Overview
- South Africa overcame a 12-12 half-time score to beat New Zealand 29-24 at FNB Stadium, using scrum penalties and a long lineout maul to turn the game in the second half.
- The match, played on Saturday, saw four tries apiece with Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx scoring for the Springboks plus a penalty try awarded to the hosts.
- New Zealand captain Ardie Savea left with a shoulder injury after scoring two tries and his availability for the fourth Test is uncertain, while Springbok full-back Cheslin Kolbe failed a head-injury assessment and did not return.
- The build-up to and conduct of scrum contests have dominated the series, with public disputes between coaches and tight referee scrutiny of set-piece interpretation influencing tactics and decisions on the field.
- South Africa now hold a 2-1 series lead and cannot lose the four-Test tour outright, with the finale in Baltimore on September 12 set to decide whether the Springboks seal a series win or the All Blacks salvage a draw; the result will affect rankings, selection and World Cup planning.