South Africa lay marker down ahead of World Cup defence by thrashing New Zealand

South Africa laid down a marker ahead of their World Cup title defence by hammering New Zealand 35-7 in a warm-up conflict at Twickenham.

The reigning world champions dominated from the primary whistle on a chastening evening for World Cup favourites New Zealand, who had Scott Barrett despatched off within the first half, leaving his match participation unsure.

South Africa hammered Wales 52-16 in Cardiff final weekend and began in the identical useless, with relentless early strain resulting in a Thirteenth-minute sin-binning for Barrett – who paid the value for repeated New Zealand infringements.

Prop Tyrel Lomax was then compelled off with what gave the impression to be a critical knee damage earlier than skipper Sam Kane was additionally proven a yellow card in a disastrous first quarter-hour for the All Blacks.

New Zealand, who have been imperious in securing the 2023 Rugby Championship title final month, defended resolutely however Siya Kolisi compelled his manner over for the opening attempt after 18 minutes.

Richie Mo’unga hit the publish with a easy penalty and Kurt-Lee Arendse ran in South Africa’s second attempt from an interception to make it 14-0.

Issues went from unhealthy to worse for the All Blacks as Barrett was proven a second yellow and despatched off simply earlier than half-time for dangerously flying right into a clearout – which means he’s prone to miss their World Cup opener in opposition to France on September 8.

The Springboks hit the bottom operating once more after half-time as Malcolm Marx scored following a line-out.

Pieter-Steph Du Toit was sin-binned for a harmful deal with however a contemporary ahead pack, after seven substitutions, powered over for a fourth Springboks attempt as Bongi Mbonambi touched down.

New Zealand had no reply to South Africa as Kwagga Smith added a fifth, with Manie Libbok flawless with the boot, earlier than Cam Roigard’s first Take a look at attempt supplied New Zealand’s solely second of pleasure.