Springboks' 10 best All Blacks wins remembered, led by 15-12

The Springboks’ 10 best victories over the All Blacks are being remembered before the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry returns to Ellis Park. The collection of wins since South Africa’s readmission includes the 15-12 triumph in the 1995 World Cup final and the 12-11 victory that secured the 2023 title.

The 1995 final remains central to the rivalry’s history, with South Africa winning in Johannesburg after extra time. Three years later, the Springboks produced another famous home comeback, recovering from 23-5 down to beat New Zealand 24-23 in Durban. James Dalton scored during injury time after Joost van der Westhuizen and Bobby Skinstad had helped bring South Africa back into the contest.

South Africa ended an eight-match losing run against New Zealand with a 40-26 win in Johannesburg in 2004. Marius Joubert scored three tries and created another for Jean de Villiers as the Springboks registered five tries. In 2008, they also won in Dunedin for the first time in 87 years, overturning a 28-23 deficit to prevail 30-28. Ricky Januarie’s solo try and Frans Steyn’s conversion settled that match.

The 2009 victory in Hamilton carried major significance in the Tri-Nations. South Africa led 22-12 at half-time, moved further ahead through a Jean de Villiers intercept try and held on to win 32-29, securing the title with a match to spare. In 2014, Pat Lambie struck a 55-metre penalty in the final minute as the Springboks beat the All Blacks 27-25 in Johannesburg after surrendering a 24-13 advantage.

South Africa’s 36-34 win in Wellington in 2018 ended a nine-year wait for victory in New Zealand. The Springboks led 24-17 at the interval and survived a late fightback after tries from Codie Taylor and Ardie Savea. Beauden Barrett missed a conversion that could have changed the finish.

The 2023 victories completed another notable chapter. South Africa overwhelmed New Zealand 35-7 at Twickenham for its biggest win over the All Blacks, then edged them 12-11 in Paris to retain the World Cup. Handre Pollard scored all of South Africa’s points in the final, while Pieter-Steph du Toit made 27 tackles as the Springboks secured a record fourth World Cup crown.