To Level Series in Cape Town Thriller
CCN Sport Reporter – George April
CAPE TOWN: The Springboks delivered a powerful response to last week’s heavy defeat, edging the All Blacks 33-26 at a sold-out DHL Stadium on Saturday night to level Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at 1-1.
South Africa, the world champions, scored three tries to New Zealand’s four but relied on the pinpoint boot of Cheslin Kolbe, who finished with 18 points from three conversions and four penalties. Returning captain Siya Kolisi marked his comeback with a first-half try as the hosts built a 24-14 halftime lead and then held firm through a tense final quarter.
The Springboks struck early.
Just two minutes in, centre Jesse Kriel finished off a strong lineout drive near the posts. Kolbe converted for a 7-0 lead.
The All Blacks hit back through scrum-half Cam Roigard, but South Africa regained control. Damian de Allende crashed over from another powerful maul, and Kolisi burrowed across just before the break to extend the advantage.
Kolbe’s penalties early in the second half stretched the lead to 30-14. New Zealand refused to fade. Wing Leroy Carter scored, and late in the game captain Ardie Savea powered over, with Ruben Love’s conversion making it 33-26 with minutes remaining.
A yellow card to Springbok lock Lood de Jager left South Africa a man down in the closing stages, but a crucial turnover sealed the victory as the Boks cleared the ball into touch. The result avenges the 33-16 loss at Ellis Park that ended South Africa’s long winning run and handed the All Blacks their first defeat of 2026. The four-Test series now moves to Johannesburg next Saturday, with both sides still in contention and the intensity expected to rise further.
Kolbe’s composure under pressure and the Springboks’ improved clinical edge in the first half proved decisive in a match that once again lived up to the rivalry’s billing.
