Full Breakdown
Springboks Edge All Blacks 29-24 in Soweto to Take Series Lead
9/6/2026, 7:58:37 AM
The Decisive Third Test
On September 5 2026 at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium, South Africa defeated New Zealand 29-24 in the third match of the four-Test “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series, taking a 2-1 series lead. The game featured four tries each, a penalty try for South Africa before halftime, and the early exit of All Blacks captain Ardie Savea with a suspected dislocated shoulder.
Background & Context
The series was tied 1-1 after New Zealand’s 33-16 win at Ellis Park and South Africa’s 33-26 victory in Cape Town on August 29 2026. A dispute over the Springboks’ scrummaging technique had intensified, with New Zealand coach Dave Rennie accusing South Africa of “walking around” in the set-piece—a charge the Springboks denied. Both sides entered the Soweto clash intent on settling the issue on the field.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: South Africa 29 (tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx, penalty try) – New Zealand 24 (tries: Ardie Savea ×2, Will Jordan, Samisoni Taukei’aho).
- Conversions/penalties: Springbok fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added two conversions and a penalty; All Blacks kicker Ruben Love missed two conversions and a 52-m penalty.
- Attendance: reports range from 85,500 to about 86,000.
- Milestones: Tupou Vaa’i earned his 50th Test cap; Siya Kolisi recorded his 55th win as Springbok captain.
Official Statements & Responses
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus praised the team’s resilience and noted the “nervous” atmosphere. Captain Siya Kolisi framed the win as a tribute to Soweto’s anti-apartheid heroes. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie called the loss “hard,” confirmed Savea’s absence for the Baltimore Test, and expressed disappointment.
Criticism & Opposition
The scrum controversy remained central. All Blacks officials, led by Rennie, argued the Springbok front row gained illegal advantage. Erasmus and the Springbok camp rejected the allegation, insisting their set-piece work complied with the laws.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s hard. When you’ve lost a test, it’s easy to reflect on all the negative things. I can guarantee the changing room is pretty gutted. I walked in there before and there’s a lot of heads down,” — Dave Rennie.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Attendance figures vary: the BBC cites 85,976, Times Live reports 85,500, and AP mentions “about 86,000.” No definitive source resolves the discrepancy.
What’s Next
The series concludes with the fourth Test in Baltimore, United States, on September 12 2026. The All Blacks must win to level the series, while the Springboks aim to clinch the trophy on foreign soil.
