Match Report
South Africa overturned a deficit to defeat New Zealand 29-24 in a fiercely contested third Test, moving 2-1 ahead in the four-match series. The Springboks scored four tries, including a penalty try, with Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, and Malcolm Marx crossing, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added two conversions and a penalty. New Zealand also scored four tries, with captain Ardie Savea touching down twice before leaving with a shoulder injury, and Will Jordan and Samisoni Taukei'aho adding late scores.[S1][S2]
The match was played in front of a capacity crowd of 87,976 at FNB Stadium in Soweto. New Zealand led 17-12 in the 55th minute after Will Jordan chased his own kick to score, but South Africa responded strongly. Jesse Kriel barged through Leroy Carter to score, and Malcolm Marx powered over from a maul, giving the home side a cushion that Taukei'aho's final-play try could not fully erase.[S1][S2]
Series Context
The series, dubbed 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry', now heads to Baltimore, USA, for the fourth and final Test on Saturday, September 12, at M&T Bank Stadium. New Zealand won the opening Test 33-16 at Ellis Park, but South Africa leveled with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town before this win. The All Blacks must win in Baltimore to draw the series, while South Africa can clinch a series victory.[S1][S2]
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi earned his record 55th victory as captain, and had called on his team to honor those who died in Soweto during the anti-apartheid struggle. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie had criticized South Africa's scrum technique, adding extra spice to the encounter. The All Blacks were without Savea for the final quarter after his injury, and they struggled to contain the Springboks' set-piece power.[S1][S2]
