Springboks beat NZ 29-24, lead series 2-1

South Africa secured a 29-24 victory over New Zealand in a fiercely contested third Test on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The win gives the Springboks a 2-1 lead in the four-match series, "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry," and means they cannot lose the series. The match was characterized by intense physicality and momentum swings. New Zealand struck first in the 10th minute with a converted try from captain Ardie Savea, shortly after South African flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was shown a yellow card and winger Cheslin Kolbe left the field with a broken jaw. South Africa responded in the 20th minute through Kurt-Lee Arendse, but Savea powered over for his second try four minutes later, putting the visitors ahead 12-5. The Springboks' scrum began to assert dominance, and a powerful shove in the 36th minute earned them a penalty try, leveling the score at 12-12 just before halftime. The first half also saw New Zealand captain Ardie Savea forced off with a shoulder injury. New Zealand regained the lead in the second half when Will Jordan finished off an attack in the 55th minute. However, South Africa immediately responded.