In a decisive victory, South Africa bested New Zealand 43-28 in Baltimore, clinching the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series with a 3-1 win. The Springboks showcased a powerful second-half performance, pulling ahead after New Zealand initially kept the match close. Damian de Allende was instrumental, scoring in both halves alongside teammates Morne van den Berg, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Cameron Hanekom, who all contributed to South Africa’s scoring spree.
Despite efforts from New Zealand’s Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder, and Beauden Barrett, the All Blacks struggled to keep pace with South Africa’s intensity. The Springboks excelled particularly in the breakdown, set-piece, and aerial duels, which helped them maintain their dominance throughout the match. The All Blacks momentarily threatened to stage a comeback, narrowing the score to 29-21, but a sensational solo effort by Arendse, who dashed from deep within his half to score, restored South Africa’s control.
An unexpected interruption occurred when a communication failure involving match officials halted the game for over eight minutes. However, the delay did not alter the course of the match, with South Africa maintaining their momentum and securing the victory.
This win bolsters South Africa’s standing as the reigning world champions, affirming their prowess on the global stage. Meanwhile, New Zealand will aim to capitalize on the positives from the series as they set their sights on preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.