Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie Reacts After Springboks’ Defeat to All Blacks at Ellis Park
- Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie publicly backed the Springboks after New Zealand handed them a heavy defeat at Ellis Park on Saturday
- The All Blacks of New Zealand scored five tries to South Africa's one, moving to No 1 in the World Rugby rankings in the process
- McKenzie shared a message on social media expressing confidence that the Springboks would still win the four-Test series
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Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has declared his full confidence in the Springboks following their 33-16 defeat to New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 23 August.
The All Blacks overturned a 13-12 half-time deficit to run out convincing winners, inflicting what stands as New Zealand's biggest-ever victory over South Africa at the Johannesburg venue. The result handed the visitors an early lead in the four-Test 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series and saw them climb to the top of the World Rugby rankings, displacing the Springboks at No 1.
McKenzie Sends Message of Support
In a post shared on social media after the match, McKenzie was measured but firm in his assessment of the Springboks' position heading into the remainder of the series.
"I have no stress or worry insofar as the Springboks are concerned; we will emerge as winners of the Greatest Rivalry Tour no doubt," McKenzie wrote.
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The minister's statement signals that government confidence in the reigning world champions has not wavered despite the scale of the Ellis Park setback.
Springboks Aim to Level Series in Cape Town
New Zealand were dominant in the second half, running in five tries across the full match. Will Jordan crossed twice, with Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson also touching down for the visitors.
South Africa's only try came through Andre Esterhuizen, with Cheslin Kolbe adding a conversion and three penalties to account for the remainder of the home side's points.
The Springboks now have little time to regroup before the second Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 29 August, which presents an immediate chance to level the series. Three Tests remain across the four-match contest, meaning South Africa retains every opportunity to turn the series around.
McKenzie's public backing is likely to resonate with supporters who are hoping for a strong response from coach Rassie Erasmus's side in Cape Town next weekend.
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Source: Briefly News
