In a thrilling showdown in Baltimore, South Africa triumphed over New Zealand with a 43-28 victory, clinching the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series 3-1. The Springboks showcased a commanding second-half performance, pulling away after a closely contested start. Damian de Allende was instrumental, scoring in both halves, while teammates Morne van den Berg, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Cameron Hanekom also contributed tries for South Africa.
New Zealand’s efforts to counter South Africa’s onslaught came through scores by Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder, and Beauden Barrett. However, the All Blacks struggled to keep pace with the Springboks, who outshone them in breakdowns, set-pieces, and aerial contests. A brief surge saw New Zealand narrow the gap to 29-21, but a dazzling solo run by Arendse from deep within his own territory sealed the game for South Africa.
The match experienced an unusual pause, lasting over eight minutes due to a communication glitch among the officials, though this did not influence the final result. The Springboks’ victory further cements their position as world champions, underscoring their formidable status on the global stage.
Despite the defeat, New Zealand will aim to build on several positive aspects unearthed during the series as they set their sights on the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks, known for their resilience, will look to refine their strategies and harness the lessons learned from this series to enhance their future performances.