South Africa secured a 29-24 victory over New Zealand in the third Test on Saturday, taking an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series and confirming their status as favourites for next year's World Cup. The Springboks came from behind after a first-half double from Ardie Savea, with decisive second-half tries from Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx proving the difference.
Springboks' power proves decisive
The hosts' victory was built on a dominant second-half performance, which left the All Blacks floundering and underscored South Africa's unrivalled power in world rugby. The All Blacks' panache brought them close, but the Springboks remained firmly on their perch, with the win ensuring they cannot lose the series.
The match hinged on Kriel's score shortly after Will Jordan had struck for New Zealand. From that moment, South Africa capitalised with the ruthless streak that has crowned them consecutive World Cup winners. A consolation score from Samisoni Taukei'aho at the death narrowed the margin, but the result was never in doubt.
All Blacks' early dominance undone by injuries
The All Blacks showed their class for much of the contest, with Savea scoring twice in a breathless first half. However, they were dealt an almighty blow when Savea was taken off in clear discomfort late in the first half, and they also lost Ruben Love to a yellow card for an infringement on his own line.
South Africa were not without their own injury concerns, with Cheslin Kolbe lasting only 10 minutes before going off with a head injury. The Springboks also saw Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, but they regrouped to take control.
Set-piece superiority and key moments
South Africa's foothold came from set-piece superiority, with Kurt-Lee Arendse scoring on the right after an outside break by Damian de Allende. A dominant scrum yielded a penalty try, bringing parity at 12-12 at the break.
The second half took a while to ignite, but Love's missed penalty sparked the Springboks into life. Jordan started and finished the All Blacks' third try with a fine chip through to Leroy Carter, but Kriel slipped past Carter far too easily to score immediately after. An overhit kick by Jordan led to a Springboks scrum, and a ferocious rumble was finished off by Marx.
Series lead and World Cup implications
A Feinberg-Mngomezulu penalty pushed South Africa's lead to 12 with 10 minutes to play, and though the All Blacks finished the stronger, they could only muster a pushover score by Taukei'aho with the clock well into the red. The fourth Test next week in Baltimore is a money-spinning appendage, but the Springboks have already won the best-of-three contest on home soil.
The victory cements South Africa's position as red-hot favourites for next year's World Cup, with their power and ruthlessness on full display. The All Blacks remain their closest challengers, but they will rue losing Savea to injury, even as Kolbe's early exit showed the intensity of the contest.
