacks.

“To beat them you have to stand against them physically, but also match the high tempo game they always bring.”

Reporting by Reuters

Team News - South Africa

07:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After a largely second string scythed through Australia last week, back come the big guns as the Springboks go full strength for this likely title decider. Eben Etzebeth sadly lost his father this week but the lock is ready to lead his side in Auckland, partnering Lood de Jager in the second row. Franco Mostert takes over from the similarly long limbed Pieter-Steph du Toit on the blindside, while Jasper Wiese will cause plenty of damage from number eight.

Damian Willemse steps in instead of Manie Libbok, who did his reputation no harm against the Wallabies, at fly-half – with Handre Pollard absent, Willemse is the only new face in a backline otherwise identical to the one that won the World Cup in 2019. The six forwards in reserve on the bench are pretty terrifying, too.

South Africa XV: Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth (capt.), Lood de Jager; Kwagga Smith, Franco Mostert, Jasper Wiese; Faf de Klerk, Damian Willemse; Makazole Mapimpi, Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Cheslin Kolbe; Willie le Roux.

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen; Grant Williams, Manie Libbok.

Team News - New Zealand

07:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Damian McKenzie was impressive against Argentina but it was never likely to be enough to earn the Chiefs playmaker an extended run in the starting side. Richie Mo’unga returns to take over fly-half duties, with Beauden Barrett continuing at full back. Will Jordan, who will surely occupy that 15 shirt in time, starts on one wing with the slippery Mark Telea, who would have qualified for South Africa, injecting plenty of threat on the other.

Up front, Brodie Retallick is back to strengthen the tight five, while loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams – pronounced ta-mighty - is primed for a debut from the bench, and will become the heaviest ever All Black.

New Zealand XV: Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax; Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett; Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane (capt.), Ardie Savea; Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga; Mark Telea, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan; Beauden Barrett.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Dalton Papali’i; Finlay Christie, Braydon Ennor, Caleb Clarke.

All Blacks need to go “to a dark place” to beat South Africa, says Cody Taylor

06:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand hooker Cody Taylor has outlined what he thinks it takes to beat the Springboks.

“Right across the board they play bloody good footy, and they’re big men. There’s no better challenge as an All Black to go against the South African forward pack,” Taylor told Stuff media.

“Mentally you’ve got to get yourself into a pretty dark place to be ready for what’s coming. At the same time, we’ve made good progress in our forward pack over the last 18 months and we’re going to fire a few shots, too.

“I think this week will be a real tell for us as a team, and especially as a forward pack. They’ve probably got one of the most formidable packs in the world in terms of size and ability and the way they play the game.

“What a challenge at home. We played them twice over there last year, and now we get to play them here before what’s going to be a big World Cup.”

New Zealand vs South Africa: How to watch Rugby Championship online and on TV

06:40 , Luke Baker

New Zealand and South Africa square off in Auckland in a game that could well decide the destination of this year’s shortened Rugby Championship and set the tone for the upcoming World Cup.

Both sides secured convincing victories in their opening Rugby Championship clashes, as the All Blacks demolished Argentina 41-12 away from home and the Springboks obliterated Eddie Jones’s Australia 43-12 on home turf. With only one more round of games following this weekend’s action, the winner here is odds-on to lift the trophy.

There is also the prospect of a potential quarter-final clash between the sides at the World Cup in France this autumn hanging over the contest and both teams will be keen to lay down a marker. The All Blacks are perhaps marginal favourites due to home advantage, especially with South Africa not having won in Auckland since 1937, but the Springboks have claimed victory in two of the last three fixtures between the sides, while their previous two visits to New Zealand ended in a win and a draw.

Eben Etzebeth sadly lost his father, Harry, to cancer this week but the hulking second-rower has decided to play in the match and captains the Springboks, undoubtedly keen to do his late dad proud.

Here’s everything you need to know about the match at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland:

Where can I watch New Zealand vs South Africa in the Rugby Championship?

New Zealand vs South Africa - Rugby Championship latest updates

06:15 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Rugby Championship as New Zealand host South Africa in round two. The winner is likely to go on and lift the trophy, given the shortened nature of this year’s tournament.