Overview
- South Africa defeated New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town on Saturday to level the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at 1-1.
- Handré Pollard was withdrawn late with a calf concern and Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu started at flyhalf, Cheslin Kolbe returned to the wing, and Australian Angus Gardner replaced Nika Amashukeli as referee before kick‑off.
- The Springboks dominated contact and the breakdown, used lineout mauls to create early tries, and relied on Cheslin Kolbe’s perfect kicking—converting all penalties and conversions—to turn pressure into points.
- Siya Kolisi marked his return with a try as captain, Pieter‑Steph du Toit won his 100th Test cap, Ox Nché reached 50 caps, and Deon Fourie became the oldest player to appear for South Africa when he entered the match.
- The series now moves to FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on September 5 with set‑piece performance, referee interpretations and selection choices expected to shape the remaining Tests and the teams’ World Rugby ranking positions.