The greatest rugby match of the professional era

[@tanielatuiqali3745]

Surely Nigel Owen's cramping up is a sign of how expansive the game was that day. Scintillating match

[@Nicolas-lg6ys]

Why doesn't rugby feel like this anymore?

[@nefarious8278]

@@Nicolas-lg6ys it does but it’s not the all blacks doing it this time. Just watch France play and you’ll get the same sort of rugby

[@743Kris]

​@@Nicolas-lg6ys just from these highlights, there would be a lot more cards, including a red to Tendai.

[@nzfreeski]

@@nefarious8278 not really, as much as France and Ireland deserve their top rankings - they haven't yet dominated consistently and win a WC - both these teams above have won many cups , If either FR or IRE win a cup, they'rs up there. (we AB fans were told endlessly that great games like this mean nothing unless you have WCs).

[@nefarious8278]

@@nzfreeski talking bout the style of play boss, not rugby dominance

[@onskyk]

Out of breath just watching the highlights! Honestly, only game as a Saffa I did not feel too gutted to lose just because of the quality! Amazing game!

[@joevanwyk381]

As a proud Springbok supporter, this is why we have such respect for the All Blacks. What a game between worthy rivals! Maybe one day we'll see this quality of rugby and sportsmanship return. Not the officiating fiascos we've seen of late.

[@kiwiinexile]

as a proud Kiwi - by far the greatest rugby rivalries and teams are the Springboks and All Blacks. One of my most favourite memories was a time the two groups of fans got together after a test match - just an incredible with the greatest of rivals. For the record - the All Blacks lost that night to the mighty Boks 😢

[@keza41]

Well said buddy. AB v Bok rugby is best rugby.

[@patrickthomas8101]

Im bok supporter but i disgree with the remark about officials. most referees have been pretty good with the acceptation of brace, jonker and payper. In short summery we have not been as great since the world cup and we are slowly on the decline. Ireland and France have proved how far ahead of the game they are.

[@floydkingi4364]

Amen! Today's game is an over officiated joke!

[@cspace1234nz]

...yes I remember when the All Blacks were worthy of respect

[@ArunsTravels]

As an Englishman, this has to be the best game I have ever watch. The skill levels are off the charts and so many fantastic players on both sides. Rugby at its best.

[@DogFish-NZ]

KZbin best test match ever , the bledisloe where lomu got the winner was even better

[@floydkingi4364]

@@DogFish-NZ That game was entertaining, but lacked physicality and the defence was weak from both teams. This game had physicality, solid defence as well as running rugby from both teams. This one was way better

[@OnTheOtherSideOfTheFence]

Good game for entertainment but the defence was non existent

[@mrwaltermathews]

If the southern hemisphere didn't play rugby I honestly don't know if I'd be a fan. This is the type of game that makes me love the sport.

[@Chelvam-so4qh]

When did this game happen?

[@archvermin]

One of the best test matches in history. This game had everything. -Two of the best teams in the world -Running rugby all game -Yellow card -A bit of handbagging -Heineke Meyer's glorious reaction to De Villier's try -Nigel Owen's leg cramp -They had to stop mid-game because the ABs put the wrong name on the team list We might never see a game like this again

[@goodman3367]

Morne Steyn bounce Retallick😂 funniest moment in rugby. Even Steyn couldn't believe it

[@smokedweed]

@@goodman3367 bro ikr shit was mad unexpected

[@ethangrace4948]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYuoZIWZndeWpZI&feature=share9 for the great rematch at Ellis Park in 2014

[@jknowstheway1462]

And footage of a women grabbing her ti*s

[@lukegray7892]

And not to mention Barretts try saving ankle tap

[@St4rOfD4vid]

DeVilliers one of my all time favourite players and im kiwi both teams always bring out the best of each other respect to S.A from a Kiwi..

[@fatShowPony]

People seem to forget what a spectacular no8 Kieran Read was. Genuinely big, fast, brutal in defence and linking with backs.

[@floydkingi4364]

At his best Reado was simply brilliant, a great combination of skill and brawn

[@mcdonaldmlanga2881]

He was a class act

[@bloody927]

Him and Ben Smith were on fire this year (2003). Imo it was both their best year playing rugby.

