Springbok supporters have been left furious over one of the biggest moments in their 33-16 defeat against the All Blacks, with some even calling for the opening Test to be replayed.
New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with an impressive victory at Ellis Park, scoring five tries to South Africa’s one.
However, one pivotal second-half moment has caused plenty of debate among Springbok supporters.
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Fabian Holland try sparks controversy
South Africa had taken a 16-12 lead shortly after half-time through the boot of Cheslin Kolbe and appeared to have regained control of the contest.
That advantage disappeared almost immediately.
From the restart, Grant Williams attempted to clear the ball from inside his own territory, only for All Blacks lock Fabian Holland to charge down the kick, regather possession and score.
Ruben Love converted to put New Zealand 19-16 ahead.
The try proved to be a huge momentum swing, with the All Blacks going on to score another 14 unanswered points on their way to a convincing 33-16 victory.
However, replays of the Holland score have prompted questions over whether the New Zealand lock was actually onside when he began his charge.
South African publication The Citizen also noted that Holland “looked suspiciously offside” in the build-up to the score.
Springbok fans furious
The incident was allowed to stand by referee Matthew Carley and his officiating team, with no intervention overturning Holland’s try.
That has not stopped Springbok fans scrutinising footage of the incident after the final whistle.
Some supporters have branded the decision “criminal”, while others jokingly called for the entire match to be replayed following what they believe was a clear offside.
The controversy is particularly significant because of the timing of the try.
South Africa had led 16-12 moments earlier, but Holland’s score put the visitors back in front and they would not concede another point.
New Zealand eventually pulled clear through further tries from Luke Jacobson and Will Jordan, while South Africa finished the contest with 13 players following yellow cards for Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach.
All Blacks take series lead
Despite the controversy, the All Blacks were clinical when their opportunities arrived.
They outscored South Africa five tries to one, with Jordan crossing twice alongside scores for Josh Moorby, Holland and Jacobson.
The result gives New Zealand a 1-0 advantage in the four-Test series and piles the pressure on Rassie Erasmus and his Springboks ahead of Test Two.
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Five Springboks who FLOPPED against the All Blacks – and who should replace them
Here are five Springboks who struggled at Ellis Park – and the changes Erasmus should consider making.
5. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
There were flashes from Feinberg-Mngomezulu, particularly as the first half progressed and the Springbok pack began to take control.
He challenged the All Blacks defence with some dangerous carries and offloads, but there was simply too much looseness in his game.
On an occasion that demanded South Africa’s chief playmaker take control, Feinberg-Mngomezulu never truly managed it.
His move to full-back during the second half didn’t help matters either. His defence was exposed when Damian McKenzie powered through him during a dangerous New Zealand break shortly before the hour mark.
Try as he might, Feinberg-Mngomezulu simply couldn’t get going.
Replacement: Handre Pollard
This feels like the obvious change.
Pollard was left out of the matchday 23 for the opening Test despite being included in South Africa’s wider squad.
The double Rugby World Cup winner offers exactly what South Africa lacked at Ellis Park: control, experience and an ability to manage the biggest occasions.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains an enormous talent, but Erasmus could turn back to his proven number 10 for Test two.
