In a dramatic third Test that saw South Africa rally from a deficit to defeat New Zealand 29-24, the Springboks moved ahead 2-1 in the storied "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series, leaving one decisive match still to be played. The encounter, staged before a packed Soweto stadium of 87,976 fervent supporters, was a showcase of raw power, skill, and relentless determination from both sides. Both teams crossed the try line four times, turning the match into a seesaw battle that was as punishing as it was enthralling. The Springboks’ scoring roster featured Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx, each touching down in crucial moments, while a penalty try awarded to South Africa added another five points to their tally.
This victory followed a razor‑thin win in Cape Town the week before, underscoring the Springboks’ ability to grind out hard‑won successes when the stakes are highest. New Zealand’s captain, Ardie Savea, opened the scoring with two first‑half tries, displaying the kind of explosive play that has made him a leader on the field. Unfortunately for the All Blacks, Savea’s night was cut short when he suffered a shoulder injury that forced him out of the game, removing a key attacking outlet for the visitors. Later in the match, record try‑scorer Will Jordan added another try for New Zealand, and hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho managed to cross the line in the closing minutes, though his effort proved little more than a consolation as South Africa held on.
The narrative of the match was classic: the Springbok forwards, renowned for their physical dominance, pitted against the flowing, expansive style of the All Blacks. New Zealand burst out of the gates, using quick line‑out moves and swift ball distribution to take an early lead. Captain Savea, after a swift line‑out, darted through the defense following a charge by Asafo Aumua and scored the opening try, setting the tone for an aggressive New Zealand performance. South Africa answered swiftly.
After a robust carry by Damian de Allende, the ball was handed to Leroy Carter, whose incisive pass found Kurt‑Lee Arendse sprinting into the corner for the Springboks’ first try. The back‑and‑forth continued, with Savea adding a second try just five minutes later after gathering a loose ball and finishing a move that saw Carter sprint down the left wing. However, Savea’s night ended abruptly when he was forced off with a shoulder injury, a blow that altered the complexion of the contest. At halftime, the Springboks earned a penalty try when the All Blacks’ scrum collapsed under the pressure of South Africa’s forward pack, leveling the scores and shifting momentum in the South African camp.
The second half opened with renewed vigor from New Zealand. Will Jordan, already a prolific scorer in his Test career, struck to restore the All Blacks’ lead, his 54th Test try igniting the home crowd and putting New Zealand back in front.
But the Springboks responded with a decisive surge. Jesse Kriel broke through after Leroy Carter missed a tackle, sprinting to the try line and reigniting South Africa’s belief. The turning point came when Malcolm Marx powered through a maul to score, showcasing the brute strength of the Springbok forwards.
Following Marx’s try, Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu slotted a penalty, extending the lead and putting the All Blacks under immense pressure. In the final minutes, Samisoni Taukei'aho managed to cross for New Zealand, but the try arrived too late to affect the outcome. South Africa held firm, sealing a 29‑24 victory that not only gave them the series advantage but also highlighted their resilience and capacity to thrive under pressure.
After the final whistle, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi reflected on the performance: "We're so proud of the win today. It was a great game from the All Blacks. They pushed us to the limit, they came like a house on fire.
That first 25 minutes, our lungs were pumping hard. We did so well to make sure we didn't concede more points and fight back. The way we finished at the end was a lot better than we did the last two weeks.
We play for ourselves, for the Springboks, but most importantly, we play for the people of South Africa. We represent each and every single person here. We're thankful and grateful that we have the privilege, not pressure, to be able to change people's moods and make them feel good." With the series now standing at 2‑1 in South Africa's favour, the two rivals will meet for the final Test in Baltimore, USA.
The decisive match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and both teams know that a victory is essential – the All Blacks to keep their pride intact, and the Springboks to clinch the coveted series win. The stakes are high, the rivalry historic, and fans on both sides eagerly await what promises to be a fitting climax to one of rugby's most celebrated contests.