All Blacks rally from 18-point deficit to defeat Lions 41-35 in Ellis Park

In a dramatic encounter at Ellis Park, the All Blacks erased an 18-point gap to edge the Lions 41-35, extending their unbeaten run on the six-week South African tour. After falling behind 35-17 in the 47th minute, New Zealand struck back with four successive tries, two from winger Rieko Ioane and a decisive score by Ethan Blackadder in the 62nd minute. Winger Emoni Narawa added the final try in the 79th minute to seal the victory.

The match saw only three players from the earlier Test against the Springboks start, with five injury replacements and debutant prop Saula Ma'u joining the squad. Coach Dave Rennie praised Blackadder’s performance, and the win follows a 33-16 triumph over the Springboks in the first Test.