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Global media react to All Blacks' shock loss saying to Springboks - 'Invincible men in black are mere mortals'

September 16, 2018

The All Blacks' shock 36-34 defeat to South Africa in Wellington last night has stunned the world's rugby media, with New Zealand's Southern Hemisphere dominance not as secure as it once seemed.

Coming off the back of consecutive defeats to Argentina and Australia, South Africa responded in style to earn their first win on New Zealand soil in nine years, holding out for an improbable victory in the capital.

With the 2019 World Cup in Japan now less than a year away, the All Blacks' stranglehold on the William Webb Ellis trophy seems a little less certain, with UK critics quick to stick the boot into Steve Hansen's men.

Willie le Roux says last night's win is much needed for South Africa.

Writing for the Telegraph, Ben Coles wrote that the result benefited not just South Africa, but the global game as a whole.

"This was the result world rugby needed," Coles said.

"After the British and Lions won the second Test in Wellington last year, South Africa raided the same venue today for their first victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand for nine years."

South Africa's Willie le Roux celebrates the final whistle as Springboks celebrate their 36-34 win over the All Blacks

South Africa's Nigel Botherway concurred with his UK equivalent's appraisal, saying:

"South Africa did world rugby a massive favour here in Wellington, proving that New Zealand can be beaten: that the previously invincible men in black are mere mortals after all."

South African writer Mahlaste Mphahlele though, pointed the finger at the boot of All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett, who missed four of his six attempts at goal.

New Zealand were stunned 36-34 by South Africa in Wellington last night.

"Though the Boks were impressive for this bonus-point victory against their bitter rivals in all facets of the game' they partly have All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett to thank as he missed four easy conversions that could have proved the difference," Mphahlele said in the Sunday Times South Africa.

Australian media also weighed in on the All Blacks' downfall, with Fox Sports' Christy Doran saying:

"Rated $8 outsiders heading into the Rugby Championship clash, the upset was arguably the biggest in Test rugby since Eddie Jones' Japan beat the Springboks in their opening match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup."

Barrett converted only two conversions from six in tonight's 36-34 loss to the Springboks.

Rugby World magazine's Paul Williams though, predicts the All Blacks to return fire immediately, simply tweeting that:

"You don't want to be the team playing the All Blacks next..."

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