In a thrilling but error-strewn encounter, South Africa secured a historic 18-12 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday, marking their fourth consecutive win against the All Blacks for the first time in 75 years.
Tries from captain Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx powered the Springboks to a crucial triumph in front of a fervent crowd of 55,000, edging them closer to the Rugby Championship title.
The hard-fought win was not without its share of drama. Both sides made numerous mistakes that stunted their momentum, ensuring the match would be remembered more for its tension than for classic rugby. Despite this, the Springboks made the key plays when it mattered, taking home the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
Kolisi, playing with a fractured nose, led by example, crossing the line early in the second half to give his team their first lead. Marx added a second try late on, sealing the win after New Zealand struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.
“It was tough. Credit to the All Blacks, we knew they would bring it hard, and there is no doubt they are going to turn it around,” Kolisi said after the game. “For us, it is now about backing up our results and we did that today.”
New Zealand’s fly-half Damian McKenzie kicked all 12 of their points but missed two crucial penalties from close range, including one late in the game that could have swung momentum back in the visitors’ favor. The All Blacks, now under pressure after three losses in their last four Tests, are struggling to find their footing under new head coach Scott Robertson.
“We had opportunities, but when you don’t take them, a quality side like the Springboks will punish you,” New Zealand captain Scott Barrett said. “They edged their way back; that’s what they do.”
The match was tightly contested throughout, with the teams trading penalties in the first half. The Springboks found themselves down to 14 men twice, first after number eight Jasper Wiese received a yellow card and later when full-back Willie le Roux was sent to the sin bin for a knock-on while attempting an intercept.
Despite trailing 9-3 at halftime, South Africa’s bench provided a much-needed boost early in the second half. The pressure paid off when Kolisi crossed from close range after a sustained attack in the New Zealand 22. A penalty exchange followed, but McKenzie’s late miss, combined with a yellow card to New Zealand’s Tyrel Lomax for obstruction, allowed Marx to seal the win.
The victory leaves South Africa atop the Rugby Championship standings with 18 points, while New Zealand remains second with seven points, their title hopes now out of reach. Argentina and Australia will face off later on Saturday in a bid to keep their slim chances alive.
As the Springboks look ahead to their remaining games against Australia, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum they have built, as Kolisi emphasized: “In the past, we would win a big game and then lose the next one. For us, it’s about backing up our results.”
For New Zealand, however, the loss raises more questions about their form under Robertson, with the All Blacks’ proud rugby tradition under threat after another setback in what has been a difficult season.
