South Africa Rally Past All Blacks to Take 2-1 Series Lead

South Africa defeated New Zealand 29-24 in Soweto after overturning a second-half deficit, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match Greatest Rivalry series. BBC Sport reported that the world champions pulled clear during the final quarter, when their set-piece pressure finally told against an All Blacks side that had stretched the home defence with its handling and ambition.

Watch the highlights:

The teams reached half-time level at 12-12 after scoring two tries apiece. South Africa’s scoring list included a try from Arendse and a penalty try, while Savea accounted for two of the visitors’ four tries across the match. The even interval score reflected a contest in which neither side had yet established control.

New Zealand made the first decisive move after the break. Will Jordan chased his own kick ahead and scored in the 55th minute, giving the All Blacks a 17-12 advantage and putting them in position to pursue a second victory in the series. That lead did not last, however, as Jesse Kriel forced his way through Leroy Carter to score at the other end soon afterward.

South Africa then converted its forward pressure into the points that settled the match. Malcolm Marx crossed from the back of a driving maul, before Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added a penalty to create a cushion. Those scores completed the hosts’ turnaround and left New Zealand needing more than its late response could provide.

Samisoni Taukei’aho scored with the final play for New Zealand, reducing the margin without changing the outcome. The final scoring summary credited South Africa with four tries, two conversions and a penalty. New Zealand also scored four tries, with Love and McKenzie each adding a conversion, but the All Blacks finished five points short.

The result gives South Africa the opportunity to complete a series victory in the fourth and final Test, which is scheduled for Baltimore next weekend. New Zealand won the opening match and can still level the series with victory in the United States, but the All Blacks must now respond after South Africa’s late surge in Soweto shifted control of the contest and the series.