South Africa clinched the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series by defeating New Zealand 43-28 in Baltimore, taking the four-match series 3-1. The Springboks showcased a commanding performance in the second half, pulling away after a close contest early on. Damian de Allende was instrumental, scoring tries in both halves, while Morne van den Berg, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Cameron Hanekom also contributed to South Africa’s scoreboard.
Despite New Zealand’s efforts, including tries from Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder, and Beauden Barrett, the All Blacks could not match the Springboks’ relentless intensity. South Africa’s superiority was evident in key areas such as the breakdown, set-piece, and aerial duels, which played a pivotal role in their victory.
The All Blacks managed to create some suspense by narrowing the gap to 29-21, hinting at a possible comeback. However, South Africa’s Kurt-Lee Arendse dashed those hopes with a remarkable solo effort. He embarked on a dazzling run from deep within his half, evading several defenders to score a try that reinstated South Africa’s dominance in the match.
A brief interruption occurred due to a communication failure among the match officials, halting play for over eight minutes. Nevertheless, this disruption had no impact on the game’s outcome, as the Springboks maintained their momentum and secured the win.
This triumph reinforces South Africa’s standing as the reigning world champions. Meanwhile, New Zealand will aim to extract positives from this series as they focus on preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.