The Springboks beat the All Blacks 29-24 at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, overcoming a difficult opening spell and challenging weather to take a 2-1 series lead.
The result came after severe weather threatened the Soweto Test, with heavy rain and storms threatening to dampen the mood before kick-off.
But Siya Kolisi had made it clear all week that neither the conditions nor the occasion would change the Springboks’ approach.
Kolisi’s message was simple: “rain or no rain, our game plan doesn’t change.“ And the Boks delieved on it when it mattered, absorbing an early All Blacks assault before fighting their way back into the contest and taking control in the second half.
The Soweto Test ultimately produced the response Kolisi and the packed FNB Stadium crowd wanted, as South Africa moved 2-1 ahead in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Springboks take 2-1 lead over All Blacks
The All Blacks made a fast start, with Ardie Savea scoring twice inside the opening 26 minutes.
The Springboks also lost Cheslin Kolbe to injury and spent 10 minutes with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the sin bin.
Kurt-Lee Arendse’s try and a penalty try levelled the scores at 12-12 by half-time.
Will Jordan restored New Zealand’s lead early in the second half, but Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx crossed to put the Boks back in front.
A late Feinberg-Mngomezulu penalty stretched the lead before Samisoni Taukei’aho’s converted try made it 29-24.
The results gives South Africa a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series, meaning New Zealand can no longer win the series. The final Test takes place in Baltimore next Saturday.
Kolisi sets new Springbok captaincy record
The victory also saw Siya Kolisi surpass John Smit’s record for Test wins as Springbok captain, taking his tally to 55.
Speaking after the match, Kolisi said: “I know Monday next week will be good in South Africa.”
The captain also credited the FNB Stadium crowd for helping the team through a difficult opening quarter as the Springboks fought their way into the match.
The Soweto victory added another significant chapter to Kolisi’s leadership record, coming at a venue carrying deep historical significance for South Africa.
Springboks withstand All Blacks pressure
The All Blacks remained dangerous throughout, with Will Jordan standing out for New Zealand through his kick-and-chase play and finishing.
But the Springboks gradually gained control through their physicality and pressure, particularly after half-time.
The victory follows the Boks’ 33-26 win in Cape Town, which levelled the series after New Zealand won the opening Test at Ellis Park.
South Africa now heads to Baltimore with the series secured, while the All Blacks will need a win in the fourth and final Test to draw the series.
Springboks’ remaining 2026 fixtures
The Springboks remaining fixtures are:
- Saturday, September 12: New Zealand, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA
- Sunday, September 27: Australia vs Springboks, Optus Stadium, Perth, Australia
- November 6–8: Italy vs Springboks
- Friday, November 13: France vs Springboks, Stade de France, Paris, France
- Saturday, November 21: Ireland vs Springboks, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
For the latest dates, venues and kick-off times, check the official SA Rugby Match Centre.
