South Africa took a 2-1 lead in their four-test series against New Zealand after a physical and closely contested match at Soccer City. Both teams crossed the try line four times in the encounter, with the Springboks overturning a first-half deficit to secure their victory following last weekend’s win in Cape Town.

For South Africa, tries were scored by Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, and Malcolm Marx, with the team also benefiting from a penalty try. New Zealand’s tries came from captain Ardie Savea, who crossed twice before leaving the field early due to a shoulder injury, as well as from record try-scorer Will Jordan and Samisoni Taukei’aho. Savea’s fitness for the final test, scheduled for next Saturday in Baltimore, remains uncertain.

The match began with New Zealand taking the lead after a well-executed lineout, where Asafo Aumua drove at the South African defense before Savea powered through to score. South Africa responded swiftly when Damian de Allende’s hand-off freed Arendse to score in the corner. However, Savea again found space five minutes later to touch down from close range.

South Africa leveled the match before halftime when the All Blacks were pushed back over their own try line in a scrum, resulting in a penalty try. After the break, Jordan extended his international try-scoring record to 54, but South Africa fought back as Kriel made a strong run from outside his 22 to score. The home side increased their lead further through sustained forward pressure, culminating in Marx scoring from a driving maul.

A late penalty from Feinberg-Mngomezulu helped cement South Africa’s lead with 10 minutes remaining. Taukei’aho crossed for New Zealand late in the match to narrow the margin but could not prevent the visitors from losing their grip on the series.

With the series poised at 2-1 in favor of South Africa heading into the final test, the contest remains tightly poised as both teams prepare to face off next weekend in Baltimore.