[@J27M]

@@bloody9272003? 2013 I think you mean.

[@meeshnozigqwaba8972]

i’ve always said 2013 kieran read is arguably the best rugby player ever

[@apnira10]

Wallaby supporter living in Ireland. Now THIS is rugby. Unbelievable skill, grit, width, speed. How good!?

[@craigharrison9828]

I need an ice bath after watching that game... Absolutely the two most dominant teams on the planet. Love the Boks and AB's. Wish all teams the best for RWC 2023.

[@Badmansband]

Was in Hong Kong watching this. Bar full of kiwis, Saffers and Aussies. Was a magical game and the kiwis and Saffers embraced at the end. It would have been tough losing that but I think it was a sense of witnessing an unbelievable game of rugby.

[@joesouthborn2960]

That's worth sharing. Thanks bud!

[@briansmaller7443]

NZer here. Habana was always a hard one for the ABs to stop when he was at full flight. Great player.

[@ajmusic4500]

Kolisi’s impact when he came on. Future captain and legend 🙌

[@noelcavanagh1932]

Remember watching this game with my mate. I turned to him after the game as said " that was the best game of rugby I had ever seen". Just so good!

[@rukaks]

Two teams playing flowing, positive rugby just hammering away at each other. Great game 👍🏾 Plenty of rugby greats in their prime too

[@shaunk6822]

I was in the stadium for this game - absolutely insane energy in the stands that day. Right from the national anthem to the final whistle. Nigel Owens rates it as one of his career highlights and it's easy to see why.

[@TheTherealbadboy]

Nobody pointing out one thing that happened in this game that will never be found anywhere else in rugby…..Morne bouncing retalick

[@assoluttogamerx]

I forgot about that could not believe it

[@simphiwedhlamini5399]

And Eben gassing two/three backs on the wing.

[@saintnick2571]

Race between le roux and barrett

[@mooonedropper]

Furlong dummied him

[@jamiebrown1235]

Saw this comment first. Saw it in the video. Still don’t believe it

[@IwasInThe60s]

These two sides always seem to bring the best out of one another. What a rivalry. Cannot wait for the next one.

[@kylekibe01]

31 August 2024 is going to be epic

[@JeshuaOurGod]

Greatest ref ever! Greatest 2 rugby teams ever! Super nostalgic! Miss my Pops now more than ever, watching this!

[@jamiebrown1235]

Etzebeth, Kolisi and Le Roux as rookies really proved themselves this game. Simply playing against the prime AB team and in prime Boks and holding your own is a feat. But to I’ll impress while doing it. This is the game Kolisi comes on during a line out nervous af and walks straight to Etzebeth who hugs him. Two kids about to play the best game of their lives

[@mpilodigitalmarketing]

Kolisi stopping Nonu on the try line was probably a statement of the great player he would be one day. You just don't do that. Kolisi what a legend.

[@TheTherealbadboy]

The whole team (both teams) was legendary.. not just one player..

[@ufcandrugbyfan]

thats coming from a south african supporter

[@slicktricks_takethat6901]

Oh so you must have missed the B.Barrett try saving tackle?

[@ufcandrugbyfan]

@@slicktricks_takethat6901 Fax.

[@mpilodigitalmarketing]

@@slicktricks_takethat6901 No I did not miss it.

[@alexsavea1869]

Two of the heavyweights and an Era will never be replaced. So much skilled and flair from both sides and the atmosphere to go with it is something else

[@jbrassic5434]

I feel the same about the '95 RWC haha

[@Alex-mj5dv]

So many of the greatest players of the last 15-20 years were at their peak here on both sides… great game

[@MrBreakdownBoy]

Context: South Africa needed a bonus point win (a win by 3+tries) to win the Rugby Championship. This is why the game was so free-flowing as it was.

[@warrust]

also ABs just needs the 4 tries for the bonus point which is why they mentioned the championship obtained

[@DanielSmith-kq8wg]

This was a phenomenal match. Their 2015 meeting in the Rugby Championship was another amazing clash. 27-20 All Blacks, but South Africa led 20-17 with seven minutes to go. As a northern hemisphere fan, watching that match two months before the Rugby World Cup, my heart sank, as they were clearly both on another level.

