South Africa Edge New Zealand in Epic Battle to Take Series Lead

South Africa have taken a 2-1 lead in the four-test series against New Zealand after a ferocious 29-24 victory at Soccer City on Saturday. The Springboks came from behind at halftime to win in front of 87,976 fans, adding to their narrow success in Cape Town last weekend.

This was another classic contest between the two great rivals, with South Africa's forward power eventually wearing down the All Blacks' pacey passing attack. Both sides scored four tries in a match that lived up to its billing as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.

How the Springboks fought back

New Zealand started furiously and led 12-5 after 26 minutes. Captain Ardie Savea scored two early tries, the first coming in the 11th minute from a quick lineout, and the second five minutes later after Leroy Carter had slipped tackles to burst down the left wing.

South Africa responded through Kurt-Lee Arendse, who dived over in the corner after a handoff from Damian de Allende. Then, four minutes before the break, the home side pulled level with a penalty try after scrumming the All Blacks back over their own goal-line, making it 12-12 at halftime.

Second half drama in Johannesburg

Will Jordan, the record try-scorer, extended his tally to 54 with a clever kick through that fell perfectly for the chasing Carter, who managed to sit the ball up for Jordan to sprint on to. But Carter went from hero to villain moments later, missing his tackle and allowing Jesse Kriel an open avenue to the try line.

Springbok forward power then took over. A rolling maul advanced them over 20 metres to the tryline, allowing Malcolm Marx to go over in the 66th minute. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's penalty with 10 minutes to go put them 12 points ahead and effectively sealed the result, although Samisoni Taukei'aho reduced the advantage with a try on the final whistle.

Coaches reflect on a brutal contest

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was pleased with the character shown by his side.

It was epic and intense, fierce battle in all departments. The scoreboard in the end showed how close it was. We're just happy to win,

he said.

His New Zealand counterpart Dave Rennie was proud but frustrated.

There was not a lot in it. They (South Africa) were probably stronger than they had been in the first two tests. I'm really proud but we have to be better at the discipline stuff which gives them easy entries. The change room is pretty gutted but our mindset will be to bounce next week,

he added.

Savea injury concern for final test

There is a worry for the All Blacks heading into the decider. Savea went off nine minutes before halftime with a shoulder injury, and his availability for next Saturday's match in Baltimore, United States, looks uncertain. The final test will be played at a neutral venue, a first for this historic rivalry.

What the result means for the series

South Africa now hold the advantage with one test to play. They won the second test in Cape Town, while New Zealand took the opener in Johannesburg a fortnight ago. The series has been a brutal, physical affair, and the final match in Baltimore promises more of the same.

The Springboks have shown they can grind out results against the All Blacks' attacking flair, and with the series on the line, next Saturday's clash will be one for the ages.