Springboks Beat All Blacks 33-26 to Level Test Series

South Africa defeated New Zealand 33-26 in the second Test on Saturday, leveling the series at one victory apiece. The Guardian reported that the Springboks combined a forceful set-piece performance with accurate kicking from Cheslin Kolbe, then held off a late All Blacks rally to answer their defeat in the opening match.

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The Springboks made an immediate impact, scoring inside two minutes. After Jordie Barrett's clearance failed to provide enough distance, South Africa attacked from the resulting lineout and drove forward with a maul before Jesse Kriel crossed. New Zealand responded in the 16th minute through Cam Roigard, who was released inside by Will Jordan after a sequence of passes created space on the right.

Kolbe put South Africa back in front with a penalty before Damian de Allende added a close-range try following another productive maul. New Zealand again found a reply, with Ardie Savea breaking through the middle and Damian McKenzie finishing in the right corner. The exchanges kept the contest close until the Springboks strengthened their position late in the first half.

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus had changed his starting front row about an hour before kickoff, promoting Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie and Thomas du Toit while moving Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw to the bench. Nche and Marx entered in the 36th minute and helped win two penalties that led to Siya Kolisi's try. That score, on Kolisi's return to the team, gave South Africa a 10-point halftime advantage.

Kolbe extended the lead with penalties early in the second half, including one that followed a turnover won by Marx. Eben Etzebeth also made an important lineout steal as New Zealand tried to build pressure around the hour mark. Leroy Carter then scored on the left to cut the deficit to 11 points, but another breakdown penalty earned by Marx allowed Kolbe to add three more.

Savea crossed late to give New Zealand an opportunity to complete the comeback, but South Africa protected its advantage through the finish. The result leaves the teams tied heading into the third Test, which The Guardian reported is scheduled for Johannesburg.