MATCH THAT MATTERED: Boks claim ‘moral victory’ after overpowering All Blacks in Soweto

The Springboks have taken the match that mattered, overpowering the All Blacks 29-24 at a charged FNB Stadium to move 2-1 ahead in the Greatest Rivalry series.

One Test remains in Baltimore next week, but South Africa has already claimed what this account calls a moral victory. A team that wins at least two of three Tests in South Africa has, in those terms, won the series. The final match will count, but it cannot change the central result of this contest.

The teams were level 12-12 at halftime, setting up another intense chapter in their long rivalry. South Africa’s scrum supplied the platform, while breakdown penalties, missed kicks and other small errors swung crucial moments. Both sides conceded 11 penalties, but the Boks converted theirs into greater momentum.

South Africa’s performance also answered claims that the team had declined. Jasper Wiese and captain Siya Kolisi broke through the New Zealand defensive line, Ethan Hooker controlled the aerial contest and contributed across attack and defence, and the Boks attacked with unexpected width. Kolisi recorded his 55th victory as captain, making him the most successful Springbok skipper in history.

New Zealand kept pressing and scored a fourth try through hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, matching South Africa’s four tries. Ardie Savea was immense before leaving with a shoulder injury before halftime, and he will not travel to the United States. Will Jordan and Peter Lakai continued to threaten, but the All Blacks were ultimately well beaten.