Rugby news 2023, New Zealand v South Africa result, All Blacks suffer embarrassing 95 year defeat, World Cup

Reigning champions South Africa completed their World Cup preparations with a record-breaking 35-7 win over 14-man New Zealand as the All Blacks suffered their worst-ever defeat on Friday.

The Springboks scored five tries, through captain Siya Kolisi, winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, Hooker Malcolm Marx and substitutes Bongi Mbonambi and Kwagga Smith – all converting fly-half Manie Libbok.

New Zealand escaped the embarrassment of coming to naught with nine minutes left when substitute defender Cam Roigard made a converted attempt from around 70 yards after catching a loose ball.

However, the loss surpassed the 21-point loss the All Blacks suffered 47-26 against Australia in 2019.

The result also surpassed South Africa’s previous lead over arch-rivals New Zealand in a 17-0 win in Durban in 1928.

Stream 50+ sports live and on-demand with Kayo. Sign up now and start streaming right away >

New Zealand’s fate was all but sealed when they were outnumbered for just over half the game after Scott Barrett was sent off for a second yellow card just before half-time, the ball flying into the fray and hitting Marx in the head .

The Springbok Round appeared in dominant form in the first game between their arch-rivals at Twickenham since the All Blacks won 2015 in the World Cup semifinals 20-18 before lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy.

“It was a very good start for us, a great performance from the team,” South Africa full-back Damian Willemse, Friday’s player of the game, told Sky Sports.

“It will give us some momentum for the Rugby World Cup. I’m man of the match but thanks to the strikers, they put in an amazing performance tonight.”

New Zealand captain Sam Cane, who shared a first-half yellow card with Scott Barrett, added: “There’s no denying it, we’re really disappointed with our performance tonight. At the same time, the way the Boks played deserves a lot of credit, they really were dominant in every facet.

“Our discipline really hurt us and their ability to dominate scrums, mauls, line outs and set pieces made it really difficult for us to get going.

“It definitely burns, it hurts. It’s a game we have a lot to learn from.

“We have to learn fast, but I’d much rather have it now than in a few weeks.”

Depending on the group results, the rugby superpowers could meet again in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

New Zealand kick off their flagship tournament on September 8 against hosts and fellow heavyweights France, while South Africa begin their title defense against Scotland on September 10 in Marseille.