The New Zealand rugby team had two defeats in a row against Ireland in July, in two “friendly” matches. She suffered a third consecutive Saturday, August 6: the All Blacks lost to South Africa, 26 to 10, in Mbombela, at the opening of the Rugby Championship, a competition bringing together the nations of the southern hemisphere.
The Springboks scored a half-time try, fly-half Handré Pollard kicking all the other points for the hosts. The All Blacks, completely outplayed, only responded with a penalty from Jordie Barrett just before half-time and a try late in the game as South Africa were reduced to 14 after Kurt’s dismissal. Lee Arendse for dangerous play.
The All Blacks now total five defeats in six matches and are in fourth place in the world. If this situation arouses a wave of criticism in the country, coach Ian Foster is still in office. Just the New Zealand federation announced, at the end of July after the two defeats against Ireland (23-12 and 32-22) – a first in the history between these two nations -, the dismissal of the coaches assistants John Plumtree and Brad Mooar.
