McKenzie backs Springboks after 33-16 Greatest Rivalry Tour loss
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has backed South Africa after a 33-16 defeat by New Zealand, with the four-Test Greatest Rivalry Tour still open.
South Africa’s Springboks lost 33-16 to New Zealand at Ellis Park, but Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has expressed confidence in the team’s chances of winning the four-Test Greatest Rivalry Tour.
New Zealand overturned South Africa’s 13-12 half-time lead in Johannesburg on Saturday. The result gave the All Blacks the advantage in the series and ended South Africa’s position at the top of the World Rugby rankings, with New Zealand moving into first place.
McKenzie said he had no concerns about the Springboks’ prospects after the defeat. His position is that South Africa can recover from the Ellis Park result and finish the tour as series winners.
The loss was New Zealand’s biggest victory over South Africa at Ellis Park. The All Blacks produced five tries, with Will Jordan scoring twice and Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson also crossing the line.
South Africa managed one try through Andre Esterhuizen. Cheslin Kolbe added the conversion and three penalties, but the Springboks could not maintain the narrow advantage they held at the interval.
The teams meet again at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 29 August, in the second Test. South Africa now has the immediate opportunity to level the series, while New Zealand carries the benefit of its opening win and its return to the top of the world rankings. Three Tests remain after the Ellis Park meeting, leaving McKenzie’s backing focused on a Springboks response in Cape Town.
Source: The South African — Sport
