By Levy Masiteng
The Springboks have bounced back in emphatic fashion, beating the All Blacks 33-26 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday to level the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at 1-1.
The victory was a much-needed response from the world champions after their disappointing 33-16 defeat to New Zealand at Ellis Park in the opening Test last weekend.
This time, the Boks were far more clinical with their opportunities and held their nerve as the All Blacks mounted a fierce second-half comeback.
South Africa made the perfect start, with Jesse Kriel crossing for the opening try inside two minutes, after the Boks built pressure through their powerful maul and forward runners. Cheslin Kolbe converted to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.
The Boks continued to apply pressure and were rewarded again when Damian de Allende, who has just crossed the 100 cap mark, powered over in the 23rd minute, finishing a powerful attacking sequence after another strong lineout. Kolbe added the conversion to make it 17-7.
The All Blacks, however, showed why they remain one of the most dangerous attacking teams in world rugby. Damian McKenzie hit back in the 31st minute, reducing the deficit before South Africa went into half-time with a commanding 24-14 advantage.
South Africa kept the scoreboard ticking after the break, with Kolbe converting penalties to stretch the lead.
Malcolm Marx was also instrumental, producing a crucial turnover inside the All Blacks’ 22, while Eben Etzebeth made a series of important plays at the lineout.
New Zealand refused to surrender. Leroy Carter scored in the 66th minute, before captain Ardie Savea crossed in the 77th minute, cutting the gap and setting up a tense finish. But the Springboks’ defence stood firm in the closing stages, with Cameron Hanekom producing a decisive turnover after the final hooter to secure the victory.
Cheslin Kolbe was named Player of the Match, capping a superb all-round performance with an immaculate goal-kicking display. He contributed heavily to the Springboks’ points and was a constant threat with ball in hand.
The match also carried special significance for Pieter-Steph du Toit, who earned his 100th Test cap, while Ox Nche reached his 50th appearance for the Springboks.
The result is an enormous boost for South Africa. The Boks have levelled the four-match series 1-1, meaning New Zealand can no longer wrap up the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in South Africa with another victory. The next two Tests will now determine who takes control of this historic contest.
The win is also significant after the All Blacks had taken back the No.1 position in the World Rugby rankings following their victory at Ellis Park. South Africa were guaranteed a return to the top of the rankings if they won the Cape Town Test, according to the pre-match ranking permutations.
More importantly, the victory restores momentum and confidence after the Boks were criticised for failing to turn their opportunities into points in Johannesburg. In Cape Town, they were far more clinical — exactly what captain Siya Kolisi said was required after the first Test.
“Last week we didn’t take our opportunities but this week we did,” Kolisi said after the match.
The rivalry now moves back to Johannesburg for the third Test on Saturday, 5 September, with the Springboks and All Blacks set to meet at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
With the series locked at 1-1, the Soweto showdown takes on enormous importance. Whoever wins will move to within one victory of claiming the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, with the fourth and final Test scheduled for 12 September in Baltimore, United States.
