After last week's capitulation, the Springboks responded with something far more recognisable in the Second Test — physicality, directness, and enough control to hold off a late All Blacks surge and win 33-26. Kolisi and Marx were central to the shift in tone, and Erasmus added his own twist by rotating the entire front row an hour before kick-off. The Boks were far from clinical, and New Zealand's comeback in the final stages will give Ian Foster's side genuine belief heading into the decisive Third Test in Johannesburg. The series is alive, and the Boks are back to looking like themselves — but the margin for error remains thin.
AnalysisSpringboksThe Guardian Rugby
Boks level the series with trademark ferocity — but All Blacks aren't done
South Africa levelled the Rugby Championship series 1-1 with a 33-26 win over New Zealand, recovering from last week's performance with a more typical display of power and forward dominance. The All Blacks' late rally means confidence is far from one-sided ahead of the decider in Johannesburg.
- Springboks
- New Zealand
- Siya Kolisi
- Malcolm Marx
- Rassie Erasmus
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