Springbok fullback Damian Willemse collects a high kick under immense pressure on Saturday. He was one of the handful outstanding Boks in a losing cause against the All Blacks.
The Springboks were in control, had the All Blacks pinned back on their own try line and were pushing for a crucial score that could have changed the complexion of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener in Johannesburg.
Instead, a scrum decision went against the world champions, New Zealand survived the pressure and, moments later, turned the game on its head.
With the Boks trailing 16-19 around the 58th minute and needing just three points to draw level, the All Blacks produced a powerful scrum on their own try line to escape from danger after the home side opted for a scrum following a penalty.
From there, they marched up the field and scored to extend their lead, with the momentum shifting decisively in their favour as they went on to claim a 33-16 victory at Ellis Park.
