Jesse Kriel scored the opener for the Springboks against the All Blacks.
Image: AFP
The Springboks revived their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry campaign in thrilling fashion at DHL Stadium, delivering a clinical 33–26 victory over the All Blacks to draw level at 1–1 in the four-match series.
Bouncing back from their frustrating defeat at Ellis Park, South Africa combined early physical intensity with sharp tactical innovation to wrestle control away from the visitors, setting up a tantalising third Test in Soweto.
From bold coaching gambits and individual masterclasses off the tee to crucial breakdown dominance, here are the five major takeaways from a memorable night in Cape Town.
Siya Kolisi’s return restores attacking breakdown dominance
Siya Kolisi’s return to the back row provided the physical muscle and ruck authority on attack the Springboks sorely missed at Ellis Park. His presence neutralised New Zealand’s disruptive breakdown tactics, giving the hosts cleaner ball and a far sturdier platform.
Capping off his influential performance with a crucial try right before the half-time break, the Bok captain proved once again why his leadership and work-rate are completely indispensable in high-stakes matches.
Rassien Erasmus’ genius front-row gambit
Rassie Erasmus delivered another coaching masterstroke by starting Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Thomas du Toit to absorb the initial onslaught. Then, in a bold move on 35 minutes, he unleashed Malcolm Marx and Ox Nché before half-time. The gamble paid immediate dividends as the fresh, world-class pairing won a quick scrum penalty inside the All Blacks’ 22, directly setting up Kolisi's try and shifting momentum decisively before the interval.
Cheslin Kolbe’s flawless boot proves decisive
In a classic Test match decided by fine margins, Cheslin Kolbe’s metronomic accuracy off the tee made all the difference. Stepping up as the primary goal-kicker, the winger delivered a Player-of-the-Match performance by slotting three conversions and four penalties for an 18-point haul.
His 100% record ensured the Springboks punished New Zealand’s indiscretions and kept the scoreboard ticking over, rendering Handré Pollard’s late injury absence far less costly.
Springboks’ defence exposed in the wide areas
The veteran center combination of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende showcased their immense power by each storming over for crucial first-half tries. However, their afternoon was not completely flawless.
The two warrior Springboks missed two tackles on Will Jordan that left to an All Blacks try. The All Blacks got a lot of joy out wide, getting beyond the Boks’ rush defence to score,
Slow start haunt resilient All Blacks
For the second consecutive week, early momentum dictated the tempo, but this time New Zealand found themselves on the receiving end. Conceding a try inside the first two minutes forced the visitors to play catch-up football in Cape Town.
While second-half scores from Leroy Carter and Ardie Savea demonstrated their relentless fighting spirit, the All Blacks ultimately left themselves with too steep a mountain to climb against the Springboks’ resolute defence.
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