The Springboks claimed the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series trophy with a 43-28 victory over the All Blacks in the fourth and final match in Baltimore on Saturday, sealing the series 3-1 in what was also Rassie Erasmus's 100th Test in charge.
The margin was the Boks' most comprehensive of the series and was built on six tries, with the Boks mixing their game effectively rather than relying solely on the set-piece and power game that has defined much of their Rugby Championship rugby.
The Boks led 17-14 at halftime — a deficit that flattered the All Blacks — and extended that to 29-14 by the 63rd minute before New Zealand, as they have done repeatedly throughout the series, clawed their way back. Ethan Blackadder's try reduced the gap to eight points and, with momentum shifting, the spectre of the Ellis Park collapse in the opening match loomed briefly.
Kurt-Lee Arendse ended that threat decisively, picking up a loose ball and beating the New Zealand defence over half the field to push the lead back to 15. Cameron Hanekom, on as a replacement loose-forward, sealed it moments later when the All Blacks spilled the ball attempting to run out of defence. Manie Libbok's conversion off the bench made it 43-21, and while New Zealand scored a late consolation try — their habit throughout the series — there was no way back for Codie Taylor's side.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu had opened the scoring with a penalty after the Boks established early gainline dominance. The 68,000-capacity stadium in Baltimore was heavily weighted with green jerseys, effectively giving the Boks a second home leg to complement their 2-1 series win on South African soil.