Rassie Erasmus has once again shown why he is regarded as one of rugby’s great tactical minds, as the Springboks produced a powerful second-half performance to beat the All Blacks 29–24 at FNB Stadium.
In a Test match filled with physicality, tactical battles and plenty of drama, South Africa found a way to turn the contest in their favour and take a 2–1 lead in the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The victory was particularly impressive because the All Blacks had threatened to take control of the match at various stages. New Zealand captain Ardie Savea scored twice, while Will Jordan and Samisoni Taukei’aho also crossed the line.
But the Springboks refused to panic.
Instead, Erasmus’ men gradually imposed their preferred style on the contest, combining forward power, set-piece pressure, defensive intensity and improved attacking execution.
Rassie turns the scrum battle into a tactical weapon
One of the biggest talking points surrounding this series has been the Springbok scrum.
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie had previously questioned South Africa’s scrummaging technique, specifically raising concerns about the Springboks allegedly “walking around” at scrum time.
Erasmus strongly rejected those claims, insisting that his forwards were scrummaging legally and accusing the All Blacks of making excuses under pressure.
That controversy added another layer to Saturday’s Test.
And when the game reached the crucial stages, South Africa’s forward pack once again became one of their greatest weapons.
The Springboks used their physical strength to squeeze New Zealand, slow the momentum and create opportunities for their attacking players.
The result was a classic example of South Africa’s ability to turn forward dominance into attacking opportunities.
From forward pressure to backline punishment
The beauty of the Springbok approach was that it wasn’t simply about smashing the All Blacks up front.
Once South Africa established dominance at set piece and breakdown time, the pressure began creating space elsewhere.
The forwards forced New Zealand to commit numbers and energy around the collisions and set pieces, giving the Springbok backs opportunities to attack a tiring defensive line.
That combination proved decisive.
South Africa scored four tries, with Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx among the try-scorers, while a penalty try also went their way. New Zealand matched them with four tries of their own, but the Springboks produced the crucial plays when it mattered most.
Malcolm Marx delivers the knockout blow
One of the defining moments came when Malcolm Marx finished a powerful Springbok attacking sequence.
The score reflected exactly what South Africa had been trying to achieve: relentless forward pressure eventually created the space and opportunity to break New Zealand’s resistance.
The All Blacks continued to fight until the final whistle, but South Africa’s combination of physicality and tactical discipline proved enough to secure another famous victory.
Rassie vs Rennie: the mind games continue
There is also an intriguing subplot developing between the two coaches.
Erasmus and Rennie have been involved in a growing tactical and media battle throughout the series, with scrum tactics becoming a particularly heated issue.
After the Springboks’ previous victory, Rennie’s concerns about South Africa’s scrummaging intensified the debate. Erasmus, however, dismissed the accusations and remained adamant that his team was operating within the laws.
Saturday’s result will only add fuel to that rivalry.
For Springbok supporters, it was another example of Erasmus finding a way to adapt, apply pressure and get the best out of his players when the stakes were highest.
And for All Blacks supporters?
Perhaps they need a soft Rennie after another bruising night in the rivalry.
Springboks take control of the series
The 29–24 victory puts South Africa 2–1 ahead in the four-Test series.
The fourth and final Test is scheduled for Baltimore, USA, on 12 September, giving New Zealand one final opportunity to level the series.
But for now, the momentum belongs firmly to the Springboks.
Erasmus has once again demonstrated that South Africa’s success isn’t based solely on physical dominance. It is also about tactical flexibility, game management, relentless pressure and knowing exactly when to change the tempo.
The forwards set the platform. The backs exploited the opportunities. And Rassie Erasmus once again had the last laugh. 🇿🇦🏉
What did you make of Rassie’s tactics against the All Blacks?
Was this another Rassie Erasmus masterclass, or did New Zealand simply fail to adapt?
