South Africa came from behind to edge New Zealand 29-24 in a ferocious third Test that moved them 2-1 ahead in the ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ series with one game remaining.
The Springboks and All Blacks traded four tries apiece in a pulsating contest that was as brutal as it was captivating in front of a capacity crowd of 87,976 in Soweto.
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx crossed for the Springboks, who were also awarded a penalty try, as they followed last week’s narrow victory in Cape Town with another hard-fought triumph.
New Zealand captain Ardie Savea scored two first-half tries before suffering a game-ending shoulder injury, while record try-scorer Will Jordan and hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho crossed late on for the All Blacks.
The teams now travel to Baltimore, USA, for the final instalment of the four-Test series, live on Sky Sports, where nothing less than victory will do for the All Blacks if they are to salvage something.
More to follow.
South Africa’s Malcom Marx extends his nation’s lead against New Zealand with a powerful try in the third test match of the Greatest Rivalry Tour
Will Jordan’s classy try puts New Zealand back in front against South Africa
Ardie Savea scores his 34th & 35th test tries for New Zealand to put them ahead of South Africa in the Greatest Rivalry Tour, but is sadly removed through an injury to the shoulder
South Africa vs New Zealand Test series schedule
All games live on Sky Sports; kick-off times UK and Ireland