South Africa delivered a thrilling second-half performance to defeat New Zealand 29-24 in the third test of the ‘Greatest Rivalry’ series, taking command of the four-match showdown with a 2-1 lead.
The decisive moment came through a combination of attacking prowess, with Jesse Kriel touching down for a crucial try during South Africa’s second-half push. The Springboks’ momentum continued to build as Malcolm Marx powered over from a maul, sealing the victory in front of their home crowd in Soweto.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The All Blacks kept the contest fiercely competitive throughout, with Will Jordan scoring a try that briefly handed New Zealand the lead. However, the momentum shift proved decisive as South Africa’s attacking game overwhelmed their rivals in the closing stages.
Series Positioning
With the victory secured, South Africa now controls the ‘Greatest Rivalry’ series at 2-1, setting up a climactic final test scheduled in Baltimore. The Springboks’ ability to rally in the second half demonstrated their resilience and execution under pressure, with players including Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu, Samisoni Taukei’aho, John Savea, and Arendse all featuring in the intense contest.
The narrow five-point victory margin reflects the competitive intensity between two rugby powerhouses, with every phase of play carrying significant weight in determining the series outcome. South Africa’s second-half tries proved the difference between evenly matched opponents, highlighting the Springboks’ capacity to strike decisively when opportunities emerged.