South Africa have taken control of their four-test series against New Zealand after defeating the All Blacks 29-24 in a bruising third test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Johannesburg, 5 September 2026: The Springboks produced a powerful second-half performance to beat the All Blacks 29-24 in Soweto, giving South Africa a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
New Zealand led for significant periods of the contest and captain Ardie Savea scored twice in the opening half, but South Africa's dominance at scrum time and their ability to force penalties eventually swung the match in the hosts' favour.
The result means the All Blacks can no longer win the series outright. Their best possible outcome is now a 2-2 draw, with the fourth and final test scheduled to be played in Baltimore, United States, next weekend.
All Blacks make strong start
South Africa began the match applying early pressure, but New Zealand defended well before creating opportunities of their own.
Springboks first-five Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was shown a yellow card after deliberately knocking down the ball while the All Blacks were attacking close to the South African line.
New Zealand quickly capitalised on the numerical advantage.
After strong work from hooker Asafo Aumua, Savea powered over from close range for the opening try.
Ruben Love converted to give the All Blacks an early 7-0 advantage.
South Africa responded after Feinberg-Mngomezulu returned to the field, with wing Kurt-Lee Arendse crossing in the right corner.
The conversion was missed, leaving New Zealand ahead 7-5.
Savea scores twice before injury blow
The All Blacks struck again in the 27th minute.
A break from Leroy Carter opened up South Africa's defence before Savea collected a loose ball and crossed for his second try of the match.
The conversion was unsuccessful, but New Zealand had extended their advantage to 12-5.
The match then took a major turn when Savea was forced from the field with an apparent shoulder or pectoral injury.
Wallace Sititi replaced him, while Luke Jacobson assumed the captaincy.
The loss of Savea was a significant setback for New Zealand after the skipper had been one of their most influential players during the opening half.
Springboks level before halftime
New Zealand were reduced to 14 players late in the first half when Love was yellow-carded for being offside during a Springboks attack.
South Africa immediately took advantage.
From a five-metre scrum, the Springboks drove New Zealand backwards and referee Nika Amashukeli awarded a penalty try after the All Blacks infringed under pressure.
That levelled the scores at 12-12 heading into halftime.
Will Jordan restores New Zealand lead
The Springboks continued to dominate the scrum after the break, but New Zealand remained in the contest.
The All Blacks reclaimed the lead after Carter gathered a kick from Will Jordan and returned the ball to the fullback, who finished the move with New Zealand's third try.
Love missed the conversion, leaving the All Blacks ahead 17-12 with just over 20 minutes remaining.
But that advantage did not last long.
South Africa take control
Springboks midfielder Jesse Kriel broke through shortly afterwards following a missed tackle and scored under pressure.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted to put South Africa ahead 19-17.
From there, South Africa increasingly controlled the match through their forwards.
Their scrum consistently put New Zealand under pressure and generated a series of penalties that prevented the All Blacks from establishing attacking momentum.
Another scrum penalty gave South Africa an attacking lineout, and the resulting rolling maul ended with hooker Malcolm Marx crossing in the 65th minute.
The conversion stretched the Springboks' advantage to 26-17.
A further penalty followed after All Blacks lock Fabian Holland was penalised for an illegal clean-out.
South Africa added three more points to move 12 points clear at 29-17 with approximately 10 minutes remaining.
Late All Blacks fightback not enough
With the home crowd behind them, the Springboks controlled the closing stages and continued to pressure New Zealand at both the breakdown and set piece.
The All Blacks struggled to generate the possession they needed for a comeback.
New Zealand continued fighting until the end, however.
After the fulltime siren, replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho crossed for a late try, reducing the final margin to five points.
It was too late to change the result.
South Africa closed out a 29-24 victory and secured a 2-1 advantage in the series.
Injuries add to New Zealand concerns
The defeat was made more difficult for the All Blacks by injuries during the match.
Savea's departure in the first half was a major blow after his two-try contribution, while midfielder Quinn Tupaea also left the field after suffering an injury during the second half.
Despite the loss, New Zealand received strong contributions from players including Carter, Jordan, Peter Lakai and Sititi.
For South Africa, their scrum proved decisive, while Ethan Hooker, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel and the Springboks forward pack played important roles in securing the victory.
Series now moves to Baltimore
The final match of the series will now take on even greater importance.
South Africa head to the United States knowing another victory would secure the series 3-1.
For the All Blacks, the task is straightforward but difficult. They must win in Baltimore to level the series 2-2.
After three demanding tests, the Springboks hold the advantage, while New Zealand are left needing a response in the final match.
Final score: South Africa 29, New Zealand 24
Series: South Africa lead 2-1
Source: RNZ. This article is based on match reporting by RNZ Sports Reporter Joe Porter and has been independently rewritten and structured by Webfit News for its readers.