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The Springboks bounced back from their first Test defeat to beat the All Blacks 33-26 at Cape Town Stadium, levelling the series with two Tests remaining. Inspired by early tries from Jesse Kriel and Siya Kolisi, South Africa built a 30-14 lead before surviving a fierce New Zealand comeback featuring scores from Leroy Carter and Ardie Savea.
South Africa defeated New Zealand 33-26 in the second Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, levelling the four-match series between the two Rugby heavyweights.
The Springboks bounced back emphatically from a 33-16 defeat in the opening Test in Johannesburg, scoring from the very first attack of the match and dominating long stretches of the contest. Despite their commanding performance, the hosts were forced to survive a ferocious All Blacks onslaught in the closing stages as the tourists attempted to overturn a substantial deficit.
The Springboks made an explosive start, driving upfield immediately after winning the opening lineout, with centre Jesse Kriel crossing for the opening try in just the second minute. The All Blacks responded with purpose, applying sustained pressure before scrum-half Cam Roigard finished off a brilliant attacking move down the right flank that was started by wing Will Jordan.
In a notable change of tactics from the first Test, South Africa opted to kick for goal when awarded penalties near the New Zealand try line rather than kicking for touch, with wing Cheslin Kolbe reliably landing three points to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus sprung a significant tactical surprise before kick-off by switching his starting and replacement front rows, naming Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche on the bench instead of in the starting XV.
The so-called bomb squad made an immediate and decisive impact after being introduced in the 36th minute, winning a penalty close to the New Zealand line and then a subsequent scrum before captain and flanker Siya Kolisi crashed over for a crucial try that sent the hosts into half-time leading 24-14. Two further penalties from Kolbe extended the Springboks advantage to 30-14 early in the second period.
However, with the South African scrum beginning to lose its dominance, the All Blacks launched a series of electrifying counter-attacks that yielded tries for left wing Leroy Carter and captain and number eight Ardie Savea. The tourists ultimately outscored the Springboks by four tries to three, with two of their scores coming in the final fourteen minutes as they clawed their way back from a sixteen-point deficit.
Kolbe added a fourth penalty for South Africa to complete the scoring, sealing a hard-fought victory that ensures the series remains evenly poised heading into the remaining two Tests
Rugby Springboks All Blacks Test Match South Africa Vs New Zealand