Springboks edge All Blacks 29-24 in Soweto
Jesse Kriel was one of the try scorer for South Africa
©Steve Haag
South Africa 29-24 New Zealand, Soweto
South Africa came from behind to beat New Zealand 29-24 in a fierce third Test in Soweto and move 2-1 ahead in the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The Springboks and All Blacks scored four tries each in a physical and fast-moving contest in front of a capacity crowd at FNB Stadium. New Zealand started strongly and led for important periods, but South Africa’s second-half power and pressure proved decisive.
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx scored for the Springboks, who were also awarded a penalty try. Ardie Savea crossed twice for the All Blacks before leaving the match with a shoulder injury, while Will Jordan and Samisoni Taukei’aho also scored for the visitors.
All Blacks Strike First
New Zealand made the better start and opened the scoring through Savea. The captain finished a quick lineout move after Asafo Aumua had charged into the South African defence.
South Africa responded through Arendse, who dived over in the corner after Damian de Allende carried strongly and handed off Leroy Carter in the build-up.
Savea struck again five minutes later. Carter burst down the left wing, and when the ball came loose, Savea gathered and scored to put the All Blacks back in front. His match ended early, however, after he suffered a shoulder injury.
Springboks Fight Back
South Africa’s scrum pressure became a major factor before half-time. The Springboks forced a penalty try on the stroke of the interval to bring the contest level and shift momentum their way making it 12-12.
New Zealand regained the lead early in the second half when Jordan crossed for his 54th Test try. But South Africa answered through Kriel, who raced through after Carter missed a tackle.
The Springboks then took control through their forward strength. Marx scored from a powerful maul, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added a penalty to give the home side breathing space.
Taukei’aho Try Comes Too Late
New Zealand kept fighting and found a late response through Taukei’aho, but his try proved to be only a consolation as South Africa held firm in the closing stages.
The result gives the Springboks a 2-1 lead in the series after back-to-back wins in Cape Town and Soweto. The teams now move to Baltimore for the final Test, where New Zealand must win to avoid losing the series.
