After a series that had raised genuine questions about South Africa's dominance, this third Test delivered the clearest possible answer. The Boks trailed early — Savea crossing twice — but a suffocating second-half display, featuring tries from Kriel and Marx, turned the match and sealed a 29-24 win that gives them an unassailable series lead. A late All Blacks score flattered the margin. The piece's central argument: New Zealand's flair took them close across this series, but South Africa's physical stranglehold ultimately proved the difference — and cements them as the team to beat at next year's World Cup.
AnalysisSpringboksThe Guardian Rugby· updated
Springboks power past All Blacks to take series lead — World Cup favourites reaffirmed
Despite a fast All Blacks start, the Boks' trademark second-half dominance ground New Zealand into submission, with Kriel and Marx tries securing a 29-24 win and the series lead — reaffirming South Africa as World Cup favourites.
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