Saturday’s dramatic Test match between the Springboks and All Blacks on the Gold Coast will go down as an all-time classic for several reasons.
Not only did the defending world champions come back three times to snatch a 31-29 win with the last kick of the game, but there were several instances throughout the match which went under the radar.
First off, All Blacks prop Nepo Laulala clearly attempted to illegally put Handré Pollard off by waving his arms above his head as the fly-half approached a penalty kick in the first half.
Another surprising, yet memorable moment came in the first half when referee Matt Carley called out the South African H2O Assistant for getting too involved in the game, putting him in his place with authority.
Great to see from referee Matthew Carley in the #RSAvNZL #RugbyChampionship match. The way the Boks staff & players have been behaving towards officials and the laws of the game has been disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/1Yv5ixenyR
— Alisdair Hogg (@ajshogg) October 2, 2021
Here is the harassment of the match official #RSAvNZL #RugbyChampionship This is not the respect for the match officials at all times that is so important for the sport of rugby union. pic.twitter.com/amzjX6zYwe
— Alisdair Hogg (@ajshogg) October 2, 2021
This carries greater significance than a regular telling off due to the controversial water boy role played by former Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus during the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa which made headlines across the rugby world.
The third instance which needs further attention came after full time, when All Blacks head coach was forced to give his post-match press conference with the backdrop of the South African team singing their victory song in the changing rooms, which echoed around the backrooms of the stadium.
Ian Foster giving his post match conference to the backdrop of the Springbok team song. Crystallising this moment in amber for all eternity. pic.twitter.com/W4F8gnMIsL
— A-P Cronje (@rugby_ap) October 2, 2021
Last weekend Jordie Barrett broke South African hearts with a last-minute penalty goal to win the 100th Test match between the two sides, but on Saturday it was Elton Jantjies who was given the honour.
However despite South Africa taking the late win, it was the All Blacks who lifted The Rugby Championship trophy at Cbus Super Stadium making it seven titles in nine years.
Full match highlights of Saturday’s epic Test match are also available below as well as some of the best social media reaction from fans and pundits:
Yo @nzherald Put that in your pipe and smoke it 🇿🇦@Springboks @RassieRugby #SSRugby #Springboks @Oom_Rugby @BrendenNel pic.twitter.com/Oxf2pWPRWQ
— @sa_rugga_fans 🇿🇦 🏆🏆🏆 (@BOK_FANS_NZ) October 2, 2021
The best team in the world against the All Blacks. Fully deserved @Springboks #NZvSA
— Jim Hamilton (@jimhamilton4) October 2, 2021
I could not be prouder 🇿🇦❤️That is one of the greatest Bok wins I’ve ever seen. Pure guts! Congratulations @Springboks @jantjies_elton @SiyaKolisi_Bear @wjjleroux @Doogz 🇿🇦@M_marxi2 @StevenKitshoff @Makazole16 pic.twitter.com/CshSPUeXsj
— Annelee Murray (@AnneleeM) October 2, 2021
Tears of joy from Siya Kolisi at full time as Springboks pull off thrilling late win over All Blacks 🔥 #RSAvNZR pic.twitter.com/1Lt1eFMvYu
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 2, 2021
#NZvSA 👏👏👏👏👏@Springboks @AllBlacks my love of the union game is restored.
— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) October 2, 2021
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