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Springboks beat New Zealand 33-26, reclaim No. 1

8/30/2026

29 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

South Africa beat New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town, tying the series 1-1.
Cheslin Kolbe contributed 18 points with four penalties and three conversions.
Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi each scored a try.
Springboks reclaimed World Rugby number-one ranking, gaining 1.18 points as New Zealand lost the same amount.
The series moves to Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium for the third Test on September 5.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 South Africa won Rugby World Cup, beating New Zealand 15-12 after Joel Stransky’s drop goal at Ellis Park before about 62,000 fans, with Nelson Mandela handing the Webb Ellis Cup to captain François Pienaar. The triumph marked South Africa’s return and forged a rivalry that now has Springboks-All Blacks series tied 1-1 ahead of the September 5 test at FNB Stadium, where Kolbe scored 18 points.

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Story summary

South Africa beat New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town, tying the series 1-1.
Cheslin Kolbe contributed 18 points with four penalties and three conversions.
Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi each scored a try.
Springboks reclaimed World Rugby number-one ranking, gaining 1.18 points as New Zealand lost the same amount.
The series moves to Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium for the third Test on September 5.

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