By PiE Sport | 5 September 2026
The Springboks have beaten the All Blacks 29-24 at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series after another dramatic battle between South Africa and New Zealand.
South Africa have taken control of the Springboks vs All Blacks series after holding off a determined New Zealand challenge in front of nearly 88,000 fans at FNB Stadium.
The 29-24 victory gives the Springboks their second consecutive win over the All Blacks after their 33-26 victory in Cape Town last weekend. New Zealand won the opening Test 33-16 at Ellis Park.
With one Test remaining, South Africa now leads the series 2-1 and needs a win in Baltimore next week to claim the series outright.
Springboks and All Blacks produce another classic
The latest South Africa vs New Zealand rugby encounter once again showed why the fixture is regarded as one of international rugby’s greatest rivalries.
New Zealand started with attacking intent and challenged the Springboks with their fast passing game, but South Africa gradually imposed their physical style on the contest.
Both teams scored four tries, underlining how closely fought the match was.
For the Springboks, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx crossed the line, while a penalty try also contributed to their total.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added a crucial penalty and two conversions as South Africa held on for a five-point victory.
New Zealand’s points came through captain Ardie Savea, who scored twice, as well as Will Jordan and Samisoni Taukei’aho.
Ardie Savea injury changes the contest
One of the biggest moments of the Springboks vs All Blacks clash came before half-time when New Zealand captain Ardie Savea was forced from the field with a shoulder injury.
Savea had already made a major impact by scoring two tries, but his departure was a significant blow to the All Blacks.
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie later confirmed that Savea will miss the fourth Test in Baltimore. Centre Quinn Tupaea also suffered a knee injury and remains doubtful for the final match.
For the All Blacks, losing their captain and one of their most influential players in the middle of such a physical contest proved costly.
Springboks’ physicality makes the difference
The All Blacks showed flashes of the expansive attacking rugby that troubled South Africa throughout the series.
But the Springboks’ forwards once again became increasingly influential as the match progressed.
South Africa’s ability to apply pressure through their set pieces, carries and physical defence helped them withstand New Zealand’s attacking threats.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, however, played down the idea that South Africa had dominated their opponents.
He stressed that the margin between the two sides remains extremely small, with the result again decided by fine details.
That assessment reflects the series so far. The first three Tests have produced two wins for South Africa and one for New Zealand, with each match offering a different tactical battle.
Cheslin Kolbe ruled out of Baltimore Test
South Africa also suffered a major injury setback.
Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe sustained a broken jaw during the contest and will miss the fourth and final Test against the All Blacks.
Kolbe has been one of South Africa’s most dangerous attacking players, making his absence another major storyline heading into the Baltimore showdown.
The Springboks will therefore head to the United States knowing they have momentum, but without one of their most influential backs.
FNB Stadium delivers another unforgettable night
The atmosphere at FNB Stadium added another layer to an already historic rivalry.
Nearly 88,000 supporters watched the Springboks and All Blacks battle for control of the series, creating one of the biggest rugby occasions in South Africa this year.
The Johannesburg crowd witnessed a match that remained alive until the final whistle, with New Zealand scoring late but unable to overturn the Springboks’ advantage.
The result also gives South Africa a chance to finish the tour with a series victory on American soil.
What happens next?
The fourth and final Springboks vs All Blacks Test will take place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States, on 12 September 2026.
New Zealand will need a victory to level the series at 2-2, while South Africa will be looking to finish the rivalry tour with another win. The official Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule confirms Baltimore as the final chapter of the four-Test series.
After three Tests, the Springboks have momentum — but Erasmus knows better than most that the All Blacks cannot be written off.
PiE Sport Take
The Springboks’ 29-24 win over the All Blacks was not simply another victory. It was another demonstration of how little separates the two rugby giants.
New Zealand’s attacking brilliance continues to threaten South Africa, but the Springboks have repeatedly found ways to drag the All Blacks into the kind of physical contest where their strengths become decisive.
Now the series moves to Baltimore.
South Africa have the lead. New Zealand have their backs against the wall. And one final chapter remains in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