[@calebadkins565]

I was so blessed to have witnessed this game live at Ellis Park that year man. An absolutely phenomenal face-off between two amazing rugby teams!!! From a Bok supporter.

[@clementvalette5486]

1:06 best moment of the game

[@huepix]

Well, gotta have support

[@novak7970]

Using two hands as my coach always said.

[@letsgo8814]

😂yes south africa plays a physical game

[@dudemanismadcool]

What year was this game?

[@blackpepper468]

Simply pure joy to see pure rugby and a fantasic referee in Nigel Owens the best ...thank you guys for the wonderful performance by both sides.

[@mattykuchar]

I'm bloody knackered just having watched the highlights! Sky Sports UK actually sent a commentary team down to cover this match, as it was the title decider for the Rugby Championship and NZ and SA were playing some great footy. Not often that a game lives up to the hype, let alone well exceeds it, but this was one.

[@LomuHabana]

What a player Habana was, that second try, wow.

[@Boxmediaphile]

This is much better than the boring World Cup final we got

[@Sokol17029]

Remember watching this game in 2013. What a great era in rugby.

[@tana8890]

THIS WAS THE BEST ALL BLACKS, sitting down past your bed time with your dad cheering them on early hour in the AM !! man what a childhood to witness such an amazing game of footy .

[@gikas298]

I remember this game❤ it is my favorite game The best game ever Sadly springboks lost but still...

[@maxxi1097]

How good was Prime Kieran Read in my opinion the most complete Number 8 of the modern era!

[@user-lq2dc9wj2n]

dirty player

[@redneckReno]

That in from the side on McCaw would be a red all day in todays game....Great game!! Thank you for that Rugby Drive!!

[@DonkasaurusNZ]

Was that not even a yellow?? Seems crazy given how they dish them out today

[@dcwhiti6313]

I seen the title and thought I will be the judge of that ........ Watched the game ........... Great game from start to finish ......... I concur sir 💯🔥

[@leonardwong4538]

Seeing Read running the tramlines in that era was pure joy

[@darthmaul408]

This was one of those games I hat had the big billing and actually surpassed my expectations. Both teams far and away above everyone else at this time.

[@AA-hg5fk]

An incredible match. This should be shown to all American football fans who think that their sport is the toughest and most intense team contact sport, they couldn't be more wrong!

[@stevenlurie1215]

Nonu, speed, power and a rugby mind. Him and Danie Gerber greatest centre's of all time

[@JungleNation333]

You know its OP when Retallic gets sat down

[@monzasmithNZ]

As an All Blacks fan, I was gutted for South Africa when Habana got injured. The guy looked like he was on the form of his life, and I truly believe if he stayed on the field then the Springboks would probably have won.

[@TheTherealbadboy]

Even Nigel Owens rated this as the best game he ever reffed.. Pity World Rugby have since destroyed the game, we won’t get another of these

[@nadiaswann7043]

the boks and ireland, will give us another WC. dont worry about WR

[@TheTherealbadboy]

@@nadiaswann7043 are you supporting the boks or Ireland

[@epicchess2021]

Awesome , that barret tackle on la roux moment of the game for me

[@paulrooy371]

Beautiful to watch.... end to end rugby.... how it was before officials got it in their heads they were the stars of the show....

[@markbrown-sb2zm]

This is what happens with a competent ref.

[@SLM-i3f]

Read is the best loose forward to have have on the wider channels on attack. Absolutely brilliant

[@callum2202]

How good were these incredible teams!! 💯💯💯

[@leonsolms9596]

What a great game of rugby when rugby was still rugby. I spotted at least 2-3 red cards and maybe 4 yellow cards according to to today's rules and regulations with about 10 minutes of stoppage time to check and recheck everything. This is why rugby is losing supporters as in the modern era as you do not get matches like these anymore as a result of the all the new rules and regulations. PS I am a springbok supporter and the All Blacks deserved that win. Fantastic match. Thanks for the content

[@MrZionforce]

As an All Black supporter, I say both teams were deserving of the Win. The fact that Springboks needed the bonus point win and to prevent All Blacks from getting 4 tries is what forced them out of their shell. Yes I wish I got to see this game live in person or on TV, but I'm blessed enough to see it. Indeed this is the best game ever played in all history, like referee Nigel Owens had said " Today Rugby had won" for he also stated it was the greatest rugby match he has ever refereed. Yes in the Spirit of the Game and for the ages Rugby had Won, Both the All Blacks & Springboks had won. I thank the Springboks for playing out of their skin and I congratulate them for doing this for the good and greater good of the sport. This is the Game that will be spoken about through the ages like Hector and Achilles battling it out at Troy.

