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South Africa vs New Zealand rugby
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
South Africa beat New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town to level the four-Test series at 1-1.
The decider looms Saturday in Johannesburg, with the winner taking the series lead.
Background
South Africa and New Zealand are contesting a four-Test series dubbed 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry', the first full tour of South Africa by the All Blacks in 30 years. New Zealand won the opener 33-16 at Ellis Park, but South Africa leveled with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town. The series is independently administered, allowing more squad flexibility than usual.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2026New Zealand win the first Test 33-16 at Ellis Park, taking a 1-0 series lead.
- Aug 29, 2026South Africa win the second Test 33-26 in Cape Town, leveling the series at 1-1.
- Sep 5, 2026Third Test scheduled at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg; South Africa make one change, bringing in Kurt-Lee Arendse for the injured Damian Willemse.
- Sep 12, 2026Fourth Test scheduled at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus praised his players' composure and sticking to the plan in the second Test.
- Analysts
- Commentators noted South Africa's directness and improved scrum as key factors in their victory.