Two moments of inspiration in just four minutes, with the rehearsals of George Bridge and Scott Barrett, decanted the first triumph of New Zealand in the World Cup (23-13). A debut not easy against the battling South Africa, which matched the game for many minutes before giving in for the first time in all of 2019.

"We had to fight until the end," admitted Kieran Read, the captain of the title favorite. "We made the difference in those two moments, where we were also favored by fortune," added the number 8 of the All Blacks, with whom he conquered the world titles of 2011 and 2015.

The physical power of the Springboks was not accompanied by precision. The team led by Rassie Erasmus failed too many 'tackles' and played with his foot without too much judgment. A distant kick from Handré Pollard put the early 0-3, but shortly after he failed another against the wood.

17-3 to rest

Between 24 and 27 minutes the whirlwind of the champions broke out. The second essay was facilitated by a mistake by Pollard, brilliantly taken advantage of by Anton Lienert-Brown, who yielded to Barrett. 17-3 to rest and a bad face for the Boks.

"After the break, our only idea was to score first. However, we couldn't take advantage of our opportunities," said Siya Kolisi, the South African captain. Pieter-Steph du Toit's rehearsal in the third minute breathed new spirits, although New Zealand was going to close, with enough trade, his fifteenth consecutive victory in a World Cup.

Of course, the Steve Hansen plan, with two game generators in action, remained unconvinced. New Zealand still does not offer that image of a roller with which it dominated the world scene for a decade, although it will now have 11 days to prepare its next commitment to Canada.

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