South Africa defeats New Zealand to take series lead in Soweto
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 5:43 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
South Africa defeated New Zealand 29-24 in the third Test of the Greatest Rivalry series in Soweto on September 5. After a tied 12-12 first half, the world champions utilized their set-piece strength to pull away in the final quarter. Tries from Arendse, Kriel, Marx, and a penalty try secured the win for the hosts, despite a late score from Samisoni Taukei'aho. Will Jordan had previously put New Zealand ahead in the 55th minute before South Africa responded with a decisive surge. This result gives South Africa a 2-1 advantage in the four-match series. The teams are scheduled to meet for the final Test next weekend in Baltimore, where New Zealand will attempt to force a series draw.
- •South Africa won the third Test 29-24 in Soweto.
- •The result gives South Africa a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
- •Malcolm Marx and Jesse Kriel scored second-half tries for South Africa.
- •Samisoni Taukei'aho scored a try in the final play for New Zealand.
- •The fourth and final Test is scheduled for next weekend in Baltimore.
- 5:21 PMYahoo Sports — South Africa finish strongly to take 2-1 series lead against All Blacks
- 5:21 PMBBC Sport — South Africa finish strongly to take 2-1 series lead against All Blacks
"South Africa came from behind to edge New Zealand 29-24 in a ferocious third Test that moved them 2-1 ahead in the 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series with one game remaining.
"South Africa eventually overpower a spirited New Zealand as the world champions came on strong in the final quarter in Soweto to take a 2-1 series lead.
"South Africa eventually overpower a spirited New Zealand as the world champions came on strong in the final quarter in Soweto to take a 2-1 series lead.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 5:21 PMSouth Africa finish strongly to take 2-1 series lead against All Blacks
South Africa eventually overpower a spirited New Zealand as the world champions came on strong in the final quarter in Soweto to take a 2-1 series lead.
- BBC SportSep 5, 2026, 5:21 PMSouth Africa finish strongly to take 2-1 series lead against All Blacks
South Africa eventually overpower a spirited New Zealand as the world champions came on strong in the final quarter in Soweto to take a 2-1 series lead.
- Sky Sports—Springboks edge thriller to take 2-1 lead in All Blacks series
South Africa came from behind to edge New Zealand 29-24 in a ferocious third Test that moved them 2-1 ahead in the 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series with one game remaining.
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