Deputy Minister Mabe Congratulates Springboks on Hard-Fought All Blacks Victory

Cape town: Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe has congratulated the Springboks on their hard-fought 33-26 victory over the New Zealand All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town this past weekend. The victory in the second Test of the Castle Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series allowed South Africa to bounce back strongly after a 33-16 defeat in the opening encounter at Ellis Park in Johannesburg the previous weekend. According to South African Government News Agency, the Springboks demonstrated the courage, character, and determination needed to overcome one of the strongest teams in international rugby. In a statement on Monday, Mabe expressed her admiration for the team's comeback, stating, "Congratulations to the Springboks on a courageous and important victory over the All Blacks. The team responded with the intensity, discipline, and determination that South Africans have come to expect from our national rugby team." The Springboks started powerfully, with Jesse Kriel scoring the opening try in the first minute. Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi also crossed the try line in the first half, helping South Africa establish a 24-14 lead at the interval. Cheslin Kolbe contributed 18 points from the kicking tee, maintaining the Springboks' advantage as the All Blacks fought back. Pieter-Steph du Toit's 100th Test appearance for South Africa was another highlight of the match, making him only the 11th Springbok to achieve this milestone. Deputy Minister Mabe acknowledged his contribution to South African rugby, stating, "Pieter-Steph du Toit has served South African rugby with distinction. Reaching 100 Test appearances requires extraordinary commitment, resilience, and consistency at the highest level of the game." Deputy Minister Mabe also thanked the supporters who filled DHL Stadium, along with the millions of South Africans who followed the match across the country. "Congratulations once again to the Springboks. You responded when the country needed you, represented South Africa with p ride and reminded the world of the courage that defines the green and gold. Go Bokke!" she said.