New Zealand lost a 15-point lead and then produced two tries in the last six minutes to come from behind and beat South Africa 35-23 in the Rugby Championship – and potentially save coach Ian Foster’s job.
New Zealand’s victory was unexpected and gutsy, and it ended a run of three straight losses – and five losses in the All Blacks’ last six Tests – that put Foster on the brink of being fired and rugby’s most successful team under immense scrutiny.
Foster still said he had “no idea” if the win was enough for him to stay as coach. “I am just going to enjoy tonight,” he said.
The All Blacks had promised this week that they would give everything against the world champions at Ellis Park – one of the toughest places to play – to end that losing run.