South Africa ended their Soweto hoodoo on Saturday, defeating New Zealand 29-24 at FNB Stadium to claim a 2-1 series lead with one Test remaining. The victory marked the first time the Springboks had prevailed at the venue, having lost 29-22 in 2010 and 32-16 in 2012, and sets up a potential series triumph in Baltimore next week.
The match was locked at 12-12 at the interval before the Springboks pulled clear in the second half, scoring two tries and adding a Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu penalty. The result means New Zealand must win in the United States to share the trophy, with the worst-case scenario for South Africa now a drawn series.
Cheslin Kolbe's early departure to concussion was a significant blow, but the fullback had already made his mark with a crucial intervention to deny Will Jordan a long-range try. Kurt-Lee Arendse and Jesse Kriel crossed in the second half, with Kriel brushing off Leroy Carter to level the scores before the Springboks edged ahead. Ethan Hooker produced a standout performance on the left wing, making a critical steal inside his own 22 to prevent a New Zealand try and intercepting a pass to halt another All Blacks attack.
Defensive resilience under pressure
Damian de Allende's composure in setting up Arendse's try and a late turnover inside New Zealand's red zone underscored the Springboks' ability to absorb pressure and strike when it mattered. Feinberg-Mngomezulu endured a difficult afternoon, receiving a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on that contributed to Ardie Savea's opening try, but the Springboks' defensive structure held firm in the closing stages.
For New Zealand, Will Jordan again demonstrated his world-class credentials, scoring a try from Leroy Carter's offload and making a turnover five metres out, though his knock-on early in the second half disrupted momentum. Jordie Barrett was central to the All Blacks' attacking game, while Quinn Tupaea produced a memorable moment by fending off Eben Etzebeth. Carter's defensive lapses, however, proved costly, with weak attempts on both Arendse and Kriel allowing the Springboks to capitalise.
The victory also saw Siya Kolisi become the Springbok captain with the most Test wins, adding another milestone to an already storied tenure. With both Kolbe and Savea facing fitness assessments, the final Test in Baltimore will carry added intrigue as South Africa look to seal the series and New Zealand aim to salvage a share of the spoils.