[@sabelomweli8335]

lovely, when was this?

[@fabricevaudron2425]

C'est du beau,, très beau rugby... Que nous apprécions en France...🇫🇷🇫🇷🏉🏉

[@zabaleta66]

Wow!! Chock full of great players on both sides! And both sides absolutely going for it!

[@mrharoun3214]

Jeez the stamina of these two teams

[@megaworldasia360]

Watching games between these 2 sides makes it easy to understand why the game at Twickenham on the 25th August is sold out. Always the best rugby you'll see anywhere.

[@snowflakecuntreeman3947]

Wow! Epic skills and determination from multiple rugby greats!!!

[@skilledinspeech9917]

That was an incredible AB side....

[@that682kid.C]

As a kiwi i loved watching habana play also hated it at times 😂 always challenge against our southern brothers not to mention the legends from both sides 💯🇳🇿🇿🇦

[@ianjacobs2998]

The best 2 teams on Earth👍🙏

[@Onez-tz8ij]

WHy people never put Bryan Habana in the top 10 list of the all time greatest rugby players is beyond me. This guy is a finisher. No one does it better

[@edgeware15]

I mean this with absolute respect to the Springboks but I think that if he wore the black jersey he would have had a kit bag full of records. The thought of him partnering/in rotation with: 04 to 08 Rocokoco/Sivivatu (their prime years imo) 09 to 11 Jane/Gear 12 onward Savea Unsure if he would have made the 2015 WC (in respect to the lifespan of an AB wing) but you would have to have him as odds on favourite for try scoring records for overall, Bledisloe and overall WC (glad he shares it with Jonah).

[@darragh47]

Habana never in a top 10 list? His rep is huge. Hardly an unsung hero

[@yaboi5509]

Beauden Barrett before he even entered his prime was freakish

[@the_katman2181]

Brilliant game. And brutal too. No half measures on any of those hits.

[@gugzin4696]

Truly the greatest. Loved every minute of this game

[@camwells9726]

We had some classics at Ellis park , but this one stands out as number 1

[@picantetraining6228]

Honestly, the best rugby game I’ve ever watched out thousands.

[@cjkleynhans1129]

Greatest match with the greatest ref to have ever served the game!

[@viktor_9674]

Great match! When the Springboks run the ball it's always beautiful to watch! Since 2019 the Springboks have balanced their style on the day to beat the given opponent, that's why we won the world cup! In the knockout stages of a world cup this is the formula that works and we do it superbly!

[@frankbunce]

You played Japan, Wales and England in the knockout stages. Stop exaggerating. Springboks seldom play running rugby, when they do, they do it well. But it’s not natural to them.

[@sagamauga8074]

And that's what makes this game so awesome. Just like in the 2019 WC SA only lost to the ABS

[@tirahuks1]

Conrad Smith's workrate 👌

[@True_Blood_89]

I hope the finals will be just as entertaining. This game showed that Springboks had zero defense when on the attack. NZ had really good counter attack tries here. Both teams played exceptionally though. 2 fumbles by SA right on NZ try line...what a bummer

[@johnoneill2986]

God Habana was a freak!

[@dansonobakengobakeng7746]

It won't be another best derby after this one love from Pretoria

[@ryanator109]

Read, McCaw, Dagg, Ben Smith, Nonu, Conrad Smith. I was a teenager when I saw this game and now it seems like a lifetime ago 😭

[@nessy1245]

The ref cramping up, this was absolute carnage...mad turnover and seamless flow of the ball

[@hankgoldenshaft]

This was one hell of a game, one of my favorites for sure

[@elray5898]

Now that is a RUGBY Match made in Heaven Between two Great Rugby Nations (Spirited display of shear brutal Competitive effort) AWWWsome

[@bensan6897]

Iconic Try Saver from Barrett. Absolute speedster.

