Springboks hold off All Blacks to level Greatest Rivalry series

The Springboks beat the All Blacks 33-26 in a thrilling second Test at Cape Town Stadium to level the Greatest Rivalry series at 1-1.

A crowd of 56,589 watched a fiercely contested match in which New Zealand scored four tries to South Africa’s three, but Cheslin Kolbe’s perfect goal-kicking proved decisive. The South Africa winger converted all three of his side’s tries and added four penalties.

South Africa made the fastest possible start. From a lineout around 30 metres out, the Springboks drove a powerful maul deep into New Zealand territory before moving the ball through the hands. Jesse Kriel finished the attack in the third minute, with Kolbe converting for a 7-0 lead.

The All Blacks responded with a period of pressure, forcing the Springbok defence to scramble. Their reward came in the 15th minute when Will Jordan beat two defenders and passed inside to Cam Roigard, who scored a converted try to bring the visitors level.

South Africa regained the lead almost immediately after New Zealand were penalised at the restart, Kolbe making no mistake from in front of the posts.

The Springbok maul continued to cause problems and helped create their second try. After South Africa moved the ball away from the set-piece, Damian de Allende powered through two defenders to score in the 21st minute. Kolbe’s conversion put the hosts 17-7 ahead.

New Zealand reduced the deficit before the half-hour mark. Ardie Savea broke through the South African defence and, after the ball was moved wide, Damian McKenzie found enough space to score. Ruben Love converted to make it 17-14.

South Africa finished the first half strongly. A precise diagonal kick from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was controlled by Kolbe near the right-hand touchline, forcing New Zealand to carry the ball over their own line. The resulting scrum gave the Springboks further pressure.

After several phases close to the New Zealand line, Ruan Reinach found Siya Kolisi running between two defenders. The Springbok captain crashed over for the third try, which Kolbe converted to give South Africa a 24-14 half-time advantage.

Kolbe extended the lead with a penalty three minutes into the second half after New Zealand were penalised for obstruction following a Reinach box kick. He added another in the 51st minute after Malcolm Marx won a turnover penalty, putting South Africa 30-14 ahead.

The All Blacks refused to surrender and spent much of the next quarter testing the home defence. South Africa held firm until the 67th minute, when quick passing created space for Leroy Carter. The former Sevens player outpaced the cover defence to score in the left-hand corner, although the try was not converted.

Marx again won a penalty by getting over the ball in the New Zealand half, allowing Kolbe to restore a 14-point advantage in the 72nd minute.

There was a nervous finish for the home supporters when Savea crossed four minutes from time and Love converted, reducing the gap to 33-26. However, Cameron Hanekom made a crucial tackle and turnover in the final minute to secure the victory.

Lood de Jager was shown a yellow card in the closing stages for a head-on-head challenge, but the Springboks held on to complete a memorable Test win.

South Africa’s starting front row included Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp and Thomas du Toit, while Marx, Ox Nche and Wilco Louw moved to the replacements bench.

The teams will now prepare for the deciding Test of the series, with the rivalry level at one win apiece. Live analysis and reaction hosted by The Rugby Factory’s Andy Daniel on TAP N GO LIVE was scheduled to follow the final whistle.