South Africa secured a hard-fought 33-26 win over New Zealand in the second Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour to level the series in Cape Town.
The All Blacks had stunned the Springboks in the series opener at Ellis Park last Saturday but it was the hosts who started quickly this week, with Jesse Kriel crossing within two minutes to set the tone in a thrilling encounter.
The All Blacks levelled quickly through Cam Roigard and the two teams traded blows in the first half, with Damian de Allende and Damian McKenzie both crossing within the opening 30 minutes.
Nevertheless, the Boks began to pull away from their rivals towards the end of the first period, with Cheslin Kolbe’s kicking proving the difference before returning captain Siya Kolisi crossed over to leave the score at South Africa 24-14 New Zealand at the break.
That lead set the tone for the second half too, with the game slowing down as Kolbe’s boot continued to help the Springboks. Late New Zealand tries from Leroy Carter and Ardie Savea threatened the hosts’ lead towards the final whistle, but in the end South Africa had done enough to level the series ahead of a fascinating tie next week in Johannesburg.
Follow all of the latest from the second Test with our live blog below:
The deeper significance behind South Africa and New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
They are known as “The Incomparables”, a nickname to daunt a group of successors to whom they will find themselves inevitably compared. When Dave Rennie unveiled his New Zealand squad for the tour of South Africa, present were a selection of the 1996 All Blacks who, 30 years ago, conquered the reigning world champion Springboks in their own backyard and launched rugby union’s professional age. Three decades on, the echoes of that series still sound; again, this much-anticipated meeting of men’s rugby’s two ruling powers carries with it a significance beyond simply the sport at its centre.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule & results
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule (all times BST)
29 August: South Africa 33-26 New Zealand
5 September: South Africa vs New Zealand (4.10pm, Johannesburg) THIRD TEST
12 September: South Africa vs New Zealand (10pm, Baltimore) FOURTH TEST
Next up
The series continues next week in Johannesburg, with the two sides facing off on Saturday, 5 September. Kick-off in that one is at 4pm BST.
The series ends a week after that on 12 September as the two sides face off in Baltimore, in the USA. That game begins at 10pm BST, and the series will be settled there one way or another.
Kolisi: ‘It’s been a tough week’
“It’s been great, it’s been a tough week. The All Blacks played really well last week and again this week,” said Sprongboks captain Siya Kolisi at full-time.
“We knew what we needed to do. I want to credit the coaches, the plans that they make. Last week we didn’t take our opportunities but we did this week.
“I want to thank everyone who came out to support. We wouldn’t be here without you,” he added.
Savea: ‘We were chasing the game’
“It’s unfortunate. We kind of let the Springboks get ahead in the first two minutes and we were chasing the game after that.
“But I’m proud of the boys, we stuck in there and fought but we came up short. It’s a bitter pill to swallow but we need to go again next week.
“Our inaccuracy and discipline, they punished us today. We’ve got to sort that out. We’ve lost the battle tonight but we haven’t lost the war – we’ll go again,” he added.
Kolbe: ‘We want to do the jersey proud’
South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe was named player of the match, and here’s what he had to say at full-time:
“We could feel the mood in the week this week from South Africa fans. When we get the opportunity to wear this jersey, we want to do you guys proud, we want to do the jersey proud.
“Thank you for being behind us and sticking with us, we’ll just keep going from here and continue to learn.”
On his own performance, he added: “That’s Test rugby, you need to take every point that’s given to you. Last week we didn’t capitalise on that and it’s credit to the boys for sticking to the plan today and taking the points on offer.”
FULL-TIME! South Africa 33-26 New Zealand
South Africa recover the ball and it’s kicked into touch for full-time!
A great win for the hosts in an attritional contest in Cape Town, and a great game for the neutral too.
We’ll await another absorbing contest in Johannesburg next week!
South Africa 33-26 New Zealand
Patience could be key for New Zealand here as they look to wear down the hosts. We’ve heard the buzzer here, so this is it!
New Zealand go wide but Jordan isn’t taking a chance, diverting his run inside to keep possession.
They go wide to Jordan again…and he’s given away a penalty for holding on! That’s it!
