SARugbymag.co.za looks at the six best Springbok victories over the All Blacks since readmission in 1992.
6. Springboks 27 All Blacks 25 (Johannesburg, 2014)
The Boks led 24-13 early in the second half following their most complete and balanced period of play under coach Heyneke Meyer, but faded badly as the All Blacks stepped up a gear. Two tries put the visitors ahead 25-24 and when Pat Lambie missed a drop-goal attempt, it looked as though there would be more Bok heartbreak. But the replacement flyhalf showed nerves of steel with a minute to go when he slotted a 55m penalty that raised the roof. The All Blacks regained possession from the restart but Schalk Burger, who again made a big impact off the bench, won the Boks a penalty at the breakdown after the hooter.
5. All Blacks 28 Springboks 30 (Dunedin, 2008)
The Springboks entered this Test without a win in Dunedin for 87 years and on the back of a 19-8 loss in Wellington just a week prior. The torrid run looked set to continue as they found themselves trailing 28-23 with captain Victor Matfield in the sin bin and just over seven minutes remaining on the clock. Enter Ricky Januarie, the oft-maligned Stormers and Springbok scrumhalf. Sniping around the edge of a ruck near the All Blacks 10m line, Januarie broke free before chipping over Leon Macdonald, regathering and going over for a magnificent solo effort. Frans Steyn added the extras as the Boks found pleasure at the ‘House of Pain’.
4. All Blacks 29 Springboks 32 (Hamilton, 2009)
One year later, the Boks returned, this time to Hamilton. Requiring just a point to claim their third Tri-Nations title, and first since 2004, the Springboks left nothing to chance as they raced into a 22-12 half-time lead. The margin was extended 10 minutes into the second half following a trademark intercept try from Jean de Villiers, before the All Blacks produced a stirring fightback. The Boks would prevail, though, to lift the trophy on enemy soil. The victory remains the last Bok triumph in the All Blacks’ backyard.
3. Springboks 40 All Blacks 26 (Johannesburg, 2004)
The Boks came into this one on the back of their longest losing streak ever to the All Blacks, eight matches in a row. Confidence was building under Jake White and, after a narrow defeat in Christchurch, the Springboks hit their straps to run in five tries in the come-from-behind win. Marius Joubert was the star, grabbing a hat-trick and laying on another for his Stormers teammate Jean de Villiers. A week later in Durban, the Boks would defeat the Aussies to secure the coveted Tri-Nations title.
2. Springboks 24 All Blacks 23 (Durban, 1998)
In what was one of the greatest comebacks in Test history, the Springboks overturned a 23-5 deficit with 15 minutes to go, as they set course for their first ever Tri-Nations triumph. Tries from Joost van der Westhuizen and replacement Bobby Skinstad got the Springboks right back into the contest, before James Dalton rumbled over on the back of a driving maul during injury time to send the Kings Park faithful into a state of delirium.
1. Springboks 15 All Blacks 12 (Johannesburg, 1995)
Undoubtedly the finest sporting moment in the history of the country, the Springboks’ World Cup triumph will forever be etched into the folklore of this fixture. From low-flying planes to PJ Powers’ ‘World in Union’, and a sprinkling of Madiba Magic, this one had it all. Joost van der Westhuizen’s tackle on Jonah Lomu remains an enduring image of this match, as does the sight of Nelson Mandela sporting Francois Pienaar’s No 6 jersey.
