NEW ZEALAND WIN RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

October 7, 2018

New Zealand has wrapped up the 2018 Rugby Championship with a hard fought 32-30 win over South Africa in Pretoria.  The teams were locked at 6-6 at halftime, with penalty goals the only score.  South Africa scored the first try, through centre, Jesse Kriel.  The home side went further ahead with a penalty goal, and led 23-6 after Damian de Allende scored in the 52^nd minute.

New Zealand’s fight back began with a try to Aaron Smith just two minutes later.  Cheslin Kolbe crossed for South Africa to extend the lead to 30-13, but winger Rieko Ioane scored three minutes later to keep the visitors in the contest.

Scott Barrett crossed in the 72^nd minute, and replacement player Ardie Savea scored in the 79^th to level the scores.  Richie Mo’unga potted the conversion to complete the comeback for New Zealand.  The All Blacks finished on 25 points, ten ahead of second placed South Africa.

In the other match, Australia narrowly avoided the wooden spoon by beating Argentina 45-34 in Salta.  Argentina raced to a 14-0 lead after just five minutes, and it looked like being a long night for the Wallabies.  Captain, Michael Hooper scored a try in the 14^th minute, but the home side crossed twice more in the first half to take a 31-7 lead into the break.

Izack Rodda scored shortly after the break to get Australia back on track.  Israel Folau crossed three minutes later, and Dane Haylett-Petty made it three tries in seven minutes for the visitors.  Argentina still led 31-28, and gained some breathing space with a penalty goal midway through the second half.

David Pocock scored in the 64^th minute, and Bernard Foley’s conversion saw the Wallabies hit the lead for the first time in the match.  Haylett-Perry scored his second try two minutes later, and a late penalty goal from Foley wrapped up an unlikely victory for Australia.