Springboks beat All Blacks for the second time to take lead in blockbuster series

The Springboks have taken the lead in rugby’s “Greatest Rivalry” after beating the All Blacks 29-24 in the third match of their high-profile tour.

The victory at Soccer City Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, gave South Africa a 2-1 advantage with one match remaining in Baltimore, United States, next week. The two teams had each won once in the opening two games.

New Zealand made the stronger start. Captain Ardie Savea scored twice, in the 10th and 25th minutes, but left the field after half an hour with a shoulder injury. South Africa also lost a key player, winger Cheslin Kolbe, yet stayed in the contest through a try by Kurt-Lee Arendse and a penalty try following a powerful scrum. The teams were level 12-12 at halftime.

The All Blacks increased their lead after the break when Will Jordan scored in the 55th minute, although Ruben Love missed the conversion. Jesse Kriel quickly restored South Africa’s advantage, making it 19-17 two minutes later.

The intense contest turned further toward the hosts when South Africa’s power produced a try for hooker Malcolm Marx in the 65th minute. New Zealand can no longer win the series. Its best possible result is a tie if it wins the final match.