South Africa Stuns New Zealand 33-26 to Level Test Series

South Africa levelled their series against New Zealand, beating the All Blacks 33-26 in the second Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

After a 33-16 defeat in the opening match in Johannesburg, the Springboks bounced back, scoring from the first attack and dominating much of the contest.

However, they faced a fierce All Blacks onslaught in the closing stages.

The visitors outscored the hosts four tries to three, with two of those strikes coming in the final 14 minutes as they overturned a 30‑14 deficit.

South Africa made an explosive start, driving upfield after winning the first lineout; centre Jesse Kriel crossed for the opening try in the second minute.

New Zealand responded promptly, applying pressure before scrum‑half Cam Roigard crossed following a burst down the right by wing Will Jordan.

In a tactical shift from the first match, the Springboks elected to kick for the posts when awarded a penalty close to the All Blacks’ line, with Cheslin Kolbe landing the three points.

Centre Damian de Allende crossed in the 22nd minute, but the All Blacks struck back as captain and No.8 Ardie Savea burst away from a lineout and set up a try for full‑back Damian McKenzie.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus introduced a late surprise by swapping the starting and replacement front rows, moving Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche to the bench.

The “bomb squad” made an immediate impact when they entered after a Springbok scrum five metres from the New Zealand line in the 36th minute.

They won a penalty and a subsequent second scrum, with captain and flanker Siya Kolisi crashing over for a try that put the hosts 24‑14 ahead at half‑time.

Two further penalties from Kolbe extended South Africa’s lead to 30‑14, but with the Springbok scrum struggling, the All Blacks surged with electrifying attacks, adding tries by left wing Leroy Carter and Savea after a fourth Kolbe penalty.

Scorers

South Africa: Tries – Kriel, D Allende, Kolisi. Conversions – Kolbe (3). Penalties – Kolbe (4)

New Zealand: Tries – Roigard, McKenzie, Carter, Savea. Conversions – Ruben Love (3)

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