South Africa have issued a warning to rugby's leading nations by snatching a last‑minute 16‑16 draw with a shaken All Blacks in Wellington.
Less than two months out from the World Cup, the Springboks have proved they have serious credentials to claim a third Rugby World Cup while silencing those who believe New Zealand are hot favourites to defend their title.
Reserve halfback Herschel Jantjes was the hero for South Africa with 50 seconds remaining.
It completed a brilliant week for Jantjes, who scored twice on debut in last week's 35‑17 defeat of Australia in Johannesburg.
Five‑eighth Handre Pollard slotted the pressure conversion to cement the third draw between the great rivals.
On a miserable night for the All Blacks, influential lock Brodie Retallick left the field with a lower arm injury which might impact his involvement in the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The teams next meet in their opening Rugby World Cup pool game on September 21 in Yokohama.
In the other game last night, Australia held off a late fightback from Argentina to secure a much‑needed 16‑10 victory in Brisbane.
It was Australia's first win of the year and gives them a big confidence boost before back‑to‑back tests against world champions New Zealand.
Radio NZ
