All Blacks beat Lions 41-35 in dramatic comeback

New Zealand's All Blacks mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat the Lions 41-35 in a thrilling rugby union match at Ellis Park on Tuesday, completing a clean sweep of South Africa's United Rugby Championship franchises on their tour. The victory, secured with four tries in the final half-hour, kept the tourists undefeated ahead of their second Test against the Springboks.

The Lions, who had not played a competitive match since May 30, produced a spirited performance and led for over an hour. They raced to a 14-0 lead within seven minutes, with scrumhalf Nico Steyn scoring early and flanker Siba Mahashe intercepting a pass for a second try. The hosts maintained their advantage through the first half, going into the break ahead 21-17 after tries from winger Kelly Mpeku and captain Francke Horn, despite a late first-half try from All Blacks flanker Ethan Blackadder.

The Lions extended their lead to 35-17 just after halftime with a try from winger Erich Cronjé and another from Horn. However, a makeshift All Blacks side, featuring only three players from their first Test win over the Springboks and five injury replacements, began to assert its dominance. Outside centre...