Springboks fight back to beat All Blacks in FNB Stadium thriller

The Springboks produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat the All Blacks 29-24 in front of 85,000 supporters at FNB Stadium and move 2-1 ahead in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

South Africa, the back-to-back world champions, were under severe pressure during a fast and physical opening period as New Zealand attacked with intensity and precision. But the hosts gradually regained control before dominating after the interval to secure a memorable victory in Soweto.

The teams will meet again in Baltimore, USA, next weekend in the final match of the series.

New Zealand made the stronger start when Will Jordan broke clear from inside his own half. The All Blacks maintained the pressure from the resulting line-out, with South Africa forced into desperate defensive measures.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was shown a yellow card and sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes after deliberately knocking the ball down. New Zealand kicked for the corner and, after a couple of straightforward phases from the back of the line-out, Ardie Savea powered over for the opening try. Ruben Love added the conversion.

South Africa responded by working their way into All Blacks territory through a succession of penalties, but their progress was halted when they conceded a maul penalty for obstruction.

The Springboks soon regained momentum when Eben Etzebeth won possession at a line-out. Sharp handling from the South African backs then created space for Kurt-Lee Arendse to score in the corner, although the conversion was missed.

New Zealand quickly resumed their attacking pressure. Savea crossed for a second time in the corner after another sustained assault, restoring a seven-point advantage for the visitors. The New Zealand captain was forced to leave the field soon afterwards with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.

South Africa looked certain to respond when a superb break through the middle sent Manie Libbok close to the line. New Zealand were punished with a yellow card, and the Springboks chose a scrum from the resulting penalty.

The South African pack drove forward and forced the referee to award a penalty try. That brought a frantic first half to a close with the scores level at 12-12.

New Zealand began the second half on the front foot, winning a penalty for offside and kicking to the corner. A rare handling error, however, allowed South Africa to escape.

The All Blacks regained the lead in spectacular fashion when a kick over the defensive line bounced kindly for Leroy Carter, who released Will Jordan during the tackle. Jordan finished a superb move to put New Zealand 17-12 ahead.

South Africa answered almost immediately. Jesse Kriel broke through a tackle and raced clear for a vital try, which Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted to give the Springboks the lead for the first time at 19-17.

Malcolm Marx then won an important turnover at the line-out before another powerful scrum earned South Africa a penalty. From the ensuing line-out, the Springboks launched a devastating rolling maul that carried them over the line and beneath the posts, with Marx grounding the ball as FNB Stadium erupted.

A further penalty for New Zealand coming in from the side allowed Feinberg-Mngomezulu to extend South Africa’s advantage to 12 points with 10 minutes remaining.

The Springboks continued to threaten and came close to adding another try through Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Samisoni Taukei’aho scored a late consolation try after the final whistle, but it could not alter the outcome.

South Africa held on for one of their most significant victories over their greatest rivals, completing a heroic fightback on home soil.