Springboks deliver masterclass performance to inflict All Blacks' heaviest defeat

It's the heaviest defeat the All Blacks have ever suffered, as this Springbok side delivered the most complete and commanding performance of their remarkable two-time World Cup-winning reign, playing simply sublime rugby in the second half.

Both the Boks and ABs suffered early injuries, the Boks losing Lood de Jager and the All Blacks losing scrumhalf Noah Hotham, although there was much worse to come for the visitors.

The Springboks should have had the opening try on 10 minutes after Cheslin Kolbe came charging through to collect a kick-through from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, but Jordie Barrett pulled off a fantastic tackle to make the winger spill the ball despite having crossed the try line.

The Boks had a penalty advantage, however, and again opted to go for touch, with RG Snyman eventually crashing over after a few powerful pick-and-goes, having just come on for De Jager. Again the All Blacks escaped after a TMO check spotted a knock-on from Cobus Reinach in the build-up, with the try ultimately getting chalked off.

When the All Blacks finally made their way into the Boks' 22, they showed the clinical edge they have become known for, taking the ball from end to end before finally beating the Springbok defence to touch down in the corner - a crushing result for the visitors after all their early possession.

To make matters worse, Feinberg-Mngomezulu was forced to go off for a head knock immediately after, replaced by Manie Libbok, as the Boks suffered another significant departure.

The Boks desperately needed something to go their way, and they finally got it when the ABs tried one flashy pass too many and succeeded only in picking out Cheslin Kolbe, who ran close to 70 metres for an intercept try.

The ABs retook the lead shortly after via the penalty spot after the Boks were pinged for not rolling away, with Damian McKenzie converting from right in front.

The Boks continued to suffer casualties as the first half wound down, scrumhalf Reinach exiting for an HIA, followed shortly after by Aphelele Fassi - though Reinach was at least able to return for the second half.

The visitors continued to look dangerous, finishing the first half with a few promising attacks, but they didn't have the clinical edge required to make their possession count, as the ABs maintained their 10-7 lead.

Bok fans got the perfect start to the second half- though few could have imagined just how much more was still to come. 

After bringing on two new props and driving the All Blacks back to win a scrum penalty, Reinach spotted some space before Siya Kolisi joined the party with a barnstorming run, taking it up to the line with pace and power, where a pass out wide to Kolbe saw the winger crash over for a superb try. Libbok nailed a great kick from out wide as the Boks took the lead for the first time.

Sadly, after a thrilling period of play and two tries to his name, Kolbe also had to exit the field for an HIA, with only scrumhalf Williams to replace him. The high shot on Kolbe gave the Boks a penalty, however, and Libbok lined up the shot from distance to give the Boks a 17-10 lead.

When the ABs won a kickable penalty they opted to kick for the corner, but in trying to set up the maul, they obstructed the Bok defenders and gave away the penalty.

The Boks were nearly in for another try after some superb hands and silky running skills on the outside, but Canan Moodie couldn't quite hold on to Willemse's little grubber kick through before being swarmed by All Black defenders.

But the All Blacks couldn't win the ensuing lineout, putting the Boks right back on the attack. Showing confidence in their backline, they flung it to Willemse in the midfield, who stepped once and twice to beat three defenders and crash over the line. Libbok slotted the easy conversion to make it 24-10.

The All Blacks were desperately trying to get back into the match, but when Ethan Hooker broke free from his own 22 and charged nearly 50 metres, Libbok delivered a pinpoint cross-field kick to Pieter-Steph du Toit, who offloaded in the tackle to Kwagga Smith for their fourth try and the bonus point.

The Boks were playing sublime rugby now and soon scored their fifth try, RG Snyman charging right through a tired All Blacks defence after a snipe from Jasper Wiese down the middle.

The ABs looked to hit back through Will Jordan in the corner, but a fantastic tackle from Grant Williams saw the ball knocked on with the try line beckoning.

And there was one more bit of scintillating play from the Boks to come. Another turnover gave them a chance to attack, and with flawless hands from Willemse and Williams, Andre Esterhuizen crashed over to seal a truly magnificent win.

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