[@smoog]

Incredible how damn quick Barrett was.

[@watkinsrory]

Lambe was a big loss to world rugby.

[@rickjames21]

This might be the most incredible Rugby match ever

[@jksinorbit]

I still cant believe Barrett mafe that tackle on le roux... This was not a bad match to lose. The boks gave it a good swing and came up just short

[@BetterTodaywithJasonCruz]

This highlights reel will never get old ❤

[@rugbydrive]

🙏🏼

[@Chuckmuch]

Sport at its highest level. Incredible!

[@Martin_Mare]

The hit on McCaw by the beast , Nigel would've given him a red card today. The fact he shrugged it off as a penalty speaks sirens on how NANNY STATE it is becoming. Ruining a perfect game.

[@DonkasaurusNZ]

I mean that has to be a yellow right? Agree the game has gone soft but if that’s not a yellow then don’t bother having the cards - wonder what Dagg’s yellow was for in this game?

[@samuel8265]

As a England fan i remember watching this as a neutral on sky sports one of the best games i seen great play and tries all game shame our mens aide dont play like that often and same for domestic teams. Just look at frande currently they are playing very well so is Ireland team but opening game of world cup nz vs france i expect is going to be a thriller like this match and high scoring

[@henryford6804]

best match, best players, and by far the best ref that will go unbeaten.

[@janematete6588]

This game was all over the place... i remember watching this live from Aôtearoa (nz) and i lost my voice. Alway in edge when ABs face SB

[@Mzansi74]

Fitting... The two best teams ever, with the best referee ever. Respect!

[@coolersmoke]

Bonkers! And Brilliant. And with Nigel Owens refereeing. What a fricking game. (2013 Rugby World Cup Final, for those looking!)

[@chrisberge9775]

Umm that will lead people astray. It was a tri-nations clash, definitely not a rugby world cup match (let alone a final)

[@jbrassic5434]

This was a pure masterclass in how rugby is played. Unreal. *edit - played and REFEREED

[@Hammersteyn]

3:33 Wait, did Steyn bounce Rettalick? 😮😮😮😮

[@JohnRome-xn7hx]

Clash of titans! This is why we love the All Blacks, no matter how good they are in a particular moment in time, they play always to win in a spectacular fashion! 🤩 Amazing! Total respect and appreciation to South Africa when they play this way as well, not so conservatively like vs France and England (2023 RWC). P.s. That defensive trip with hands by Beauden Barrett was just incredible!

[@c0mbat15]

Was that run and tackle from Barratt the greatest ever tackle? Incredible speed and technique.

[@stevepasco5850]

Shame rugby will never be as free flowing as that again because the ref's love the taste of the whistle too much nowadays, plus they keep changing the rules to make it a boring game which is all defence orientated 😢

[@reedsmusic7589]

There's just way too much happening here for just one game! It feels like the highlights reel of several high octane duels taken from decades worth of ferocious rivalry. I need to find this game!! God bless you

[@Jason-pl1fv]

Massive game. In my top 3. Also 2000 last bledislow in Sydney. ( I was there as a kiwi it had been a long hard few years) Rod Macqueen, to me, is the goat of international coaching. This game was was awesome to watch. But watching Australia come of age at Eden park with Greg Corneilson record haul of tries. Reshaped the no 8 position. When you win on their turf is always harder

[@vik4741]

Before rush defence was a thing

[@taraishot100]

They were doing rush defence in the 90s and even before that. Long before this game! Rush defence is nothing new 😂😂😂 who do you think you are the inventor of rush defence? Sit down bro

[@markdavidwatene161]

​@@taraishot100 straight up, rush d is as old as the hills 😂

[@floydkingi4364]

Both teams throwing the Kitchen sink at each other all game. One of the greatest tests ever!

[@eltonarteaga1047]

Totally agree....I'll never forget this match

[@huepix]

Mad respect, both sides.

[@dideetahu4907]

All them superstars on one field at one time

[@zavirca]

Just wish rugby was as exciting these days

[@adamgpreston]

Defences have got a lot better than then. Which is half the reason the game just isn’t as good today.

[@thecoderofyoutube]

1:06 Best bit of the video.

[@twoshake2211]

Beautiful game