Twitter reacts: All Blacks v South Africa

The All Blacks semifinal against the Springboks was an emotional rollercoaster for most All Blacks fans - but nerves would later give way to relief and joy.

If you weren't on the 4am rollercoaster #ShameOnYou It was well worth the ride. Shot brothers.. pic.twitter.com/PlCMD59TnE

— Monty Betham (@MontyBetham13) October 24, 2015

The gripping match had fans on the edge of their seats at the ungodly hour of 4am, with some fans indulging in some "nervous cleaning" the night before.

"It's too early to be this excited and nervous on a Sunday," one fan aptly observed.

It's too early to be this excited and nervous on a Sunday #NZLvRSA

— Angela (@angelawei___) October 24, 2015

After day of cleaning spent night ironing, everything fits nicely into the linen cupboard. Spotless whare. Nervous cleaning #NZLvRSA

— 2Tapu (@2TAPU) October 24, 2015

One fan projected their nerves onto the players themselves. Did that haka seem nervous to you?

As the Springboks took the lead in the first half, the nerves continued. And when Jerome Kaino was sinbinned, his facial expression ensured he'd be the subject of future memes for a while yet.

"On the bright side, we've got a new national meme source with that Kaino face," wrote Anna Connell.

Everyone's face when Kaino got yellow carded #RSAvNZL #allblacks pic.twitter.com/9vW51KRe4B

— Aimee Bell (@aimzbell) October 24, 2015

In previous weeks, the All Blacks' haircuts attracted a lot of comment, but this morning, team hairdresser Aaron Smith's brand new facial hair was singled out on social media.

Check out that mo on Aaron Smith. Part of the plan? pic.twitter.com/FMjRdaQgeb

— Tim Lovelock (@timl27) October 24, 2015

There is absolutely no excuse for Aaron Smith's mo.

— Sports Freak (@Sportsfreakconz) October 24, 2015

Thankfully for everyone watching from the edge of their seats, the All Blacks managed an 18-20 win after a close and tense battle with the Boks.

A sigh of relief echoed across New Zealand Twitter as the game wrapped up.

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— John Campbell (@JohnJCampbell) October 24, 2015

And maybe Aaron Smith's mo wasn't so bad after all - Yarden Elyashiv awarded it MVP for "a clean and well kept game".

"Oh god that dirty moustache Aaron Smith, you have to keep it now," added Kent Lambert.

MVP: Aaron Smith's Mustache. A clean and well kept game. Good stuff. #NZLvRSA

— Yarden Elyashiv (@yelyashiv) October 24, 2015

Oh god that dirty moustache Aaron Smith, you have to keep it now. #NZLvRSA #RWC2015

— Kent Lambert (@BeardyKent) October 24, 2015

But our celebrations equaled misery for South African fans, with one writing that she could "hear people crying in the street".

Another Boks fan witnessed a sad ending to their neighbour's traditional barbecue.

"My neighbours braai-d in their front yard.Watching them looking @ the braai meat like it's a dead animal.Appetites lost," wrote Tshidi Teigh

My neighbours braai-d in their front yard.Watching them looking @ the braai meat like it's a dead animal.Appetites lost:( #RWC2015 #NZLvRSA

— Leigh🍉 (@TeighLily_Aqua) October 24, 2015

But at least there was this beautiful display of sportsmanship from Sonny Bill Williams, as he consoled Jesse Kriel after the game.

2 great teams battled it out tonight, In my eyes we are all winners. pic.twitter.com/hAkb1g27zH

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) October 24, 2015

And as an added bonus, All Blacks fans were rewarded for the early start with a beautiful sunrise.

- nzherald.co.nz