Ellis Park was the epicenter of electric tension, as the Springboks and All Blacks kicked off their first test of 2024. 

The packed Johannesburg stadium bore witness to a classic encounter, where the hosts had to weather an early storm, before a final-quarter surge secured them a memorable 31-27 victory.

• Subscribe To Watch The Rugby Championship On FloRugby
• 100 Best Rugby Players In The World: Here's The Full List
  
• International Rugby Fixtures 2024 On FloRugby

The match began with ferocious intensity, with the All Blacks seizing the initiative early. 

Just 30 seconds in, a South African infringement at the breakdown gifted New Zealand a lineout inside the 22. After multiple phases, the Springboks' defense held firm, forcing Ardie Savea into touch. However, another penalty and a yellow card for Aphelele Fassi allowed New Zealand to capitalize. They drove over from a lineout, with Damian McKenzie and added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

The Springboks responded, establishing their presence in the All Blacks' half. 

A smart grubber kick by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu nearly put Kurt-Lee Arendse over the line, but New Zealand’s Will Jordan recovered in time. South Africa persisted, and Bongi Mbonambi muscled over from a lineout, though the conversion was missed, leaving the score 7-5.

The All Blacks struck back quickly. A beautiful play from Tyrel Lomax sent Caleb Clarke charging down the left wing to score. McKenzie missed the conversion, and a penalty by Feinberg-Mngomezulu closed the gap to 12-11 at halftime.

The second half opened explosively, as Jordie Barrett intercepted a pass and raced the length of the field, narrowly avoiding South Africa’s chasers to score under the posts. McKenzie’s conversion extended the lead to 19-11. 

South Africa answered, with the Springboks grinding their way into the All Blacks' half before earning another penalty, which Feinberg-Mngomezulu slotted.

New Zealand pressed forward, with Clarke scoring again to widen the gap to 24-17. However, South Africa found its rhythm, and the relentless physicality began to wear on the visitors. 

With 10 minutes remaining, Kwagga Smith barreled over the line, bringing the score to 27-24.

In the dying minutes, Grant Williams burst through the All Blacks' defense to score, flipping the game on its head. His conversion sealed a 31-27 victory for the Springboks, capping off an epic comeback.

Where To Watch Rugby Internationals 2024?

In the USA, FloRugby will broadcast some of the best international rugby fixtures of 2024.

South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and England will play matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app.

How To Watch The Rugby Championship 2024?

The Rugby Championship will be streaming in the United States on FloRugby and the FloSports app.

Match replays, highlights and more will be on both platforms. 

How To Watch Rugby Matches In the United States On FloRugby

FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• Top 14
• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

Join The Rugby Conversation On FloRugby Social

• Follow us on Twitter @florugby
• Follow us on Instagram @florugby
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook