OPINION: What a difference a week can make, with the All Blacks roaring to victory over the Springboks to snap a three-test losing streak.
New Zealand dominated the opening 30 minutes, before overcoming a disappointing second half with a late surge to snatch the win at Johannesburg's Elli Park.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster's changes from last week's defeat worked a treat, while familiar faces stood up to the challenge of quietening the vocal Springboks supporters.
1-Ethan de Groot 6
More than held his own at loosehead prop, even winning the early exchanges, before the Springboks front-row changes caused him some problems. Was penalised twice, but a good outing.
2-Samisoni Taukei'aho 7
Only bettered by Ardie Savea in number of carries and was once again steady at the lineout, with six wins and only one misthrow. Has grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
3-Tyrel Lomax 6
Much like de Groot, part of a dominant scrum in the first half, even forcing South Africa to replace opposing prop Ox Nche inside the first 35 minutes.
4-Sam Whitelock 7
A solid performance from the veteran lock, grabbing a lineout steal and making all his tackles. Was guilty of being too eager at times and was penalised on three occasions, but crucial on defence.
5-Scott Barrett 8
A strong showing by the lock, capped off with the game-sealing try right before fulltime. Wasn't needed much on defence, but made all his tackles and never tired.
6-Shannon Frizell 7
Made more metres than any other forward not named Savea. Forced the Springboks to make tackles, with just one turnover to his name.
7-Sam Cane 5
Produced a team-high 11 tackles, but also missed four. Opened the scoring with a try, but guilty of going missing throughout the test match.
Solid, if uninspiring performance from the skipper.
8-Ardie Savea 9
Cometh the hour, cometh the man - another star showing from the All Blacks No.8. Made crucial tackles and turnovers, and a game-high 13 carries, and was unlucky not to score a try of his own at the end.
9-Aaron Smith 7
Combined well with his new No.10, serving good ball to the All Blacks runners. Caused the Springboks headaches around the fringes with his quick passing.
10-Richie Mo'unga 8
Exactly what the doctor ordered. Marshalled his troops around, showed great composure on attack and kicked wonderfully, with three conversions and penalties apiece.
11-Caleb Clarke 7
Another solid showing from the winger. Tied for defenders beaten with four and ran for 62 metres, with the Springboks defence struggling to contain him.
Did miss a key tackle that led the Springboks' first try.
12-David Havili 7
A much-improved performance, which included a try against the run of play. Guilty of a couple errors and three missed tackles, but beat several of his own.
13-Rieko Ioane 9
Simply sensational on both attack and defence. Thwarted threatening Springboks attacks with clever thinking and was a demon with ball in hand, with more than 100 metres.
14-Will Jordan 7
Ran for 96 metres and produced two linebreaks, but was sloppy in possession, conceding three turnovers and also missing two tackles. Showed good composure to send Cane over for the first try.
15-Jordie Barrett 7
Wasn't much of a threat on attack, but made a trysaving tackle on Pieter-Steph du Toit and was solid under the high ball to nullify the Springboks kicking game.
Reserves:
16-Codie Taylor 6
17-George Bower 5
18-Fletcher Newell 5
19-Tupou Vaa'i 5
20-Akira Ioane 7
21-Finlay Christie 5
22-Beauden Barrett 3
23-Quinn Tupaea 5
Reece Labuschagne is a Newshub online sports producer
