The Springboks ended more than a decade of frustration against New Zealand at FNB Stadium, defeating the All Blacks 29-24 in a thrilling third Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test in Soweto on Saturday.
In front of an ecstatic crowd of 85,967, South Africa produced one of its most impressive performances of the year to claim a 2-1 series lead.
The match was played at a breathtaking pace, with both teams producing moments of attacking brilliance and physical intensity. After a tightly contested first half ended 12-12, the Springboks pulled away in the second period through tries from Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx.
South Africa had already crossed twice in the opening half through Kurt-Lee Arendse and a penalty try. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added two conversions and a crucial penalty goal as the Boks held off a relentless New Zealand challenge.
The All Blacks opened the scoring through captain Ardie Savea, who scored from close range after New Zealand applied pressure from a lineout.
The Springboks responded with an outstanding attacking move finished by Arendse in the right-hand corner. Damian de Allende played a key role in creating the opportunity, showcasing the Boks’ willingness to attack with greater width.
Savea crossed again for his second try before South Africa regained momentum. A superb break by Manie Libbok brought the Boks within metres of the line, eventually leading to a five-metre scrum.
With New Zealand under severe pressure, flyhalf Ruben Love was yellow-carded for a professional foul before the Springboks’ powerful pack drove the All Blacks backwards into their own in-goal area. Referee Nika Amashukeli awarded a penalty try, leaving the scores level at halftime.
The second half remained fiercely contested, with both sides battling difficult conditions as light rain and a swirling, cold wind affected handling.
New Zealand struck first after the break when Will Jordan crossed following a clever grubber from Cam Roigard. However, the All Blacks’ lead lasted only three minutes.
Kriel then produced a decisive moment, breaking through after brushing off a tackle to race approximately 40 metres unopposed and score. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s conversion put South Africa ahead 19-17 for the first time.
The Boks then turned to their formidable driving maul. After Libbok kicked a penalty into the New Zealand 22, the Springbok pack powered forward from the resulting lineout, allowing Malcolm Marx to break away and score his 28th Test try.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted before adding a 45-metre penalty in challenging conditions to extend the lead to 29-17.
The All Blacks continued fighting until the final whistle and scored through Samisoni Taukei’aho after the final hooter. However, the late try could not prevent South Africa from securing a memorable victory.
The result gives the Springboks a 2-1 series advantage and ends a long period of disappointment against their greatest rivals at the iconic Soweto venue.
Scorers:
Springboks 29 (12): Tries – Kurt-Lee Arendse, penalty try, Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx. Conversions – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2). Penalty goal – Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
All Blacks 24 (12): Tries – Ardie Savea (2), Will Jordan, Samisoni Taukei’aho. Conversions – Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie.