The Springboks have added another major achievement to their remarkable era, defeating the All Blacks 43-28 in Baltimore to clinch the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 3-1.
South Africa produced a powerful second-half performance to pull away from New Zealand and underline why they remain one of the dominant forces in international rugby.
The victory capped a remarkable six-week battle between two of the sport’s greatest rivals. After losing the opening Test, the Springboks responded emphatically, winning the next three matches to take control of the series.
The All Blacks played their part in a gripping contest, refusing to surrender despite South Africa’s relentless pressure. But when the decisive moments arrived, the world champions had too much firepower.
Springboks Edge Thrilling First Half
The opening half was played at an extraordinary pace, with both teams throwing everything into attack while producing fierce defensive battles.
South Africa established an early advantage, racing into a 17-7 lead through converted tries from Damian de Allende and Morne van den Berg.
New Zealand gradually fought its way back into the contest, with Will Jordan once again proving his finishing ability.
After a bruising 32-phase attacking sequence, Jordan found a gap in the Springbok defence and powered through to score, cutting the deficit to just three points.
At the break, South Africa led 17-14, setting up a tense second half.
World Champions Take Control
The second half belonged to the Springboks.
South Africa immediately increased the pressure, dominating the collisions, set-piece and breakdown battles. A crucial turnover from Van den Berg stopped a promising All Blacks attack before it could develop.
The Springboks then delivered a devastating four-minute spell.
After winning a scrum penalty, Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit crashed over the line to extend South Africa’s advantage to 15 points.
New Zealand refused to disappear, however. A powerful carry from Cameron Roigard helped create the opening for Ethan Blackadder, who scored his first Test try to give the All Blacks renewed hope.
But South Africa had the final word.
Kurt-Lee Arendse produced one of the moments of the match, pouncing on a loose ball before slicing through the New Zealand defence to send the Baltimore crowd into a frenzy.
Cameron Hanekom added another Springbok try to put the result beyond doubt.
A late score from replacement Beauden Barrett reduced the final margin, but it could not change the outcome.
Springboks Strengthen Their Grip on the Rivalry
The 43-28 victory completed a dominant 3-1 series triumph and further strengthened South Africa’s remarkable record against New Zealand.
The Springboks have now won eight of their last 10 Tests against the All Blacks, adding another chapter to one of rugby’s most storied rivalries.
For Rassie Erasmus, Siya Kolisi and the Springbok squad, the victory represents another significant addition to an already extraordinary trophy cabinet, following their back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023 and their series victory over the British & Irish Lions.
The All Blacks may have started the rivalry series with victory, but the Springboks finished it as champions.
South Africa 43-28 New Zealand. Series: Springboks win 3-1.
