Springboks overpower All Blacks to take series lead

By Razeen Gutta

Rassie Erasmus became the most successful coach against the All Blacks as South Africa powered to a 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

In front of 87 000 fans, the world champions came from behind to secure the win, with Siya Kolisi also becoming the Springboks’ most successful captain in terms of victories.

New Zealand started brilliantly and looked set to emulate their 1996 series win on South African soil.

Ardie Savea barged over twice in the first half as the visitors dazzled with their attack while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-down.

Kurt-Lee Arendse hit back for the Boks, before a penalty try from a dominant scrum levelled it 12-12 at the break.

Will Jordan’s try in the 56th minute put the All Blacks back in front, but the Boks responded immediately through Jesse Kriel to take the lead for the first time.

The decisive moment came from their power game, with a huge driving maul sending Malcolm Marx over, before Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s penalty made it a 12-point margin.

A late consolation after the hooter made the final score 29-24, but the contest was already won.

The Boks will now head to Baltimore for the finale next week chasing down the inaugural trophy.

Pictured above: Springboks

Source: @bokrugby