South Africa rallied from an early deficit to defeat New Zealand 29-24 in a hard‑fought third Test, giving the Springboks a 2‑1 advantage in the celebrated "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series with only one match left to decide the outcome. The encounter, staged before a packed stadium of 87,976 spectators in Soweto, was a roller‑coaster of momentum, featuring eight tries in total – four for each side – and a blend of raw physicality and dazzling flair that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Springbok side opened the scoring after New Zealand’s captain Ardie Savea had already crossed the line twice in the first half.
A well‑executed line‑out saw Savea break through the defensive line, only to be answered moments later by Kurt‑Lee Arendse, who dived into the corner after a powerful carry from Damian de Allende set up Leroy Carter for a pass. The early exchange highlighted the classic contrast between the South African forward dominance and the New Zealand backline’s fluid, attacking style. Savea’s second try came just five minutes after his first, when he gathered a loose ball and sprinted over the line following a swift move down the left wing by Carter. Unfortunately for the All Blacks, Savea’s night was cut short when he suffered a shoulder injury that forced him off the field, removing a key play‑maker from New Zealand’s ranks.
At halftime, the scores were level thanks to a penalty try awarded to South Africa after the Springbok scrum forced a New Zealand infringement in the in‑goal area. The decision gave the hosts a psychological boost heading into the second half, where the intensity only grew. The second half began with New Zealand’s record try‑scorer Will Jordan restoring the lead, marking his 54th Test try.
Jordan’s strike, however, proved to be the last major breakthrough for the All Blacks. On the same play, South Africa’s Jesse Kriel capitalised on a missed tackle by Carter to race through and score, reigniting the Springboks’ momentum. From that point onward, South Africa’s forward pack, led by the indomitable Malcolm Marx, began to dominate the contact area. Marx’s maul try, a showcase of sheer power and coordination, extended the Springbok lead and underscored the effectiveness of their set‑piece strategy.
The penalty conversion by Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu added further points, pushing the score to a margin that New Zealand could only hope to close in the final minutes. Late in the game, New Zealand’s hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho managed to cross the line, providing a consolation try that highlighted the All Blacks' resilience but did little to alter the result.
The final whistle confirmed a 29‑24 win for South Africa, a result that not only gave them a series lead but also demonstrated the depth and determination of the Springbok squad. In the post‑match interview, South African captain Siya Kolisi reflected on the performance: "We’re incredibly proud of today’s win.
The All Blacks gave us a massive challenge; they came at us with the intensity of a house on fire. The first 25 minutes were a real test of our stamina, but we managed to keep the scoreline respectable and fought back strongly.
Our finish was far better than what we showed in the previous two weeks. We play for ourselves, for the Springboks, and most importantly for the people of South Africa. We have the privilege – not the pressure – to lift the nation’s spirits and bring joy to our supporters." The series now heads to its concluding match in Baltimore, USA, where the All Blacks will need a win to keep their hopes alive.
The final Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and both teams will be eager to either seal the series or force a dramatic comeback. The rivalry between the two nations remains one of the most compelling narratives in world rugby, and the upcoming showdown promises to deliver another chapter of high‑stakes, high‑skill competition. For fans seeking to watch the action, the match will be streamed live on Sky Sports and can also be accessed via the NOW platform. Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback.
The series has already provided a masterclass in strategic kicking, set‑piece execution, and backline creativity, and the final encounter is expected to be no less thrilling.