Despite producing a famous rearguard effort in the first-Test victory at Ellis Park, New Zealand boss Dave Rennie warned in the week his side would need to “go deeper” to cope with the inevitable Springbok backlash.
That South African onslaught came from the off.
Hooker Deon Fourie, at nearly 40 the oldest Springbok in history, found his target in the line-out, the South African maul powered into the 22, and lightning fast ball led to centre Jesse Kriel crashing over.
Kolbe added the extras as the world champions made the dream start.
But despite the fast start from the hosts, New Zealand grew into the contest, with referee Angus Gardner, himself a late call-up in place of Nika Amashukeli, presiding over a fast and fluent game.
Damian McKenzie made a clean break which almost put in Will Jordan, and while the Boks killed the ball from the ensuing breakdown, Eben Etzebeth got up to spoil New Zealand’s five-metre line-out.
Despite their set-piece issues, the All Blacks came again. Intricate handling freed Jordan, who used his pace and strength to escape down the right and link with the outstanding Cam Roigard. Ruben Love levelled the scores from bang in front.
That score lit a fire in the Springboks, with Kolbe kicking a penalty and Damian de Allende barrelling over after another imposing maul as South Africa showed far more ruthlessness compared to a week ago.
With the Springboks dominating in the basics, the crowd in Cape Town smelt blood as the lead stretched to 17-7.
But with ball in hand, Rennie’s crop are reminiscent of the great All Blacks side of old. Savea burst forward from a line-out, and perfect passing gave McKenzie a walk-in.
At 17-14 edging towards half-time the contest was in the balance, before a match-defining sequence just before the interval.
Kolbe forced a five-metre scrum, before which Erasmus brought on two of his strongest scrummagers in Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche, who immediately won a penalty.
From there, another scrum, another penalty advantage, and with the All Blacks back-pedalling captain Siya Kolisi crashed over for South Africa’s third try and a 10-point lead after a pulsating first 40.
