South Africa 29-24 New Zealand: Boks take 2-1 series lead
BBC Sport - Rugby Union
By Mike Henson
In the Greatest Rivalry Series, South Africa secured a 2-1 lead over New Zealand with a strong final quarter performance.
Scores:
- South Africa: 12 (Arendse try, penalty try, Kriel try, Marx try) - Mngomezulu 2 conversions
- New Zealand: 24 (Savea 2 tries, Jordan try, Taukei'aho try) - Love & McKenzie conversions
Match Report:
In a high-quality encounter in Soweto, the two sides traded two tries each in a tight first half. New Zealand's composure and speed with ball in hand kept them ahead until Jesse Kriel scored for South Africa late in the second half.
Malcolm Marx and a penalty try further stretched their lead, but Samisoni Taukei'aho's last-ditch try gave New Zealand hope.
Despite missing star player Ardie Savea due to injury, the All Blacks had initially dominated play with clever kicking and strong set-piece work. However, South Africa's superior scrum power eventually wore them down, enabling them to pull away in the final quarter.
The series will conclude next weekend in Baltimore with New Zealand aiming for a draw.