The Springboks rose to the occasion on a bitterly cold Saturday evening at a packed FNB Stadium, producing a powerful second-half performance to beat the All Blacks 29-24 and take a 2-1 lead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
With the series locked at 1-1 after New Zealand won the opening Test and South Africa responded with victory in the second, both sides arrived in Johannesburg knowing that another victory would put them in control of the series.
It was the Springboks, however, who handled the occasion better, overcoming a determined All Blacks side in a thrilling contest watched by more than 85,000 spectators.
The victory also gave Springbok captain Siya Kolisi another memorable achievement, as he recorded his 55th Test victory as captain, making him the most successful captain in Springbok history.
The opening Springboks edge All Blacks in FNB Stadium thriller to take 2-1 series lead
By Nakampe Lekwadu
The Springboks rose to the occasion on a bitterly cold Saturday evening at a packed FNB Stadium, producing a powerful second-half performance to beat the All Blacks 29-24 and take a 2-1 lead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
With the series locked at 1-1 after New Zealand won the opening Test and South Africa responded with victory in the second, both sides arrived in Johannesburg knowing that another victory would put them in control of the series.
It was the Springboks, however, who handled the occasion better, overcoming a determined All Blacks side in a thrilling contest watched by more than 85,000 spectators.
The victory also gave Springbok captain Siya Kolisi another memorable achievement, as he recorded his 55th Test victory as captain, making him the most successful captain in Springbok history.
The opening exchanges were fiercely contested, with neither side willing to give the other an inch. New Zealand’s attacking game created problems for the Springboks, while South Africa relied on their physicality, set-piece strength and relentless pressure.
The first half ended level at 12-12, setting up a tense second half.
The All Blacks had threatened to take control early in the match, with captain Ardie Savea proving particularly influential. Savea crossed twice for New Zealand before being forced from the field through injury.
South Africa, however, gradually began to impose themselves as the match progressed.
Kurt-Lee Arendse scored one of the Springboks’ tries, while Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx also crossed the line. South Africa were additionally awarded a penalty try as their pressure on the All Blacks defence intensified.
The Springboks’ forwards became increasingly dominant in the second half, with their scrum and maul causing significant problems for New Zealand.
Marx’s try was particularly important, coming from a powerful rolling maul that demonstrated South Africa’s strength at set piece.
The Springboks also benefited from the boot of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who contributed a penalty and two conversions as South Africa kept the scoreboard moving.
New Zealand refused to surrender and continued to attack until the final whistle. Will Jordan and Samisoni Taukei’aho added tries for the visitors, while Savea’s two scores kept the All Blacks within striking distance.
A late New Zealand try after the final hooter gave the visitors a final glimmer of hope, but it was too little and too late.
When the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard read South Africa 29, New Zealand 24.
The result means the Springboks have taken a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series and have effectively secured the series victory, with the fourth Test scheduled to take place in Baltimore, United States, next Saturday.
For South Africa, the victory was about more than just the scoreboard. In front of a passionate home crowd at FNB Stadium, the Springboks showed composure, physical strength and determination to overcome one of their greatest rivals.
After losing the opening Test, the Boks have now responded with two consecutive victories, putting Rassie Erasmus’ men firmly in control of the rivalry.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly and look for a response in Baltimore.
But for one cold night in Soweto, it was the Springboks who had the final say.
South Africa 29-24 New Zealand — the Boks lead the series 2-1. for the Springboks, while South Africa relied on their physicality, set-piece strength and relentless pressure.
The first half ended level at 12-12, setting up a tense second half.
The All Blacks had threatened to take control early in the match, with captain Ardie Savea proving particularly influential. Savea crossed twice for New Zealand before being forced from the field through injury.
South Africa, however, gradually began to impose themselves as the match progressed.
Kurt-Lee Arendse scored one of the Springboks’ tries, while Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx also crossed the line. South Africa were additionally awarded a penalty try as their pressure on the All Blacks defence intensified.
The Springboks’ forwards became increasingly dominant in the second half, with their scrum and maul causing significant problems for New Zealand.
Marx’s try was particularly important, coming from a powerful rolling maul that demonstrated South Africa’s strength at set piece.
The Springboks also benefited from the boot of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who contributed a penalty and two conversions as South Africa kept the scoreboard moving.
New Zealand refused to surrender and continued to attack until the final whistle. Will Jordan and Samisoni Taukei’aho added tries for the visitors, while Savea’s two scores kept the All Blacks within striking distance.
A late New Zealand try after the final hooter gave the visitors a final glimmer of hope, but it was too little and too late.
When the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard read South Africa 29, New Zealand 24.
The result means the Springboks have taken a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series and have effectively secured the series victory, with the fourth Test scheduled to take place in Baltimore, United States, next Saturday.
For South Africa, the victory was about more than just the scoreboard. In front of a passionate home crowd at FNB Stadium, the Springboks showed composure, physical strength and determination to overcome one of their greatest rivals.
After losing the opening Test, the Boks have now responded with two consecutive victories, putting Rassie Erasmus’ men firmly in control of the rivalry.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly and look for a response in Baltimore.
But for one cold night in Soweto, it was the Springboks who had the final say.