Springboks edge All Blacks to level series
South Africa won 33-26 against New Zealand in Cape Town, leveling the series at 1-1. Cheslin Kolbe scored 18 points, while the All Blacks scored four tries to South Africa's three. The third Test will be played in Soweto next Saturday.
South Africa’s 33-26 victory in Cape Town was built on a dominant first half, with tries from Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, and captain Siya Kolisi. Cheslin Kolbe contributed 18 points through three conversions and four penalties, earning player-of-the-match honours while handling kicking duties ahead of fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
The match featured significant pre-game disruption, as coach Rassie Erasmus made five changes from Monday’s announced squad, including swapping the entire starting front row hours before kickoff. New Zealand’s late rally, capped by Ardie Savea’s 77th-minute try, fell short when replacement Cameron Hanekom won a crucial turnover. The third Test moves to Soweto’s altitude next Saturday, with the series now level at 1-1.
This result could reshape momentum in a rivalry that has not seen a full series in 30 years. A South African win at altitude in Soweto would put them within reach of a rare home series triumph, while New Zealand faces pressure to avoid back-to-back losses on South African soil. The outcome may influence player confidence, coaching strategies, and fan engagement across both nations, with the series now carrying genuine historical weight.