South Africa produced a titanic second-half display to come from behind against New Zealand and clinch victory in an epic third Test of a heated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series that continues to deliver thrills and drama.
The world champions had trailed the All Blacks in Johannesburg after two tries from Ardie Savea, who limped off towards the end of the first half with an arm injury. Will Jordan then stretched New Zealand’s advantage after the break.
But South Africa hit straight back in an inspired, relentless period, first as Jesse Kriel ran through and then as Malcolm Marx powered over from the Springboks maul. A penalty, converted by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, made sure of victory.
The Springboks had levelled affairs at 1-1 with a strong win in Cape Town last week, hitting back against the All Blacks – on and off the field, as it happens, with Rassie Erasmus issuing a strong response to suggestions that his side had been scrummaging illegally.
In the last encounter on South African soil, the world champions secured a drawn series at the very least, ahead of the fourth and final Test in Baltimore, USA next week.
Follow all of the latest from the third Test in Johannesburg with our live blog below:
What is that makes this rivalry so special?
It’s about much more than Marx finishing of magnificent mauls.
Savea concern
New Zealand’s big fear heading Stateside will be the likely absence of their captain.
He was unable to partake in the post-match media duties. And he looked in a lot of pain with what appeared to be a rather serious right shoulder injury.
Why is the fourth Test in Baltimore?
Harry Latham-Coyle explains why they are travelling halfway around the globe for the final meeting next weekend.
Kolisi history
Siya Kolisi has now captained the Springboks to victory on 54 occasions, drawing level with John Smit. Next week presents an opportunity to make the record all his own.
Kolisi delights in comeback
Siya Kolisi, the Springbok captain, says he was delighted with how his team responded in the second period.
“Thank you so much, South Africa. Wow. We wanted to say thank you for the whole year supporting us. The first couple of minute were really tough but we could hear you. Thanks for inspiring us. We’re so proud of the win today. They pushed us to the limit today. They came at us in the first 25 minutes. We did so well not to concede more points and then fought back. The way we finished in the end was a lot better. It’s a privilege, not a pressure. Please keep supporting us.”
Jacobson ‘grateful’ to be part of series
Luke Jacobson, in Savea’s absence, speaks about New Zealand’s performance.
“We started really well, created some good momentum but in the second half we allowed them to play their game a little bit. They got on top of us then. It was a good match up. It’s been awesome to play over here. We love the passion, the footy itself is a match up against the best in the world. Brilliant to be a part of, grateful to be here.”
Hooker’s award
Ethan Hooker is named player of the game and in his snap interview he says: “I’m absolutely loving it. New Zealand are such a quality team. Gave it everything. So much respect for them. You know you have to give it your all.
“I was fortunate the ball came my way. We talk about it as a team, giving it everything for South Africa, for our families. They love to shift the ball. We’ve got to stay disciplined and dominate the tackles. I love playing against them.”
Marx magic
On TV they are showing Marx’s try again. That maul may well go down as the entire series’ defining moment.
Springboks’ physical dominance tells
Four tries each but South Africa’s superior physicality was the difference in the second half. They were level at the break but the Springboks found another level on home soil.
Next week they fly to Baltimore (yes, the east coast of the United States) for the final meeting and South Africa know they cannot lose the series. In the view of many they have won the series 2-1 on home soil.
